Caring For Your Antibiotic Treatment
Today we placed Arestin, a powerful antibiotic powder, directly into the gum pockets where bacteria collect. It keeps working for days right where it is needed, helping your gums heal alongside your deep cleaning. A few simple steps help it do its job. Here is how.
The First 12 Hours
- Do not brush or floss the treated areas for 12 hours, so the medicine stays in place.
- Avoid touching the area with your tongue or finger.
- A slight feeling of the powder in the gums is normal at first.
The First Week
- Wait 10 days before flossing the treated areas, so the medicine is not pulled out. Brush gently elsewhere as normal.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods in those areas for the first week.
- Mild soreness or sensitivity is normal and fades.
What To Expect
- The medicine dissolves on its own. There is nothing to remove.
- It keeps releasing antibiotic into the pocket for about two weeks, right where the bacteria are.
- This works best alongside your deep cleaning and good home care.
- For tender gums, vitamin E can soothe and help healing. Take it over the counter, or break a gel capsule and rub it on the gums. You can also ask us for StellaLife gel.
Call Us If
- Swelling, increasing pain, or a fever develops in the treated areas.
- You have an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or trouble breathing.
- A bad taste or odor that does not clear up.
- Anything that concerns you about how it is healing.
Making The Most Of Your Treatment
Arestin gives your gums extra help right where they need it, but it works best as part of your bigger gum-health plan.
- Follow the no-floss window on the treated areas so the medicine can finish its work.
- Keep up gentle daily brushing everywhere else and resume normal flossing after 10 days.
- Stay on your periodontal maintenance schedule. The antibiotic is a boost, not a substitute for keeping the bacteria controlled long term.
Give it those few days to work and you get the full benefit alongside your deep cleaning!
Questions about your treatment or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
