Arestin®

Arestin® Treatment in Raleigh, NC

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Gum disease treatments often focus on cleaning the infected gum area, fixing any damage, and rearranging your teeth. However, there are times when you need additional assistance to remove bacteria from your teeth totally. In such cases, VP Dental may recommend the use of antibiotics. We offer Arestin® in Raleigh, NC, for gum disease treatment.

What is Arestin® Treatment?

Arestin® is an antibiotic powder directly applied to the gingival pockets where the bacteria live. It is used in combination with scaling and root planing to treat gum disease. Arestin® powder is composed of microbeads that contain the minocycline antibiotic. Over time, these beads release minocycline.

Patients with gum disease increasingly receive Arestin® dental treatment in addition to scaling and root planing. Powdered Arestin® is a novel method of delivering antibiotics directly to the afflicted parts of your mouth, even though dentists have long utilized locally administered antibiotics (LAA) to treat periodontal disease.

Arestin® dental treatment is a new method of delivering antibiotics directly to the infected areas of your mouth. It is a good alternative to locally administered antibiotics and has recently gained popularity among dentists and patients alike for treating gum disease.

How does Arestin® Treatment Help?

Since bacterial infections cause gum disease, this slow-release antibiotic destroys existing bacteria while also stopping the growth of new ones. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Arestin® when used in conjunction with scaling and root planing.

Who Can Benefit from Arestin®?

Most people suffering from gum disease will benefit from an Arestin® treatment. However, the following patients are not advised to use this antibiotic powder:

  • Those who are allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines
  • Children 8 years old and younger
  • Pregnant or nursing women
  • Patients with HIV infection, diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy

Common Arestin® Side Effects

Patients receiving Arestin® treatments may experience some or all of the following mild side effects:

  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Infection
  • Pain

You may also experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity following the treatment, but this is mainly because of scaling and root planing.

If you have sensitive teeth, limit your diet to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups until the pain disappears. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen can also be helpful. Contact us if the pain and swelling disappear after a week or if additional symptoms appear.

Targeted Antibiotic for Gum Disease

VP Dental offers Arestin® treatment in Raleigh, NC, in combination with scaling and root planing to help treat gum diseases. If you think you might benefit from this treatment, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Preston.

Do you wish you had a bright, healthy smile? Visit VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, to make that dream a reality. Call us at (919) 518-0540 today to learn more about how our experienced dental team and high-quality dental services can improve your smile and oral health!

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