ARESTIN®
When it comes to gum disease, treatment often needs more than professional cleanings and good home care. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection beneath the gumline. Left untreated, it can weaken the support around your teeth and eventually cause severe oral health losses. Fortunately, modern dentistry provides tools that help manage infection effectively. One of the most trusted options is Arestin®, an antibiotic placed directly into gum pockets following deep cleaning procedures.
Ready to take the next step toward healthier gums? Contact Payam Cohen, DDS, PC, today to schedule your consultation and learn if Arestin® is right for you.
Understanding Periodontal Disease and the Bigger Picture of Therapy
Periodontal disease develops when plaque and tartar remain on teeth long enough for bacteria to move beneath the gumline. Your body responds with inflammation, which can damage gum tissue and bone. The first line of defense is scaling and root planing (SRP), a non-surgical deep cleaning that removes debris and smooths root surfaces. Still, bacteria can linger deep within periodontal pockets, where instruments cannot always reach. That is where Arestin® adds important value. By applying an antibiotic directly into the affected area, your dentist enhances the results of SRP and gives your gums a stronger chance to heal.
Effective periodontal therapy, however, is more than one treatment. It is a partnership between you and your dental provider. SRP begins the process, and Arestin® supports healing by targeting bacteria directly. Ongoing home care and regular dental visits sustain these results. By working together step by step, you can manage periodontal disease successfully and protect your oral health for the long term – leading to stronger gums, healthier teeth, and overall wellness.
What Is Arestin®?
Arestin® is an antibiotic powder containing tiny microspheres filled with minocycline. These microspheres are small enough to fit comfortably inside periodontal pockets. After placement, they release medication gradually over about 21 days. This extended delivery targets bacteria where they live, without the need for systemic antibiotics that circulate through your entire body.
The powder requires no adhesive and does not need removal. The microspheres naturally break down as your body heals. Many patients do not even feel the application because it is quick, simple, and minimally invasive.
The Application Process
After completing SRP, your dental professional uses a special applicator filled with a single-dose cartridge of Arestin®. The tip is gently inserted into each periodontal pocket that requires treatment. The antibiotic powder is released as the applicator is withdrawn. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.
Because Arestin® is placed directly at the site of infection, there is no need to swallow pills or follow a strict antibiotic schedule. Patients leave the office with the medicine already working inside their gums.
Why Dentists Recommend Arestin® and Its Added Benefits
Dentists recommend Arestin® because it enhances scaling and root planing. While deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar, Arestin® targets bacteria deep in periodontal pockets, controlling infection and supporting gum healing.
Along with fighting bacteria, Arestin® reduces pocket depth and inflammation, helping protect bone and tissue. Patients often notice less discomfort, better gum attachment, and a lower risk of tooth loss. Combined with consistent home care and checkups, it promotes lasting oral health.
Aftercare and What to Expect
After receiving Arestin® with scaling and root planing, your gums need time to heal. In the first few days, it’s normal to notice mild tenderness, slight bleeding, or sensitivity as your tissues recover. These effects usually improve quickly.
To protect the treatment site, avoid chewing hard, sticky, or crunchy foods for about a week, and try not to floss or use toothpicks in the treated areas until your dentist gives the go-ahead. Stick to gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use any rinses or medications your dentist prescribes.
As your gums heal, you may notice less bleeding when brushing, reduced swelling, and an overall cleaner feeling. Consistent follow-up visits will enable your dentist to monitor your healing, re-measure the periodontal pockets, and determine if additional treatment is needed. With good home care and regular checkups, most patients experience stronger gums and improved oral health after treatment.
Safety Considerations
Arestin® is not right for everyone. Patients allergic to minocycline or tetracycline antibiotics should avoid it. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should not receive Arestin® because tetracyclines may affect developing teeth. Patients with certain systemic conditions or compromised immune systems need careful evaluation before using this treatment.
During your consultation, share your medical history and medications with your dentist. This transparency ensures that Arestin® can be used safely as part of your periodontal care.
Prevention and Home Care
Arestin® plays a vital role in preventing future damage by targeting the bacteria that cause gum disease and by reducing pocket depth. This support gives your gums a better chance to reattach and stay healthy, lowering the risk of tooth and bone loss over time.
Long-term success relies on consistent home care. Brushing gently, flossing, using prescribed rinses, and keeping regular dental visits control bacteria and track healing. Combined with Arestin®, these habits create a strong defense against gum disease and protect your smile.
A Personalized Approach
Every patient’s periodontal condition is different. Some need Arestin® in multiple pockets, while others require it only in isolated areas. Your dentist will design a personalized plan based on the severity of your gum disease, the depth of your pockets, and your overall health.
At Payam Cohen DDS, PC, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Arestin® becomes part of a customized strategy built to restore and protect your unique smile.
Your Partner in Periodontal Care
Gum disease poses serious risks, but modern therapies like Arestin® offer hope and healing. This locally applied antibiotic enhances the results of scaling and root planing, reduces pocket depth, minimizes bleeding, and helps prevent future oral health issues.
If you struggle with periodontal issues, consider discussing Arestin® with your provider. At Payam Cohen DDS, PC, patients receive careful evaluation, advanced treatment options, and ongoing support. Together, these measures build healthier smiles that last.
Ready to learn whether Arestin® is right for you? Schedule a consultation at our Forest Hills office today. Our team will guide you through the process, explain every detail, and help you choose the best approach for your gums.