Arestin microspheres are implemented as an accompanying therapy to root planing and scaling procedures to curtail pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria collects on under the gums, causing them to become red and swollen. This inflammation, if left untreated, eventually results in damage to ligaments and bone, forming pockets around your teeth. As the disease advances and these pockets become deeper, your teeth can become loose and fall out.
Chronic periodontitis is also associated with other serious diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dentists and registered dental hygienists can tell how severe a patient's periodontitis is by measuring pocket depth and reviewing patient x-rays. Delivered through a unique powder, and using new microsphere technology, Arestin delivers minocycline to easily and effectively kill the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. When used together with scaling and root planing, this treatment significantly reduces the depth of infected pockets and helps prevent disease progression. Arestin was shown to be particularly even effective in the more difficult to treat patients such as smokers or people who have cardiovascular disease.