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AppointmentsTarget Harmful Bacteria Below the Gumline
When periodontal disease creates deeper spaces between the teeth and gums, bacteria can remain in areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone. In selected cases, Dr. Proussaefs may recommend ARESTIN® as part of periodontal treatment to help address bacteria within these periodontal pockets.
ARESTIN® is a locally delivered antibiotic containing minocycline. It is placed directly into specific periodontal pockets, typically as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, to support treatment of periodontal disease.
Concerned about bleeding gums, deep periodontal pockets or gum disease? Call 805-422-3116 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Proussaefs and find out whether ARESTIN® in Simi Valley, California may be appropriate for your periodontal needs.
What Is ARESTIN®?
ARESTIN® is a prescription antibiotic treatment containing minocycline hydrochloride microspheres. Rather than being taken as a pill, the medication is professionally placed below the gumline directly into selected periodontal pockets.
ARESTIN® is designed for use with scaling and root planing to help reduce periodontal pocket depth in adults with periodontitis. Because treatment is placed at specific sites, Dr. Proussaefs can focus it on periodontal pockets where additional antibacterial therapy may be beneficial.
Why Are Periodontal Pockets a Concern?
Healthy gum tissue fits closely around the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause inflammation and loss of supporting tissue, creating deeper spaces around the teeth known as periodontal pockets.
These pockets can make it easier for harmful bacteria and buildup to remain below the gumline. As periodontal disease progresses, it can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Possible signs of periodontal problems include:
- Gums that bleed repeatedly
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Deep spaces around the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
Because periodontal disease may progress without significant pain, a professional evaluation is important for determining how much support your gums and teeth have lost and what treatment may be appropriate.
How Does ARESTIN® Fit Into Gum Disease Treatment?
ARESTIN® is generally used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing rather than as a replacement for professional periodontal cleaning.
Scaling and root planing focuses on removing plaque, tartar and bacterial deposits from below the gumline and along the root surfaces. When Dr. Proussaefs determines that additional localized antibiotic therapy may benefit a particular periodontal pocket, ARESTIN® can be placed into that site after cleaning.
This combination addresses periodontal disease in two complementary ways: professional cleaning removes harmful buildup, while the locally placed antibiotic provides additional treatment within selected periodontal pockets.
What Happens When ARESTIN® Is Placed?
ARESTIN® is supplied as a fine powder containing microscopic antibiotic particles. During treatment, the medication is professionally delivered below the gumline into the periodontal pocket.
Placement is targeted to the areas being treated and does not require the medication to be removed later because the delivery material is bioresorbable.
The number of sites treated depends on your individual periodontal condition. ARESTIN® is not automatically placed throughout the entire mouth simply because a patient has gum disease.
Who May Benefit From ARESTIN®?
ARESTIN® may be considered for adults with periodontal disease who have periodontal pockets that would benefit from additional localized antibiotic treatment in conjunction with scaling and root planing.
Dr. Proussaefs will consider factors such as:
- The depth and location of periodontal pockets
- The severity of periodontal disease
- How particular areas respond to periodontal cleaning
- Your previous periodontal history
- Your overall oral health
- Whether additional periodontal or specialty treatment may be necessary
Not every patient with gum disease needs ARESTIN®, and not every periodontal pocket requires antibiotic treatment. An examination allows Dr. Proussaefs to recommend care based on what is actually occurring around your teeth.
What Should You Do After ARESTIN® Treatment?
Following the recommended aftercare instructions helps protect the treated periodontal sites while they heal.
After ARESTIN® placement, patients are generally instructed to:
- Avoid touching treated areas
- Avoid chewing hard, crunchy or sticky foods with the treated teeth for one week
- Avoid gum and other sticky foods around treated sites
- Postpone floss, toothpicks and other between-the-teeth cleaning devices around treated sites for 10 days
- Follow any additional instructions provided specifically for your periodontal treatment
Your recommendations may vary depending on the other periodontal treatment performed during your visit. Follow the individualized instructions Dr. Proussaefs and our team provide after your procedure.
What Should You Expect After Treatment?
Some mild to moderate sensitivity may occur during the first week following scaling and root planing with ARESTIN®.
Contact our office promptly if you experience unexpected or worsening pain, swelling or another concern following treatment.
You should also seek prompt medical attention for possible signs of an allergic reaction, such as significant swelling, rash, itching or difficulty breathing.
Is ARESTIN® Safe for Everyone?
ARESTIN® should not be used in patients with a known sensitivity to minocycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.
Before periodontal treatment, tell Dr. Proussaefs about your medications, allergies, medical conditions and whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or nursing. This information helps determine whether ARESTIN® is appropriate for you.
Dr. Proussaefs will review the treatment with you before placement and answer questions about benefits, limitations and aftercare.
ARESTIN® Does Not Replace Good Oral Hygiene
Localized antibiotic treatment addresses selected periodontal sites, but controlling periodontal disease also requires consistent plaque management.
Daily oral hygiene remains an important part of protecting your gums. Once any temporary restrictions around treated sites have passed, maintaining thorough brushing and between-the-teeth cleaning can help reduce bacterial buildup at home.
Your dental team can also show you areas where plaque tends to accumulate and help you improve your technique.
What Happens After Active Periodontal Treatment?
Treating periodontal disease is not necessarily the end of periodontal care. Gum disease can become active again, particularly when bacterial buildup returns around vulnerable areas.
Patients with a history of gum disease may need ongoing periodontal maintenance to remove buildup, monitor periodontal pocketing and watch for signs of recurrence or progression.
The frequency of these visits depends on your periodontal history and current gum health.
Experienced Periodontal Care in Simi Valley
Dr. Proussaefs has practiced dentistry since 1998 and has treated thousands of periodontal and gum-disease cases during his career.
That experience helps him evaluate periodontal concerns in the context of your overall oral health, rather than focusing only on an isolated pocket or symptom.
Patients also appreciate his clear explanations. If ARESTIN® or another periodontal treatment is recommended, Dr. Proussaefs can explain why the treatment is being considered, where it will be used and what you should expect afterward.
Can ARESTIN® Prevent Gum Disease From Returning?
ARESTIN® can be a useful part of periodontal treatment, but no single procedure eliminates the need for ongoing care.
Long-term periodontal health may involve a combination of:
- Effective periodontal treatment
- Consistent home oral hygiene
- Professional maintenance
- Monitoring periodontal pockets over time
- Addressing new inflammation or bacterial buildup promptly
Regular professional care gives Dr. Proussaefs an opportunity to determine whether treated areas remain stable or whether further intervention is needed.
When Might You Need a Periodontist?
Some periodontal conditions are more advanced or complex and may require evaluation or treatment by a periodontist.
If Dr. Proussaefs determines that specialty periodontal care would be more appropriate for your condition, he can recommend a referral rather than delaying necessary treatment.
Learn more about our approach to referrals on the dental specialties page.
Frequently Asked Questions About ARESTIN®
What is ARESTIN® used for?
ARESTIN® is a locally delivered minocycline antibiotic used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to help reduce periodontal pocket depth in adults with periodontitis.
Is ARESTIN® an antibiotic?
Yes. ARESTIN® contains minocycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic in the tetracycline family. It is professionally placed directly into selected periodontal pockets rather than taken as an oral antibiotic pill.
Does ARESTIN® replace scaling and root planing?
No. ARESTIN® is used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing when localized antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Removing plaque and tartar below the gumline remains an important part of periodontal treatment.
Does every patient with gum disease need ARESTIN®?
No. Dr. Proussaefs will evaluate your periodontal pockets, gum health and response to treatment before deciding whether ARESTIN® may provide additional benefit at selected sites.
Where is ARESTIN® placed?
ARESTIN® is placed below the gumline directly into selected periodontal pockets that are being treated.
Does ARESTIN® need to be removed later?
No. The material used to deliver ARESTIN® is bioresorbable, so it does not need to be removed after placement.
What foods should I avoid after ARESTIN® treatment?
Avoid chewing hard, crunchy or sticky foods with treated teeth for one week. Follow any additional instructions provided by Dr. Proussaefs based on the periodontal treatment you received.
When can I floss after ARESTIN®?
Between-the-teeth cleaning devices should generally be avoided around treated sites for 10 days after ARESTIN® placement. Follow the specific instructions provided by our dental team for your treatment sites.
Can ARESTIN® cure periodontal disease?
ARESTIN® is one tool that may be used as part of periodontal treatment. Periodontal disease typically requires professional treatment, effective home hygiene and continued monitoring rather than relying on a single medication or procedure.
What if I am allergic to tetracycline antibiotics?
ARESTIN® should not be used if you have a known sensitivity to minocycline or tetracycline antibiotics. Tell Dr. Proussaefs about all medication allergies before treatment.
What happens after my periodontal treatment?
Dr. Proussaefs will monitor your periodontal health and recommend appropriate follow-up care. Patients with a history of periodontal disease may require continued periodontal maintenance to help keep the condition stable.
Find Out Whether Localized Antibiotic Treatment Is Right for You
Periodontal disease does not affect every patient or every tooth in the same way. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether professional periodontal cleaning, localized antibiotic therapy, ongoing maintenance or specialty care is appropriate for your condition.
Call 805-422-3116 to schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Proussaefs and learn whether ARESTIN® in Simi Valley, California may be appropriate for your gum health.