ARESTIN® THERAPY

Treating Gum Disease In Fairfax, VA

Advancements in modern dentistry include improved methods of treating gum disease. At Fair Lakes Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are pleased to offer ARESTIN® therapy. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. We help our patients with gum disease find modern treatment that works.

ARESTIN

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bones. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of a kind of plaque called tartar on the teeth that cannot be removed by daily brushing. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, and untreated tartar can become inflamed and infected.

What Causes Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on the surface and in the small spaces of your teeth. The actual bacteria itself is colorless, but it can cause your teeth to become discolored. The plaque develops when bacteria in your mouth combine with sugary or starchy foods such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit. These bacteria produce acids that break down the carbohydrates in these foods and beverages. It is something that everyone gets, but if you haven’t consistently visited your dentist for your routine cleanings or stayed on top of your daily brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities, gingivitis and gum disease.

Types Of Gum Disease

According to the Cleveland Clinic, almost half of adults in the United States have gum disease. When caught early, gum disease is much easier to treat. There are four stages of gum disease, which determines the severity of the disease.

The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis is characterized by swollen gums and light bleeding of the gums. Most cases of gingivitis can be reversed by dental cleanings and good hygiene practices at home.

This second stage of gum disease happens when bacteria have infiltrated beneath your gums, impacting the support bone. Your gums may recede from your teeth, forming pockets around them.

If left untreated, bacteria start to erode the ligaments, soft tissues and bone that secure your teeth. You might notice bad breath and pus (infection) around your gum line. Some people also experience pain at this stage.

During the later stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets of infected tissue. Bacteria then spread to these pockets, causing permanent damage to the gums and even resulting in teeth loss.

What Is ARESTIN® Therapy?

ARESTIN® is an antibiotic that our dentist places directly into the infected gums. Combined with scaling and root planing (SRP), it helps fight bacteria. Scaling is performed by manually removing plaque from below the gum. Scaling is then followed by root planing, a manual method of smoothing over the roots where bacteria gathers. Though scaling and root planing is effective, dental instruments cannot always reach all of the infected areas. ARESTIN® starts as a powder and helps treat infected areas that SRP cannot reach. It is easy to place and does not require a needle or special equipment.

Is ARESTIN® Right For Me?

Before receiving ARESTIN® to treat gum disease, our dentists will review your dental history, including your current medications, to make sure that the therapy is a good fit. There are certain medications that cannot be combined with the medication therapy, and your dentist may recommend consulting with a pharmacist before receiving treatment. Other patients who may not be good candidates for the therapy include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caring For Your Smile After ARESTIN® Therapy

For best results, the following instructions should be observed the first week after receiving the therapy:

  • Do not touch the sites treated with ARESTIN®

  • Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods

  • Continue brushing twice a day

  • Do not floss the treated teeth for ten days

Known side effects of ARESTIN® include headaches, infection, flu-like symptoms and pain. Contact your dentist if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after receiving ARESTIN®. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itchiness, redness and trouble breathing.