Post-op Instructions
Arestin® Periodontal Treatment

What is it?
Arestin® is a bioresorbable gel containing minocycline (a tetracycline derivative) microspheres.  It has been FDA approved for treatment of gum disease after a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing.

How does it work on gum disease?
When placed in a periodontal pocket, Arestin® maintains a high-level of antibiotic right at the gum disease site without exposing the rest of the body to antibiotics.  This allows treatment using one-hundredth the usual pill-form dose.  It directly fights the gum disease infection for 14 days.

How do I get the best results from my treatment with Arestin®?
-Avoid touching the treated areas.
-Wait 12 hours after your treatment before brushing teeth.
-Wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks, or other devices designed to clean between the treated teeth.
-Avoid foods for 1 week that could hurt your gums.
-Don’t chew gum or eat sticky foods.
-After 10 days, resume cleaning between the treated teeth on a daily basis.

Remember, you must do your part.  After your Arestin® therapy, if you don’t brush at least 2 times per day and floss every day, then any dental treatment of your gum disease will not work effectively.