What is ARESTIN?

Arestin is a medicinal drug used to treat gum disease (aka periodontitis). It works by preventing bacteria from growing. This treatment comes in the form of a powder that your dentist applies to infected tooth pockets. After a scaling and root planing (SRP) session, the dentist places Arestin directly into infected gum pockets. Unlike antibiotic pills that must be swallowed, Arestin is applied topically, delivering the antibiotic to the site of the gum infection. This medicine is prescribed to you by our dentist, and it is not advised to take this medication in any form without the dentist's prescription.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a dangerous gum infection that can result in tooth loss as well as other serious health problems. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a gum infection that affects soft tissue and can ruin the bone that supports your teeth if left untreated.

How is Arestin Used in Treating Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is caused due to accumulated plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar can cause severe harm the longer they stay on your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone; it requires professional cleaning as well.

Scaling and root planing treatment is done to remove the plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth. Scaling is the removal of hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing is a technique for smoothing uneven surfaces and removing bacteria beneath the gum line. The dentist cleans below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar accumulation on the roots of the teeth where the illness has impacted the bones.

After this procedure, the dentist places Arestin into the gum pockets that not only promotes proper healing of the area but also eliminates the chances of reinfection. Arestin and deep cleaning work together to combat microorganisms that scaling alone may leave behind. It is important that you inform your dentist if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to any part of the medicine.

Some Important Aspects to Know and Do After the Treatment

• For one week after treatment, avoid chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
• Do not touch the area that has been treated.
• For ten days, do not brush or floss near the treated region.
• If given to children under the age of 8, this drug may induce a yellow-gray-browning of the teeth. This change in tooth color will not go away if it occurs. Consult with your dentist.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Flanders, NJ, to have a consultation with our dentists. Please call us at (973) 370-8917 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.