Protect the investment in your smile
ARESTIN® is an antibiotic treatment to fight the bacteria which causes gum disease.
ARESTIN® is placed between your gum and the tooth in the inflamed pocket. It is used locally and provides a concentrated dose of antibiotic in the area of gum disease without the side effects associated with systemic (taking pills or injection) antibiotic use. The antibiotic is time released over a 7-10 day period.
In clinical trials, ARESTIN® was generally well-tolerated. It was effective in reducing pocket depth and gingival (gum) bleeding and increasing gum attachment to the tooth.
Side effects were: headaches, common cold, gum discomfort, pain or soreness, toothache, and tooth sensitivity. ARESTIN® should not be used by patients who are hypersensitive to minocycline or any other drugs in the tetracycline class. It should not be used by children, nursing women, or pregnant women.
- No special preparation is necessary (except if you normally pre-medicate for your maintenance visits)
- Avoid aspirin, aspirin products, vitamin E for 7 days prior to your dental appointment.
- ARESTIN® is syringed into the gum space (pocket) in 1 visit. The site may or may not be covered with a dressing for 7 to 10 days. Your dentist will determine the need for a dressing.
- Following your appointment, you can eat normally as soon as the numbness disappears. Avoid foods that are hard, hot, spicy, salty, popcorn, peanuts, seeds, rice, crusty bread, pretzels, and any food that will get caught between the treated teeth.
- Brush the rest of your teeth as usual. Do not brush the teeth treated with ARESTIN® for 12 hours. Do not floss or use toothpicks or other devices on the teeth treated with ARESTIN® for 10 days following treatment. To keep the area clean, rinse 4 to 5 times a day (1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 8 ounces warm water).
- Return in 7 to 10 days to check the area and remove the dressing (if one is placed). If the dressing falls off, don’t be concerned, but still come back in 7 to 10 days for examination.
- It takes at least 4-6 weeks for maximum effect of the cleaning plus ARESTIN®. At that time, your dentist will re-evaluate the improvement.
