Having a healthy mouth and radiant smile is important to maintaining overall health. The treatment of periodontal disease is a serious concern for dentists, since it is essential to treat before the problem gets out of hand.. Identifying gum disease is the first step on the path to restoring oral health.
Getting Ahead of Periodontal Disease
Early detection of gingivitis is crucial to finding an effective treatment plan. In its earliest stage, gingivitis is highly treatable by following good oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist regularly. Professional dental cleaning, along with routine checks of your tongue, teeth and gums, can help to prevent progression of periodontal disease.
In patients with periodontal disease, pockets form in the gums as a result of infection. Several serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, stroke, heart disease and some forms of cancer have been linked to bacteria caused by gingivitis migrating into the bloodstream. Arestin is leading the pack in treatment of gum disease.
Arestin to the Rescue
The treatment plan for gum disease has typically included scaling and root planing of the affected areas of the gums, followed by a course of prescribed oral antibiotics such as tetracycline. Oral antibiotics take time to work as they must be digested and absorbed by the bloodstream to travel to where they’re needed.
A member of the tetracycline family, Arestin is applied directly into the gumline pockets after scaling and planing. Arestin works immediately, beginning the healing process faster than oral antibiotics, and it provides long-lasting delivery of medication for up to 21 days. The application of Arestin doesn’t require needles or anesthesia and is not considered to be an invasive procedure. It can be administered right after scaling and root planing. Your dentist may choose to prescribe administration after a short period of time.
The Importance of Follow Up Appointments
While you are undergoing treatment, it is important to follow up with your dental team and keep your appointments. You may not be able to see improvement to your gums, but your dentist will be able to see that your gums are looking healthier, that the pockets have not deepened and are less deep than they were prior. Some signs that your condition is improving are that your teeth may not be as loose as they were prior to treatment, and there’s less gum bleeding.
Clinical studies report that treatment with Arestin provides two times the reduction in gum bleeding and bacteria in the mouth, and a 40% reduction in gum pocket depth when compared with the effectiveness of just scaling and root planing. Defeating gum disease and restoring your oral health is our priority at Viner Dental. Call us at 561-367-9922 now to schedule an appointment, and see if using Arestin is right for you!
