Arestin is a medicinal drug used to treat gum disease (aka periodontitis). It works by preventing bacteria from growing and comes in the form of a powder. After a scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure, our 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 the 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.

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 gum line. 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 from the roots of the teeth so that the infection does not impact the bone.

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

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.
• Do not brush or floss near the treated region for as long as the dentist recommends.
• If given to children under the age of eight, 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 schedule a consultation with one of our dentists and learn more about periodontal disease treatment options. You can contact our dentist in Flanders, NJ, at (973) 370-8917 or schedule your consultation online.