The number one cause of tooth loss is not decay or trauma – it’s periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gum line that causes inflammation and bleeding. About 50% of adults over 30 have gum disease and many don’t even know it. As a preventive-oriented practice, the team at Estero Bay Dental in Estero, FL will evaluate your risk of gum disease and offer options to prevent or arrest it.

Left untreated, gum disease can also cause the gums to recede and begin to pull away from the teeth. Arestin is a solution to periodontal disease. When used in tandem with a root scaling and planing, Arestin can help halt the progress of gingivitis and periodontitis disease. Arestin is a topical antibiotic placed deep into the gum pockets, where it works to kill the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Its time-release formulation continues to kill bacteria for several days after application.

You may need Arestin if you are diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease. If you suspect that you could be suffering from gum disease, see your dentist immediately for an examination and consultation. Arestin is highly effective for destroying the bacteria that causes gum disease. However, it is possible that you will require additional treatments.

What to Expect

After treatment, Arestin will continue to work for several days after application. For this reason, you will need to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for the first week to 10 days after treatment. You should also eliminate flossing from your dental routine during this time. At the end of the treatment period, you may resume flossing and are encouraged to stop smoking (if applicable), as this can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease again in the future. So long as you adhere to a careful and hygienic dental routine, you should be able to prevent future incidences of gum disease.