#arestin

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health issues among adults. It often begins with mild symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums but can progress into advanced stages that lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration if left untreated. The good news? Advances in modern periodontal therapy have made it easier than ever to treat gum infections effectively and comfortably. One such breakthrough solution is Arestin treatment—a powerful, localized antibiotic therapy designed to eliminate harmful bacteria where they live.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease starts when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up around your teeth and gums. If not removed through proper brushing and professional cleanings, this plaque hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. In the early stage, known as gingivitis, the damage is reversible. However, if ignored, it can progress to periodontitis, where bacteria invade deeper into the gums, forming pockets of infection around the tooth roots. These pockets can cause gum recession, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss.

Traditional treatments like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are essential for removing plaque and tartar buildup. However, when bacteria linger deep within gum pockets, additional help is needed—and that’s where Arestin comes in.

What Is Arestin?

Arestin is an FDA-approved, microsphere-based antibiotic containing minocycline hydrochloride. It’s a locally applied antimicrobial treatment used after scaling and root planing to target and destroy bacteria that conventional cleaning tools can’t reach.

The medication is placed directly into the gum pockets using a small, painless applicator. Once applied, Arestin releases antibiotics gradually over 21 days, ensuring consistent bacterial control and improved healing.

How Arestin Works

Arestin’s innovative delivery system allows it to:

Attack bacteria directly at the infection site

Reduce gum pocket depth and inflammation

Enhance the healing process of gum tissues

Prevent reinfection by maintaining antibiotic presence over time

Unlike oral antibiotics, which travel through your entire system, Arestin works only where it’s needed, minimizing side effects and maximizing results.

Top Benefits of Arestin Treatment

 Targets the Root Cause of Gum Disease Arestin fights infection-causing bacteria deep in gum pockets where toothbrushes and floss can’t reach.

 Minimally Invasive and Painless The treatment is quick, simple, and doesn’t require anesthesia or surgery.

 Sustained Release for Long-Term Protection The slow-release formula continues fighting bacteria for weeks after application.

Promotes Faster Healing Reduced inflammation and infection help your gums heal more efficiently.

 Improves Long-Term Oral Health Arestin helps stabilize periodontal health, protecting your teeth and gums for years to come.

Who Is a Candidate for Arestin?

Arestin treatment is recommended for patients who have:

Moderate to severe gum disease

Deep gum pockets (greater than 4mm)

Persistent bleeding or inflammation despite regular cleanings

Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or a history of periodontal issues

Your periodontist will evaluate your gum condition and determine if Arestin should be part of your treatment plan.

What to Expect During Treatment

Scaling and Root Planing: Your dentist or periodontist first performs a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

Application of Arestin: The antibiotic microspheres are gently placed into infected gum pockets.

Healing Period: Over the next few weeks, Arestin releases medication that kills bacteria and promotes healing.

Follow-Up Care: You’ll return for a follow-up appointment to assess gum improvement and maintain your oral health.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort and notice significant improvement in gum health within a few weeks.

Aftercare Tips for Optimal Results

Avoid brushing or flossing the treated areas for 10 days (as advised by your periodontist).

Maintain good oral hygiene in untreated areas.

Quit smoking, as it can hinder healing.

Attend all recommended follow-up visits to monitor progress.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Wellness

Healthy gums do more than support your teeth—they play a vital role in your overall health. Studies show that untreated gum disease is linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and pregnancy complications. By treating gum infections early with solutions like Arestin, you not only protect your smile but also contribute to your body’s overall well-being.

Restore and Protect Your Smile with Arestin

Arestin treatment represents the perfect balance of science and simplicity—delivering powerful antibacterial protection in a minimally invasive way. When combined with regular professional care and daily oral hygiene, it can stop gum disease in its tracks and help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

Your smile is one of your greatest assets—but gum disease periodontal disease can quietly damage it over time. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. experience some form of gum disease, ranging from mild inflammation to advanced periodontitis. Without treatment, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Fortunately, advances in dentistry have made treatment more effective and less invasive. One of the most powerful tools in managing gum disease is Arestin, an antibiotic that works directly inside the infected areas of your gums.

What exactly is Arestin?

Arestin is a locally delivered antibiotic treatment that contains minocycline microspheres. These are tiny, bead-like particles filled with antibiotics that are placed directly into periodontal pockets—the spaces that form between your teeth and gums when infection sets in.

Once applied, the microspheres release medication gradually over about 21 days. This ensures that bacteria causing gum disease are continuously targeted and eliminated, allowing your gums the chance to heal.

Why Treating Periodontal Disease Requires More Than Cleaning

Scaling and root planing (SRP), often called a “deep cleaning,” is the gold standard for treating gum disease. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline. However, some bacteria remain deep in the gum pockets where toothbrushes, floss, and even SRP can’t always reach effectively.

That’s where Arestin makes the difference. By releasing antibiotics directly at the site of infection, it provides ongoing protection and supports healing beyond what cleaning alone can achieve.

How Arestin Works Step-by-Step

Assessment – Your dental provider measures pocket depth and identifies areas of infection.

Deep Cleaning (SRP) – Plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline.

Arestin Application – The microspheres are placed into gum pockets painlessly.

Controlled Antibiotic Release – Over 21 days, Arestin works to reduce bacteria.

Healing Phase – Reduced bacteria and inflammation allow gums to reattach and pockets to shrink.

Benefits of Arestin for Gum Health

Directly targets infection – Works only in the gum pockets without affecting the rest of the body.

Promotes faster healing – Reduces inflammation, redness, and bleeding.

Helps shrink pocket depth – A key factor in preventing future bone and tooth loss.

Boosts deep cleaning results – Enhances the effectiveness of SRP.

Comfortable and non-surgical – No needles or incisions are required.

Who is a Candidate for Arestin Therapy?

Arestin is typically recommended for patients with:

Moderate to severe periodontitis.

Gum pockets deeper than 5mm.

Recurring gum infections despite regular cleanings.

Patients who want to avoid surgery but need more than a basic cleaning.

Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your gum health and determine if Arestin is the right choice for you.

Supporting Long-Term Gum Health

Even though Arestin is highly effective, periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. To maintain healthy gums after treatment:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.

Use antibacterial mouth rinses if recommended.

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of gum disease and slows healing.

The Bottom Line

Periodontal disease is a serious threat to your oral and overall health—but it’s also treatable. Arestin protects your smile by fighting infection at the source, helping your gums heal, and strengthening the foundation that supports your teeth.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, yet many people don’t realize they have it until the condition has advanced. Early signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, while more severe stages can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Traditional treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP) — also known as deep cleaning — are highly effective. However, bacteria can still linger in hard-to-reach areas of the gum pockets. That’s where Arestin therapy comes in.

Arestin is an FDA-approved, locally applied antibiotic (minocycline) designed to work hand-in-hand with scaling and root planing. By delivering medicine directly into infected gum pockets, it boosts treatment effectiveness and helps patients achieve healthier gums faster.

How Arestin Works

Unlike oral antibiotics that must travel through your bloodstream, Arestin is placed directly into the gum pockets after deep cleaning. It comes in the form of tiny, powder-like microspheres that slowly release the antibiotic over time.

This targeted approach ensures that harmful bacteria are eliminated at the source of infection — without affecting the rest of your body. As a result, the gum tissue has the chance to heal more effectively.

Key Benefits of Arestin Therapy

Here’s why so many periodontists recommend Arestin as part of gum disease treatment:

1. Targets Infection at the Source

By going directly into the infected gum pockets, Arestin delivers powerful antibiotics exactly where they’re needed. This maximizes its impact and minimizes unnecessary exposure elsewhere in the body.

2. Reduces Inflammation and Bleeding

Patients with gum disease often experience swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Arestin helps reduce bacterial load, which in turn eases inflammation and improves gum health.

3. Supports Healing and Gum Reattachment

When bacteria are controlled, your gums can heal more effectively and reattach more securely to your teeth. This reduces pocket depth and helps protect against future infection.

4. Enhances Scaling and Root Planing Results

Deep cleaning is effective on its own, but bacteria can return. Arestin keeps working for weeks after application, extending the results of SRP and giving gums a better chance to recover.

5. Safe, Painless, and Non-Surgical

The treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Arestin is simply applied into the gum pockets — no surgery, no stitches, and minimal discomfort.

6. Helps Prevent Gum Disease Progression

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even affect overall health, with links to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Arestin helps prevent the disease from advancing, protecting both your smile and your overall well-being.

Why Choose Arestin Over Oral Antibiotics?

While oral antibiotics can sometimes be used for gum infections, they circulate throughout the entire body. This increases the risk of side effects and can reduce effectiveness at the infection site.

Arestin, on the other hand, works locally and directly where the infection is — making it a more targeted, effective, and safer solution for many patients.

Who Can Benefit from Arestin?

Arestin may be recommended if:

You have moderate to severe gum disease.

Deep cleaning alone has not fully reduced your gum pocket depth.

You are at risk of gum disease progression.

You want to protect against further bone or tooth loss.

Your periodontist will evaluate your gum health and determine if Arestin is the right option for you.

Take Control of Your Gum Health

At Perio PDX, we specialize in advanced treatments that go beyond standard care. Arestin therapy is just one of the many ways we help patients fight gum disease, protect their smiles, and restore confidence.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Beyond the mouth, it has been linked to systemic health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Treating gum disease early and effectively is critical not only for your smile but also for your overall health.

One treatment option that patients often ask about is Arestin, a locally applied antibiotic that works alongside professional deep cleaning. But is Arestin really safe, and is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease begins with plaque and tartar buildup that irritates the gums. Over time, this irritation causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where bacteria thrive. If left untreated, these pockets deepen, leading to bone loss and even tooth loss.

The standard, non-surgical treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing (SRP) — a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. Arestin thearpy is often used in combination with SRP to enhance healing and long-term results.

What Is Arestin?

Arestin is an FDA-approved antibiotic treatment (minocycline hydrochloride) designed specifically for periodontal care. It comes in the form of tiny microspheres that are gently placed into gum pockets after SRP.

Here’s what makes it unique:

Targeted therapy: Works only where it’s placed.

Sustained release: Continues to fight bacteria for up to 21 days.

Complementary to SRP: Helps reduce pocket depth more effectively than SRP alone.

By focusing treatment directly at the source of infection, Arestin helps gums heal more quickly and stay healthier longer.

How Arestin Works Step-by-Step

Your periodontist performs scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar.

Arestin microspheres are gently applied into infected pockets.

Over the next 2–3 weeks, Arestin slowly releases antibiotics.

Bacteria levels drop, inflammation decreases, and gums begin to reattach to teeth.

This combination of mechanical cleaning plus localized medication gives gum disease treatment a stronger foundation.

Is Arestin Safe?

Yes — Arestin is generally safe when used appropriately under the care of a periodontist.

Benefits of Localized Treatment

Lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral antibiotics

Minimal impact on healthy bacteria elsewhere in the body

No need to remember pills — treatment is applied in-office

Possible Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Arestin well, but some may experience:

Mild gum irritation or sensitivity

Slight discomfort at the treatment site

Rare allergic reaction (in patients allergic to tetracyclines)

Who Benefits the Most from Arestin?

Arestin can be especially helpful for:

Patients with moderate to severe gum disease

Those with deep gum pockets that don’t fully respond to SRP alone

People who want to avoid more invasive treatments, such as gum surgery

Individuals at higher risk of progression due to diabetes, smoking, or genetics

Life After Arestin: What to Expect

After Arestin treatment, you’ll want to protect your gums to ensure the best results. Your periodontist may recommend:

Avoiding brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods around treated areas for 10–14 days

Maintaining gentle oral hygiene practices elsewhere in the mouth

Returning for follow-up visits to monitor pocket depth and healing

When paired with good at-home care and regular professional cleanings, Arestin can significantly improve long-term gum health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does Arestin last?

Arestin releases antibiotics for about 21 days, but the benefits to gum health can last much longer when combined with proper oral care.

2. Can Arestin replace gum surgery?

Not always. Arestin is best for mild to moderate cases of gum disease. Severe cases may still require surgical treatment, but Arestin can sometimes delay or reduce the need for surgery.

3. Is Arestin painful?

No. The application is quick and painless, typically performed right after your cleaning.

4. Do I still need to brush and floss?

Yes! Arestin is not a replacement for daily home care. Brushing, flossing, and routine checkups are essential to prevent gum disease from returning.

5. How do I know if Arestin is right for me?

The best way is to schedule a periodontal evaluation. Your specialist will assess pocket depth, gum health, and medical history to determine if Arestin is a good fit.

Why Choose Perio PDX for Arestin Treatment?

At Perio PDX, we specialize in advanced periodontal therapy and stay up to date with the latest treatments like Arestin. Our approach focuses on:

Personalized care: Every patient receives a tailored plan.

Evidence-based treatment: Arestin is backed by clinical research.

Whole-body health: Treating gum disease helps lower risks of systemic health issues.

When you choose Perio PDX, you’re not just treating gum disease — you’re investing in your long-term oral and overall health.

Final Thoughts: Is Arestin Safe for Gum Disease?

Yes — Arestin is a safe, effective, and proven treatment for patients struggling with gum disease. By working directly at the infection site, it offers targeted results with minimal side effects. While it may not be suitable for everyone, many patients experience stronger, healthier gums and reduced risk of disease progression when Arestin is part of their treatment plan.

In the modern times and digital world, Arestin treatment offers a non-invasive solution and advanced technique for managing periodontal and gum diseases. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from periodontal diseases, which can be effectively and permanently treated with arestin treatment. Because it effectively fights harmful germs and promotes gum health, this non-surgical therapy has become the most preferred option for both patients and dental professionals. 

If you're in the search of the most advanced gum disease treatment available, arestin therapy can be the best option for you. As part of their all-inclusive gum disease treatment services, residents of Gresham and Portland who require advanced periodontal care can depend on Perio PDX for Arestin therapy. Arestin treatment can help restore your gum health and enhance your overall quality of life, whether you're facing mild gum inflammation or advanced periodontitis.

How Does Arestin Treatment Work?

A thorough treatment approach for gum disease frequently includes esters and arestin. It typically follows a thorough cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing (SRP), which removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of the teeth as well as beneath the gum line. After the area has been completely cleaned, Arestin therapy is performed to ensure that the bacteria are eliminated and that the gums have time to recuperate.

This is a detailed explanation of how Arestin treatment operates:

Diagnosis of Gum Disease: If you feel any symptoms such as gum bleeding, inflammation, poor breath, or receding gums, our periodontist or dentist will examine your gums and assess the depth of your periodontal pockets.

Scaling and Root Planing: Before beginning Arestin treatment, our periodontists will scale and root plan your teeth to remove the plaque and tartar buildup in the tooth pockets.This final step is essential to creating a neat and clean area for Arestin procedure to function as well.

Application of Arestin: Arestin microspheres are inserted into the periodontal pockets by the dentist during cleaning. The antibiotic, which targets the bacteria that cause gum disease and lowers inflammation, is released gradually by the microspheres.

Post-Treatment Care: You will receive thorough advice from your dentist on how to maintain good oral hygiene after Arestin is applied. You must adhere to these recommendations and arrange follow-up meetings in order to track your progress.

Why Choose the Arestin Procedure?

Non-invasive arestin procedure offers several benefits, making it a preferred option for treating periodontal and gum diseases:

Non-Surgical Solution: Arestin procedure is less invasive and painless than more involved gum surgery.

Localized Treatment: The antibiotic lowers the chance of adverse effects by specifically targeting the places where germs are present.

Long-Lasting Effects: The slow release of the antibiotic ensures continued treatment for weeks after application.

Improved Gum Health: Arestin procedure facilitates the healing and reattachment of the gums to the teeth by lowering inflammation and pocket depth.

ArestinTreatment for Gum Disease  ➖

Gresham, Portland residents in need of advanced periodontal care can receive Arestin therapy from Perio Pdx as part of their comprehensive gum disease management services. The knowledgeable periodontists at Perio Pdx are pros at using Arestin to treat periodontal pockets, ensuring the long-term oral health of their patients. Regardless of whether you have mild gum inflammation or more severe periodontitis, arestin therapy in Portland can help you regain gum health and improve your overall quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Arestin treatment is a localized antibiotic treatment used in the management of periodontal disease, particularly for patients with moderate to severe gum infections.  Arestin contains minocycline, a tetracycline-based antibiotic, which is delivered directly into periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures. This targeted approach helps eliminate harmful bacteria and reduces pocket depth, promoting gum tissue healing and preventing further progression of periodontitis.

Unlike systemic antibiotics, Arestin treatment provides a controlled release of medication over several days, ensuring prolonged antibacterial effects at the infection site. It is especially beneficial for patients who do not respond fully to traditional SRP alone. Arestin treatment is a non-surgical treatment to remove tartar or plaque from teeth and roots. It is performed with scaling and root planing to provide support for gum lines and jaw bones. Arestin therapy is also helpful to restore your gummy smile and increase bone density.

How Arestin Therapy Works ➖

Arestin therapy is a non-surgical procedure and treatment called scaling and root planing, where a periodontist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. After the cleaning process, the tooth socket is placed in the pockets surrounding the teeth, where it delivers antibiotic treatment over several days, effectively killing bacteria that cause gum disease.

Its time-released formula allows for continuous, localized treatment, which helps prevent bacteria from re-colonizing in the tooth pockets. Once the socket is applied, it slowly releases the minocycline over a period of minimum 14 days. This slow release allows the antibiotic to remain active and effectively reduce the infection without the need for systemic antibiotics.

Benefits of Arestin Therapy for Periodontal Treatment ➖

Arestin therapy offers several key benefits in periodontal care:

Effective Bacterial Control: Arestin therapy directly targets the affected area and reduces the chance of infection and is helpful to promote better oral health.

Non-Surgical Treatment: It is a non-surgical treatment and makes it a minimally invasive way to manage periodontal disease.

Prolonged Antibiotic Release: Unlike oral antibiotics, which are distributed throughout the entire body, Arestin treatment releases antibiotics gradually and locally, focusing the treatment where it’s needed most.

Reduced Inflammation: The antibiotic action of Arestin therapy helps reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, promoting overall gum health.

Improved Pocket Depth Reduction: When used in conjunction with scaling and root planing, can contribute to a decrease in pocket depth, making it easier to maintain clean, healthy gums.

What to Expect with Arestin Treatment ➖

The process of applying Arestin treatment is straightforward and comfortable:

Scaling and Root Planing: At Perio PDX our periodontist will perform a regular deep cleaning treatment to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Scaling therapy  helps remove this buildup to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Arestin Application: It is placed into periodontal pockets around the affected teeth.

Aftercare: For optimal results, we recommend avoiding flossing or disturbing the treated areas for about 10 days to allow the medication to work fully. Your periodontist will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your needs.

Is Arestin Treatment Right for You?Arestin therapy is typically recommended for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, where pocket depth is a concern. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it may be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. Our team at PerioPDX will evaluate your condition and recommend this treatment if it is likely to improve your periodontal health.