What Is Arestin and How Does It Help Treat Gum Disease?
Arestin is a topical antibiotic used to target the bacteria associated with gum disease. At Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use Arestin in Forney to target infected gum areas where bacteria tend to accumulate.
Arestin contains a powder made up of thousands of microspheres, which are tiny, bead-like structures that are smaller than crystals of sand and are not visible to the naked eye. The microspheres deliver medicine to the infected gums, which then targets bacteria, effectively acting as an antibiotic after treatment is completed.
Because the drug is directly applied to the area where the disease is occurring, it can treat the bacteria in the gums, aiding healing. It can also help reduce the amount of bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease. Patients can receive Arestin as part of an antibiotic treatment plan to improve gum health and prevent disease progression.
When Arestin Is Recommended for Periodontal Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis (advanced gum disease), Dr. Morrison may recommend Arestin in your treatment. Gum disease is caused by microbial plaque that colonizes on your tooth’s surface and below the gumline.
This bacteria breaks down the tissue and even the bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, your gums can become inflamed, and the tissues and bone that hold your teeth up can begin to deteriorate. Infected gums can pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that become a breeding ground for more bacteria.
To address this issue, Dr. Morrison would use Arestin to help fight gum disease after a periodontal procedure. This is also known as scaling and root planing, a nonsurgical procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from both above and below the gumline. After the area is cleaned, the Arestin antibiotic may be placed in the gum pockets to help prevent bacteria from returning.
If you’ve been fighting against gum disease, Arestin could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Dr. Morrison and the dental team work closely with patients to improve gum health and support long-term oral wellness. To schedule a consultation, or if you have any questions regarding scaling and root planing or Arestin, give us a call or send us an email.
