Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss today. Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and the bone that surrounds the individual teeth. There are many warning signs that you may have periodontal disease. Some of the symptoms you may be experiencing may include having persistent bad breath, bleeding of the gums with regular brushing and flossing, swollen or tender gums, or loose teeth.

Diagnosing periodontal disease required a thorough examination using a periodontal probe and x-rays. Periodontal probing will measure the depth of the pocket formed from the top of the gum line down to level the tooth attaches to the bone. This depth reading is known as a periodontal pocket. Readings of any number greater than 3 millimeters and bleeding are signs for active infection. Once we have found periodontal disease, we will talk to you about treatment options to restore the health of your gums.

TREAT PERIODONTAL DISEASE WITH ARESTIN

Arestin® may be used in conjunction with scaling and root planning as an effective way to treat periodontal disease The use of this antibiotics in the periodontal pocket may significantly reduce the depth of the infected pocket and prevent the progression of the disease.

Arestin® contains microspheres (tiny particles) of an antibiotic in powder form. The microspheres are filled with the active ingregient, an antibiotic minocycline . This medication will help fight the periodontal infection in the pocket for at least 21 days. Minocycline is in the tetracycline family, so we will not use it in tetracycline allergic patients, pregnant or nursing, or a child under 8 years old.

Arestin® is an important part of our periodontal therapy that will help us to restore the health of your gums.