Arestin Treatment in Fullerton, CA

At Opus Dental in Fullerton, CA, we offer advanced periodontal therapy options like ARESTIN® to help treat and manage gum disease more effectively. Arestin is a locally delivered antibiotic placed directly into periodontal pockets after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to help eliminate bacteria at the source and support healthier gums.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, Arestin can be an important part of your treatment plan to reduce infection, improve healing, and help prevent disease progression.

What Is Arestin?

Arestin is a minocycline-based antibiotic in the form of tiny, time-released microspheres. After your gums are professionally cleaned through scaling and root planing, Arestin is placed directly into the infected gum pockets.

Unlike oral antibiotics, Arestin works locally—delivering medication exactly where it’s needed most.

Once placed, the microspheres gradually dissolve and release medication over time to help reduce harmful bacteria below the gumline.

How Arestin Works

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live deep below the gumline where brushing and flossing cannot reach. Arestin targets these areas directly.

  • Placed into periodontal pockets after deep cleaning
  • Releases antibiotics over time directly at the infection site
  • Helps reduce bacteria and inflammation
  • Supports gum tissue healing after scaling and root planing

Because it is localized, Arestin delivers a higher concentration of medication directly where it is needed most.

When Is Arestin Recommended?

Your dentist at Opus Dental may recommend Arestin if you have:

  • Moderate to advanced gum (periodontal) disease
  • Deep periodontal pockets that remain after deep cleaning
  • Active bacterial infection below the gumline
  • Areas that are not responding fully to scaling and root planing alone
  • A need for additional support in controlling gum inflammation

Arestin is not used as a standalone treatment—it is an adjunct therapy used alongside deep cleaning procedures.

Benefits of Arestin Treatment

Arestin provides several important benefits for patients with gum disease:

Targets Infection at the Source

Delivers antibiotics directly into infected gum pockets.

Supports Deep Cleaning Results

Enhances the effectiveness of scaling and root planing.

Reduces Bacteria Over Time

Continuously releases medication for days after placement.

Helps Improve Gum Health

Supports reduced inflammation and pocket depth improvement.

Non-Surgical and Comfortable

Quick, painless application during a routine dental visit.

What to Expect During Treatment

Arestin is placed after your deep cleaning procedure:

Step 1: Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

Your teeth and roots are thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Step 2: Placement of Arestin

The antibiotic microspheres are gently placed into the gum pockets.

Step 3: Healing & Aftercare

The medication works over time as your gums begin to heal. You may be advised to avoid flossing or touching treated areas for a short period.

Is Arestin Necessary?

Arestin is not required for every patient with gum disease. It is recommended on a case-by-case basis depending on:

  • Pocket depth
  • Severity of infection
  • Response to deep cleaning
  • Individual risk factors

At Opus Dental, we only recommend Arestin when it can provide meaningful clinical benefit as part of your periodontal treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Arestin used for?

Arestin is used to treat gum disease by placing antibiotics directly into infected periodontal pockets after a deep cleaning.

Is Arestin an antibiotic?

Yes. Arestin contains minocycline, an antibiotic that helps reduce bacteria causing gum disease.

Does Arestin replace a deep cleaning?

No. Arestin is not a replacement for scaling and root planing. It is used as an additional treatment after deep cleaning.

Is the Arestin procedure painful?

No. Arestin placement is typically painless and does not require anesthesia.

How long does Arestin work?

Arestin continues releasing medication for several days after placement, helping fight bacteria during early healing.

Are there side effects of Arestin?

Side effects are rare but may include temporary gum sensitivity or mild irritation at the treatment site.

Do all patients with gum disease need Arestin?

No. It is recommended only for certain cases of periodontal disease where additional bacterial control is needed.

How is Arestin different from oral antibiotics?

Arestin is placed directly into gum pockets, delivering concentrated treatment at the infection site, unlike oral antibiotics that affect the whole body.

ARESTIN® starts working quickly, right at the source of infection, and keeps fighting bacteria long after you leave the dental office. 1,2

ARESTIN® fights infection and inflammation for 30 days,2 and provides significantly better results than scaling and root planing alone for up to 90 days.3

1. Oringer RJ, Al-Shammari KF, Aldredge WA, et al. Effect of locally administered minocycline microspheres on markers of bone resorption. J Periodontol 2002;73:835-842.
2. Goodson JM, Gunsollwy JC, Grossi SG, et al. Minocycline HCl microspheres reduce red-complex bacteria in periodontal disease therapy. J Periodontol 2007;78(8):1568-1579.
3. Williams RC, Paquette DW, Offenbacher S, et al. Treatment of periodontitis by local administration of minocycline microspheres: a controlled trial. J Periodontol 2001;72:1535-1544.