Did you know that gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic bacterial infection? Because it is an infection right at the roots of your teeth, you simply can’t brush, floss, or rinse it away once it takes hold. Left untreated, it can permanently damage your gums, underlying bone, and connective tissue, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
At Torrance Dental Associates, we believe in tackling the root cause of the problem. That is why we proudly offer ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1mg as a key part of our periodontal treatment plans.
If our team has recommended ARESTIN, here is everything you need to know about how it works, the benefits, and how to care for your smile after your procedure.
What is ARESTIN®?
ARESTIN is a prescription antibiotic approved by the FDA specifically designed to treat adult periodontitis (gum disease). Unlike traditional antibiotic pills that you have to swallow and route through your digestive system, ARESTIN is a localized treatment.
It comes in the form of microspheres—tiny particles filled with the antibiotic minocycline. A dental professional at Torrance Dental Associates places these microspheres directly into the infected gum pockets right where the bacteria are hiding.
How is ARESTIN Administered?
ARESTIN is used in combination with a deep cleaning procedure known as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP). While SRP is highly effective at physically removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline, mechanical cleaning alone can sometimes leave behind microscopic, harmful bacteria.
That’s where ARESTIN steps in. After your scaling and root planing is complete, we apply the antibiotic directly into the treated gum pockets. The application is completely painless, fast, and requires absolutely no needles or anesthesia.
The Benefits of Adding ARESTIN to Your Treatment
Clinical trials show that pairing ARESTIN with standard Scaling and Root Planing provides significantly better results than deep cleaning alone. By fighting the infection directly at the source, patients who receive ARESTIN experience:
- Deeper Healing: Up to 20% more reduction in gum pocket depth after 9 months.
- Less Bleeding: Nearly 2X more effective at reducing bleeding gums.
- Fewer Bacteria: Nearly 20% more effective at reducing harmful bacteria left behind by SRP alone.
Crucial ARESTIN Post-Op Instructions
To get the absolute best results from your ARESTIN treatment, it is vital to let the antibiotic microspheres do their job undisturbed. Please follow these strict aftercare guidelines:
For 1 Week (7 Days) Following Treatment:
- Do not touch the sites where ARESTIN was applied.
- Avoid certain foods: Stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (such as carrots, chips, taffy, or chewing gum) that could dislodge the medication.
- Keep brushing: Continue brushing your teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
For 10 Days Following Treatment:
- No flossing in the treated areas: Do not use dental floss, dental picks, water flossers, or any other interdental tools to clean between the teeth that were treated.
- After the 10-day healing period has passed, you can return to your normal, healthy oral care routine!
Important Safety Information to Keep in Mind
While ARESTIN is incredibly effective, it isn’t for everyone. You should not use ARESTIN if you are allergic to minocycline or any tetracycline antibiotics. Additionally, it should not be used by children, or women who are pregnant or nursing, as tetracycline-class drugs can cause permanent tooth discoloration during tooth development.
If you experience pain, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction (like itching, redness, or difficulty breathing) after your treatment, please contact Torrance Dental Associates immediately.
Take Control of Your Gum Health Today
Gum disease is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed beautifully with the right care. If you are experiencing warning signs like red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, don’t wait.
Contact Torrance Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation. We will evaluate your oral health and determine if a specialized treatment plan including SRP and ARESTIN is the right path to restoring your healthy smile!