Atridox and Arestin
Scaling and root planing alone aren't always sufficient to stave off disease. In some cases, Dr. Lee may recommend local antibiotic treatment to help battle the recurring infection. Elkhart Dental and Implant Center uses Arestin and Atridox to wipe out periodontal problems and help return gums to health.
Arestin
Arestin is an effective antibiotic treatment that comes in powder form. Its granular form makes it easy to place inside periodontal pockets without invasive procedures. Arestin is placed inside infected pockets just after scaling and root planing so that treatment may be ongoing - even after the patient has left our office.
How It Works
Arestin's powder contains microscopic "microspheres." These tiny, bead-like particles are so smaller as to be invisible to the naked eye. The microspheres are filled with the antibiotic minocycline. They release this medication over time at the infected pocket, killing periodontal bacteria present for the 21 days following antibiotic placement.
Proven Results
Arestin microspheres continue to fight the infection for up to 21 days after in-office periodontal treatment. In clinical studies, Arestin has been proven to be more effective than scaling and root planing alone. Arestin also significantly reduced the size of periodontal pockets compared to SRP as the sole treatment, killed the bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease, and reduced bleeding on probing of the gums.
Atridox
ATRIDOX is an antibiotic gel that is placed at infected periodontal pockets. Once in the pocket, the gel solidifies into a waxy substance. This allows it to remain in the region and gradually release medication for up to three weeks after placement. Depending on your case, either Arestin or ATRIDOX could be right for your periodontal treatment. Dr. Lee will talk to you about which makes more sense for treatment of your periodontal problems.
How does ATRIDOX work?
Like Arestin, ATRIDOX gradually releases antibiotic medication to treat ongoing disease. ATRIDOX contains an antibiotic called doxycycline-hyclate. It kills bacteria associated with periodontal diease to stop the disease's progression. Pairing antibiotic treatment with SRP has shown that most thorough results.
What can I do to prevent periodontal disease from returning?
Follow Dr. Lee's aftercare instructions. He'll let you know what it is that you need to do to take care of your gums. It's important to brush and floss carefully and thoroughly, also you may need to be gentler than usual.
If you have any questions during your periodontal treatment and aftercare, get in touch with Elkhart Dental and Implant Center.
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