Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks with Arestin Treatment

Periodontitis is an active bacterial infection – colonization of harmful microbes extending below the gingival margin. Without proper treatment, this chronic bacterial infection compromises gums, ligaments, and bone and may lead to tooth loss. Drs. Robin and Chris Post of Centre Place Dental suggest Arestin therapy to supplement the effectiveness of scaling and root planing, helping their patients in the Lincoln, Nebraska, area regain good oral health.

The importance of periodontitis treatment

The sulcus is the space between a tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue. In a healthy mouth, gums have a tight seal, so the sulcus measures only three millimeters or less. However, red complex bacteria (primarily P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia) are among the hundreds of strains present in the oral cavity. These spirochetes and gram-negative species irritate the gingiva. As gums become inflamed, sulcus depth increases, forming periodontal pockets around tooth roots. Pathogens flourish in these pockets, working their way deeper to break down bone and connective tissues that anchor teeth.

Scaling and root planing involve mechanical (with ultrasonic or manual instruments) removal of bacteria, plaque, and hardened tartar from root surfaces. However, red complex bacteria multiply at an alarming rate. So, with scaling and root planing alone, bacterial levels may rebound within a few days.

Adding Arestin antibiotic therapy to the treatment plan helps to keep harmful bacterial colonization knocked down, so gums can heal and re-seal.

Arestin: Noninvasive gum disease therapy in Lincoln, Nebraska

  • Arestin is a prescription antibiotic that is locally applied in periodontal pockets
  • The microsphere formulation remains in place for an extended period 
  • Time-released medication fights bacterial infection at its site of origin
  • Arestin therapy does not pose the same risk of systemic side effects as oral antibiotics
  • Treatment helps to achieve a healthier balance of oral bacteria and to maintain it
  • In conjunction with scaling and root planing, Arestin therapy reduces pocket depth
  • Studies show improvement in pocket depth within a month, continued healing for up to three months, and maintenance of reduced pocket depth at nine months

Drs. Robin and Chris Post would love to discuss incorporating painless Arestin therapy into your oral maintenance strategy. For a consultation appointment, call our team at (402) 799-4977.