Sometimes when we are checking for gum disease at your re-care appointments, we will find an area that may benefit from a painless antibiotic treatment called Arestin. Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is down in the pocket between your tooth and gum tissue. Unlike antibiotics that are swallowed, Arestin is a powder that your dental professional places directly into the infected areas or pockets. Arestin powder is made up of microspheres of the antibiotic minocycline. It is released over time into the infected pockets. It won’t help you grow bone back in the pocket if you have bone loss, but it can help the gum tissue heal back to the tooth. We can also easily reapply it in future appointment if the infection returns.
– from Susan B. (Dental Hygienist)