ARESTIN - NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENT

Beginning in 2004, our office began to offer the application of a product by the name of Arestin. Arestin is said to be a “fast, easy way to treat periodontitis” 1 ; periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease which may ultimately result in the loss of the afflicted teeth.

Arestin is an example of a locally applied antibiotic. It contains minocycline which is a derivative of tetracycline. As with other forms of tetracycline, it should not be used in children and in pregnant or nursing women; administration to any of these groups could result in the permanent discoloration of developing teeth. Arestin has been shown to be very effective in eradicating the germs implicated in periodontitis. 1

Once inserted into the periodontal pocket, the microspheres containing Arestin immediately adhere to the lining of the pocket. The microspheres allow for a sustained release of the antibiotic and maintain its therapeutic drug concentrations for at least 14 days before it is completely bioresorbed. Arestin is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing procedures and has been clinically proven to demonstrate 27% greater pocket-depth reduction in molars than scaling and root planing alone. It has been shown to be very effective in patients who smoke and also in patients with cardiovascular disease. 1

The application of Arestin does not require the use of a local anesthetic. Following application, the patient should postpone brushing for a 12-hour period and postpone the use of interproximal cleaning techniques (e.g. flossing) for 10 days.

For more information regarding Arestin, call 1-866-ARESTIN or visit their website at www.arestin.com . Please inquire if you are wondering if you are a candidate for the benefits of this product.

Source: 1 Arestin minocycline HCl 1mg Microspheres. “Questions & Answers – Everything you need to know about the fast, easy way to treat periodontitis.” 2002 OraPharma, Inc.