Arestin® and Deep Cleanings: How We Treat Gum Disease More Effectively at Canyon View Dentistry
A Research-Backed Approach to Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) in Littleton, CO
If you’ve been told you need a “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing (SRP), you may have questions like:
What exactly is being treated?
Why isn’t a regular cleaning enough?
Is there anything that can make treatment more effective?
At Canyon View Dentistry, we believe in going beyond the basics—especially when it comes to gum disease. One of the ways we improve outcomes for our patients is by using Arestin®, a locally applied antibiotic placed directly into infected gum pockets after SRP.
This allows us to treat gum disease at a deeper, more targeted level.
What Is Arestin®?
Arestin® is a locally delivered antibiotic (minocycline microspheres) used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to treat periodontal (gum) disease.
Instead of taking an oral antibiotic that affects your entire body, Arestin is:
- Placed directly into the infected gum pocket
- Designed to stay in place and release medication over time
- Focused specifically on the bacteria causing gum disease
This targeted approach helps reduce harmful bacteria where it matters most—below the gumline.
Why Gum Disease Requires More Than Just a Cleaning
Gum disease (periodontitis) occurs when bacteria build up under the gums and create infection.
A standard cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. However, when gum disease progresses, bacteria form deep pockets that require scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove.
Even with excellent SRP technique:
- Some bacteria can remain in deep pockets
- These bacteria can continue to cause inflammation and bone loss
- Healing may be slower or incomplete in certain areas
This is where Arestin becomes valuable.
How Arestin Works During SRP Therapy
After scaling and root planing is completed, Arestin is placed into selected periodontal pockets.
What happens next:
- The antibiotic is delivered directly into the infected site
- It slowly releases over time
- It targets bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease
- It helps reduce pocket depth and inflammation
Because Arestin is localized, it allows for high concentrations of antibiotic right where it’s needed without exposing the entire body to systemic medication.
Who Benefits Most from Arestin?
Arestin is not used for every patient—it is typically recommended for patients who have:
Moderate to advanced gum disease
Deeper periodontal pockets (generally 5mm or greater)
Areas that are not responding ideally to SRP alone
Bleeding, inflammation, or signs of active infection
A history of periodontal disease progression
At Canyon View Dentistry, we evaluate each patient individually to determine where Arestin will provide the most benefit.
The Benefits of Using Arestin®
More Effective Bacterial Reduction
Arestin targets the specific bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, helping reduce infection beyond mechanical cleaning alone.
Improved Healing After SRP
By reducing bacterial load, Arestin can support better healing of the gum tissue and attachment.
Reduction in Pocket Depth
Clinical studies have shown that patients receiving Arestin with SRP experienced greater reductions in pocket depth compared to SRP alone.
Localized Treatment
Because Arestin is placed directly into the gum pocket, it avoids many of the concerns associated with systemic antibiotics.
Convenient and Comfortable
Placement is quick, requires no additional injections, and is done at the time of your SRP appointment.
Why We Use Arestin at Canyon View Dentistry
Our goal is not just to clean teeth—it is to stop disease progression and help our patients keep their teeth for life.
When we recommend Arestin, it is because we believe it can:
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Reduce the risk of continued bone loss
- Support long-term gum health
- Help avoid more invasive procedures in the future
We take a targeted, evidence-based approach to periodontal care, and Arestin is one of the tools that allows us to do that more effectively.
Arestin vs. Oral Antibiotics
Patients sometimes ask why we do not simply prescribe antibiotics in pill form.
Oral antibiotics:
- Affect the entire body
- May not reach high concentrations in gum pockets
- Can contribute to antibiotic resistance
Arestin:
- Delivered directly where infection exists
- Maintains higher local concentration
- Minimizes systemic exposure
This makes Arestin a more precise and focused option for periodontal therapy.
What to Expect After Arestin Placement
After Arestin is placed, we will give you simple instructions to help protect the area while it heals.
You may be asked to:
- Avoid flossing the treated area for a short period
- Stick to softer foods for a day or two
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Most patients experience little to no discomfort after placement.
Treating Gum Disease Early Matters
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, but it is also highly treatable—especially when caught early.
Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Bone loss
- Gum recession
- Tooth mobility
- Tooth loss
By combining scaling and root planing with advanced therapies like Arestin, we can significantly improve outcomes.
Looking for Periodontal Treatment in Littleton?
If you have been told you need a deep cleaning or have concerns about bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, Canyon View Dentistry is here to help.
We use modern, research-backed techniques—including Arestin—to provide more effective, comfortable care.
Our goal is simple: help you stabilize your gum health and keep your natural teeth long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arestin
Is Arestin safe?
Yes. Arestin has been studied extensively and is FDA-approved for use in periodontal pockets as part of SRP therapy.
Does Arestin replace a deep cleaning?
No. Arestin is used in addition to scaling and root planing, not as a replacement.
Does Arestin hurt?
Placement is typically very comfortable and does not require additional numbing beyond what is used for SRP.
How long does Arestin stay in the gums?
Arestin releases medication over time and is gradually absorbed by the body.
Will I need Arestin at every visit?
Not necessarily. It is used selectively based on pocket depth, inflammation, and response to treatment.
