Aftercare Instructions for Arestin® Periodontal Treatment from McLean Healthy Smiles

Arestin® is an antibiotic specifically designed to treat periodontitis, a common gum disease in adults. It comes in a powder form and is applied directly to infected gum pockets by a dentist or hygienist. Arestin® is typically used alongside scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to enhance treatment effectiveness. Arestin® works by targeting and killing the bacteria that cause gum disease and reducing inflammation.

Getting Arestin periodontal treatment marks an important step in your journey toward better oral health. This powerful antibiotic treatment targets harmful bacteria in your gum pockets, but proper aftercare is critical for optimal results.

Let’s take a look at our aftercare instructions following gum disease treatment with Arestin.

What is Arestin Dental Treatment?

Arestin® is an FDA approved treatment for gum disease following a deep cleaning – aka scaling & root planing

Arestin® consists of microscopic spheres of minocycline (in the class of tetracycline antibiotics) suspended in a gel that naturally dissolves in the body. These microspheres of gel are placed directly into infected gum pockets after scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) procedures.

How Does Arestin Work?

When administered directly into the infected gum pockets, Arestin® delivers concentrated antibiotic medication exactly where it’s needed, while minimizing exposure to the rest of your mouth and body.

This targeted approach requires just 1% of the antibiotic dose you’d typically get from oral tablets. The medication actively combats the gum infection over a two-week period.

Arestin® Aftercare Instructions

First 24 Hours After Treatment

Immediately following treatment with Arestin, you should avoid touching the treated areas and do not eat or drink anything whatsoever for the first 30 minutes.

The microspheres need time to settle properly within your gum pockets. Any disruption during this period could reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.

During the first 24 hours after your Arestin treatment, follow these instructions:

• Avoid touching the treated areas
• Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
• Skip brushing the treated areas (you may gently brush other areas) for the first 12-24 hours
• Do not floss, use a toothpick, water flosser, or any other tool designed to clean in between the affected teeth

Days 2-7 Post-Treatment Care

After the first 24 hours, you can gradually resume your oral hygiene routine with these modifications:

• Wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks, or water flossers
• Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush – skip electric toothbrushes for the first week
• Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water)
• Continue avoiding hard or sticky foods for 1 week – like nuts, popcorn, candy…etc.

What to Expect During Recovery

While Arestin dental treatment is generally well-tolerated, some patients experience some minor discomfort. Here are some of the most common reported effects:

• Mild gum tenderness
• Slight discoloration at treatment sites
• A temporary bitter taste
• Minor gum sensitivity

These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Contact us immediately if they persist or worsen.

During this healing time, it’s important to maintain your modified oral care routine consistently throughout the treatment period. Remember to be patient and allow adequate time for the medication to work effectively. Throughout the process, please feel free to keep us informed of any issues or questions that you may have.

Long-term Care and Maintenance

After 10 days, you should resume flossing and cleaning between the treated teeth on a daily basis. This treatment incurs additional cost, on top of the deep cleaning, so you want to make sure that you do your part in protecting your smile investment.

The best way to do this is to stick to a diligent brushing & flossing routine, brush for 2 minutes, 2x a day, and floss daily.

To maximize the benefits of your Arestin treatment:

• Maintain thorough but gentle brushing twice daily
• Use appropriate flossing techniques once healing is complete
• Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse (as recommended by your dentist)
• Schedule – and keep – regular dental checkups & cleanings

Lifestyle Modifications

• Quit smoking or using tobacco products
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress levels (which can affect gum health)

Arestin® Complications: Warning Signs to Watch For

While complications are rare with Arestin treatment, you should contact us immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Persistent fever
• Development of white patches in your mouth
• Unusual taste or odor that doesn’t resolve
• Allergic reactions (rare but possible)

Dietary Recommendations for Optimal Oral Health

Foods to Enjoy

• Soft fruits and vegetables
• Yogurt and smoothies
• Well-cooked, tender meats
• Soups and broths
• Eggs and soft cheeses

Foods to Avoid Initially – 1-2 Weeks

• Popcorn and nuts
• Crusty bread or tough meats
• Hard candies
• Seeds and granola
• Very hot or spicy foods

Long-term Smile Success Strategies

To ensure the best possible outcome from your Arestin periodontal treatment, there are several key steps to follow. Starting with carefully adhering to your dentist’s specific guidelines, and documenting your healing progress along with any concerns that arise.

Your Arestin treatment is an investment in your oral health. Protect that investment by:

• Attending all follow-up appointments
• Having regular periodontal maintenance visits
• Addressing any grinding or clenching habits
• Using recommended oral care products
• Maintaining good overall health habits

When to Schedule Follow-up Arestin Dental Care at Our McLean VA Office

Your specific case may vary, but most dental professionals recommend this revisit sequence:

• Initial follow-up: 7-10 days post-treatment
• Periodontal evaluation: 4-6 weeks after treatment
• Regular maintenance: Every 3-4 months initially
• Ongoing monitoring: As recommended by your dentist

Arestin Treatment Success: What Should I Notice?

Successful Arestin dental treatment typically results in:

• Reduced pocket depths
• Decreased bleeding during probing
• Healthier-looking gum tissue
• Better breath
• Increased tissue attachment

The microspheres in Arestin continue releasing antibiotics for approximately 21 days. During this time several healing processes occur; bacterial populations begin to decline, inflammation subsides, and gum tissue starts its healing process.

Additionally, pocket depths show improvement and tissue reattachment begins to take effect.

Proper aftercare following Arestin periodontal treatment significantly influences your healing success and treatment efficacy. By following these guidelines and maintaining regular dental visits, you’re taking essential steps toward improved periodontal health. Remember that healing is a process, and a consistent ongoing combination of regular checkups and home care leads to the best long-term results.