Occurs
when bacteria builds up on your teeth under the
gums, causing your gums to become red and swollen.
This condition, known as inflammation, if left untreated,
eventually results in damage to the ligaments and
bone which hold your teeth in place, forming pockets
around your teeth.
As the disease progresses and these pockets become
deeper, your teeth can become loose and fall out.
Dentists and registered dental hygienists can tell
how severe a patient's periodontitis is by measuring
pocket depth and reviewing patient x-rays.
 click the image above to visit website
A trained dental professional can administer Arestin
after scaling and root planing, a common procedure
used to treat periodontal disease.
When used together with scaling and root planing,
Arestin significantly reduces the depth of infected
pockets and helps prevent disease progression. A
combined therapy of Arestin plus scaling and root
planing is more effective at fighting periodontal
disease than scaling and root planing alone. Arestin
has been shown to be particularly effective in the
more difficult to treat patients, i.e. those that
are at a higher periodontal risk such as smokers
or people who have cardiovascular disease.
Arestin was studied in more than 920 patients with
adult periodontitis at 22 universities and dental
schools across the country. These large clinical
trials allowed for the collection of extensive data
establishing the safety and efficacy of Arestin.
Minimal side effects were reported and those that
were reported were similar to placebo. In these
trials Arestin did not alter taste, stain teeth,
or cause upset stomach. |
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To provide you with a better understanding
of wisdom teeth, we have provided the
following multimedia presentation. Many
common questions pertaining to wisdom
teeth are discussed.
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The body responds
Bacteria are certainly
a cause of gum disease, and it is important to
remove bacteria to improve gum health.
Bacteria, however, are not the direct cause of
gum and dental bone tissue damage and eventual
tooth loss. Gum and bone tissue damage are actually
caused by the body’s own defense against
bacterial infection. How could this be? Well,
as a natural infection-fighting mechanism, your
body sends white blood cells to the infection
site. One of the functions of the white blood
cells is to release enzymes to facilitate the
passage into the gum and bone tissue. Once there,
the white blood cells will destroy the bacteria.
In periodontitis, however, there is an overproduction
of these enzymes by these cells — an overproduction
that results in a greater destruction of the gum
and bone tissue than the body can repair or replace.
Therefore, treatment of periodontitis involves
a two-pronged approach: reduce the bacteria in
the tooth pockets (the space between the gum and
tooth) with a deep cleaning (known as scaling
and root planing) of the teeth, and reduce the
activity of the enzymes released in the gum tissue
with Periostat®. Extensive studies have shown
that when used with scaling and root planing,
Periostat® significantly improved the results
of this deep cleaning procedure and helped to
stop progression of the disease better than scaling
and root planing alone.
Periodontal disease often approaches silently…
Periodontal disease
can begin to affect the health of your teeth long
before you even notice symptoms. Here are
some early warning signs to look for…
- Gums that bleed when you
brush or floss.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath or
bad taste.
- Formation of deep pockets
between teeth and gums.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Changes in the way teeth
fit together when you bite.
- Don’t risk losing your
teeth and jeopardizing your health.
Does
smoking increase my risk?
The
chemicals in cigarette smoke have been shown to
harm the “helpful” bacteria that keep
your gums strong. Cigarettes also lower HDL
or your “good cholesterol,” which can
lead to artery damage and to the decreased flow
of nutrients to your gums. If you smoke, it’s
probably a good idea to try and quit.
How
many times a day should I brush my teeth?
The American Dental
Association recommends that you brush your teeth
at least 2 times every day. This will help
to cleanse your teeth of unwanted bacteria or the
food bits on which they can feed.
Does
flossing fight periodontal disease?
The American Dental
Association recommends that you floss at least once
every day. Flossing helps stimulate your
gums to rebuild themselves. Also, by scraping away
plaque and other material, flossing stimulates your
body’s immune system to take care of any invading
bacteria, thereby helping to keep gums healthy. |
| Family History
Scientists have discovered that
there is a genetic link to periodontal disease.
If members of your family have had this
disease, you should discuss it with your
general dentist or periodontist.
Tobacco Use (smoking or chewing)
The chemicals in cigarette smoke have been
shown to cause harm to the “helpful”
bacteria that keep your gums strong. Cigarettes
also lower HDL or your “good cholesterol,”
which can lead to artery damage and decreased
flow of nutrients to your gums. If you are
a smoker, it’s probably a good idea
to try and quit.
Diabetes
Diabetics are at higher risk for developing
infections, including periodontal disease.
These infections can impair the body’s
ability to process and/or utilize insulin,
which may cause your diabetes to be more
difficult to control. Diabetes may also
have an impact on the infections that cause
gum disease.
Transmission
Research has shown that the bacteria that
cause periodontal disease can be transmitted
through intimate contact such as kissing,
or sharing a toothbrush. If you have had
a relationship with someone who has symptoms
of gum disease, you should bring this to
your dentist’s attention.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is
linked to many serious health conditions.
What you may not know is that stress is
also a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Research demonstrates that stress can make
it more difficult for the body to fight
off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and
certain heart medicines can affect your
oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist
and other health care providers about all
medicines you are taking and any changes
in your overall health, you should also
inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind
your teeth at night? Clenching or grinding
your teeth can put excess force on the supporting
periodontal tissues of the teeth and can
speed up the rate at which they are destroyed.
Poor Nutrition
As you may already know, a diet low in
important nutrients can compromise the body’s
immune system and make it harder for the
body to fight off infection. Because periodontal
disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition
can worsen the condition of your gums. If
you find it difficult to maintain a well-balanced
diet, a good nutritional supplement should
be considered.
Cardiovascular Disease
Your teeth and gums are supplied with nutrients
by your vascular system. Recent studies
have shown periodontal disease may be both
a cause and a symptom of cardiovascular
disease.
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Can my diet affect my teeth?
A healthy diet helps
your body stay in top physical condition.
If you do not eat well-balanced meals every day,
you may be missing important nutrients that your
teeth and gums need to fight invading bacteria.
Talk to your dentist or physician about how you
can improve your diet for peak physical condition.
Should I go to the dentist?
If you are concerned
that any of these factors could use improvement,
call your general dentist or periodontist today
for a checkup. Your health care provider
will be better able to help you if you come to his
or her office prepared with a list of things to
discuss. |
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Today there are several
ways in which dentists and periodontists are helping
patients overcome periodontal disease. Old
and new therapies used together often help dental
professionals address the various factors that contribute
to periodontitis.
Gum
Irrigation and Ultrasonic Therapy
- Gum Irrigation:Dentists
often use a strong stream of water to help wash
plaque and bacteria off of teeth. This is done
by directing the water so that it penetrates
below the gum line. As the body responds to
this pressure, the bond between tooth and gum
is made more solid.
- Ultrasonic Therapy:
This procedure uses an instrument that directs
ultrasonic vibrations through the gums and teeth.
Similar to gum irrigation, this procedure strengthens
tooth and gum stability and encourages your
own immune cells to destroy harmful bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
Scaling and root planing
is a type of professional tooth cleaning.
It removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and
smoothes the root surfaces. |
| Why is Periostat®
(doxycycline hyclate) prescribed for periodontitis?
Most treatments for adult periodontitis
focus primarily on reducing the number of
bacteria on the surface of your teeth. For
example, your dental professional is likely
to perform SRP (scaling and root planing)
to help reduce surface bacteria. This is
an important part of your treatment because
periodontal disease begins with a bacterial
infection on the tooth surface, and by reducing
the number of bacteria, the symptoms of
periodontitis (such as bleeding) can be
reduced.
Research has shown that it is also important
to suppress your body's overproduction of
gum- and tissue-destroying enzymes. This
is where Periostat® comes in. It is
the first medication that works by reducing
the activity of the enzymes that destroy
tooth and gum tissue.
Periostat® is available by prescription
only from your dentist or periodontist and
should be taken in conjunction with SRP
delivered by your dental professional to
reduce pocket depths and improve clinical
attachment levels.
Don't take Periostat® if you are pregnant
or breast-feeding, as it may cause harm
to your unborn child or infant. Don’t
take Periostat® if you are allergic
to tetracycline antibiotics. In clinical
trials, adverse reactions to Periostat®
were similar to reactions from taking a
placebo.
Periostat® Dosage and Duration
of Treatment
Periostat® is available as a tablet
to be taken twice daily, about an hour before
or two hours after meals. Periostat®
should be taken with plenty of fluids. If
you forget to take a dose, just take the
normal dose of 1 tablet at the next scheduled
time. Do not double up to make up for the
missed tablet.
The duration of Periostat® therapy
is different for each person and depends
on the severity of your gum disease and
the time needed for your body‘s healing
process to take place. During your checkups,
your dentist or periodontist will determine
if you should stop therapy or continue to
take Periostat® based on your response
to treatment and the level of improvement
of your gum disease.
In clinical studies, Periostat® was
shown to be safe when taken for as long
as 12 months. Typically, the drug is taken
for periods of no less than 3 months. Your
dentist or periodontist will tell you how
long you should take Periostat®.
Periostat® is a unique dosage of a
drug called doxycycline. The dosage of Periostat®
differs from that of doxycycline used to
treat infections. Exceeding the recommended
dosage may result in an increased incidence
of side effects, including development of
resistant microorganisms.
Plan for Better Oral Health
At all times, follow instructions given
to you by your dentist or periodontist.
Make sure you keep appointments for treatments
and checkups. Between visits, follow good
dental hygiene as recommended by your dental
professional. If Periostat® has been
prescribed for you, make sure you take it
as directed by your dentist or periodontist. |
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Antibacterial
Therapy
It
is well established that many cases of periodontal
disease are caused by bacteria. That’s
why antibiotic therapy is widely used today to help
eliminate these harmful bacteria. This treatment
includes oral medication, locally applied antibiotics,
such as ATRIDOX® (doxycycline hyclate) 10%,
and rinses that can help fight bacterial infection.
Gum Surgery
When
periodontitis progresses deep enough in the gum
and tooth, a specialist called a periodontal surgeon
sometimes needs to perform surgery to repair the
gum. He or she uses various surgical techniques
to repair the damage. Surgery may be done on soft
tissue or bone to help the healing process.
What Should I Ask My Dentist?
On your next visit
to the dentist, let your dentist know that you care
about the condition of your gums as well as your
teeth. If it helps, write down the questions
you want to ask. Remember, a healthy smile begins
with healthy conversation.
Ask
the following questions:
Do my gums look healthy?
Did my gums bleed during this exam?
Have any spaces formed between my gums and my teeth?
Are any of my permanent teeth loose or separating?
Have there been any changes in the way my teeth
fit when I bite?
What steps can I take to achieve healthy gums?
Should I schedule an appointment with a periodontist?
Arestin®
(minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres is a treatment
for chronic periodontitis, an infection of the gums
that can lead to tooth loss. Research has
shown periodontitis may be linked to other serious
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis,
and diabetes. Microsphere technology enables extended
release of the antibiotic minocycline to effectively
kill the germs that cause periodontal disease.
Treatment
with Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres
is fast, easy and doesn't cause discomfort.
Treating periodontal disease with Arestin and scaling
and root planing will help you manage chronic periodontist
more effectively than scaling and root planing alone.
You’ll also be less likely to lose your teeth.
Patients treated with Arestin experience minimal
side effects.
Arestin does not require bandages or stitches.
Arestin is bioadhesive and bioresorbable. It will
not leak, fall out, or leave anything to be removed
by the dentist or hygienist in a follow-up visit.
Treating periodontitis with Arestin plus SRP can
keep this chronic disease from progressing to the
point where surgery is needed.
Arestin doesn't require anesthesia because application
is comfortable. |
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Who can benefit from
Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg)?
Most patients with
periodontal disease can benefit from Arestin.
However, Arestin should not be used on children
and pregnant or nursing women.
Is
treatment with Arestin a new procedure?
The use of a locally
administered antibiotic is not a new concept.
For years, dentists have used antibiotics in conjunction
with scaling and root planing treatments. However,
Arestin, which was FDA-approved in February 2001,
is the first locally-administered time released
antibiotic encapsulated in microspheres to make
Arestin a fast, easy treatment that doesn’t
cause discomfort and has been shown to be more effective
than SRP alone.
Does Arestin work?
Yes, Arestin plus scaling
and root planing is an effective treatment for periodontal
disease compared to scaling and root planing alone. Clinical studies show that patients who received
a combined treatment of scaling and root planing
and Arestin maintained healthier gums and pockets
versus those who were treated with scaling and root
planing alone. |
How
long does treatment with Arestin take?
In clinical trials,
investigators were able to treat an average of 30
periodontal pockets, in less than ten minutes.
That's up to three sites in one minute! Treatment
time for placement depends on the location and the
number of periodontal pocket sites, but generally
the procedure is fast, easy and comfortable.
Will I have to return to the dentist
to have Arestin removed?
No.
Arestin does not require bandages and won’t
leak or fall out. It is naturally absorbed into
the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed
by your dentist.
Does treatment
with Arestin hurt?
Treatment
with Arestin is easy and doesn’t cause discomfort.
There is no need for anesthesia, and that means
no needles. |
Are
there any side effects?
In
clinical studies, minimal side effects were reported.
Those that were reported were similar to those in
the placebo group. Arestin does not alter taste
buds, cause teeth staining, or upset stomach.
How much does Arestin cost?
The cost of Arestin
treatment will vary depending upon your treatment
needs. After your dentist has evaluated your
oral health and discussed the treatment options,
he or she can provide you with an estimate of the
cost. Keep in mind that treating your gum disease
today is less costly and better for your health
than waiting to treat symptoms at a more advanced
stage.
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Dentists and registered
dental hygienists can tell how severe a patient's
periodontitis is by measuring pocket depth
and reviewing patient x-rays.
As periodontal disease progresses and these
pockets become deeper, your teeth can become
loose and fall out.
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- Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres
provides dental professionals with a fast and
easy way to treat periodontal disease. Arestin
uses microsphere technology that delivers minocycline,
a potent but low-dose antibiotic that kills
the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Minocycline is placed painlessly under the gum,
directly to the infected site
- If you could see them, these microspheres
would look like tiny beads of many different
sizes. However, they are smaller than a grain
of sand and look like a yellow powder to the
naked eye. Administered as a powder, the microspheres
become moist from various fluids beneath the
gums, they stick to the infected sites around
your teeth. The moisture causes the release
of the antibiotic minocycline, which can then
access the bacteria in the intricate sites around
your teeth, including the sites that are difficult
to reach with other methods of treatment. The
different sizes of the microspheres enable the
medication to be continually released and fight
the infection for at least 21 days. This helps
control periodontitis for at least 12 months
when used with SRP.
- Arestin is administered quickly and easily.
Application is comfortable and no anesthesia
is needed. Arestin does not require bandages
and won't leak or fall out or leave anything
to be removed by your dentist.
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- Inflammation and bleeding is usually
present.
- Gum tissue is red.
- Plaque and Calculus are present.
- Pockets are usually 4mm or more.
- Pain is non specific to the tooth but
gum area.
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- Gum tissue is pink.
- No bleeding is present.
- No pain in area.
- Pockets are 3 mm or less.
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- Inflammation and bleeding is usually
present.
- Plaque and Calculus are present.
- After Scaling and Root Planing of the
tooth.
- Plaque and Calculus are removed.
- Leaving a CLEAN tooth surface.
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- Now your site is ready.
- Arestin® microspheres are placed
in the periodontal Pocket.
- The Microspheres carry the antibiotic
minocycline.
- The mocrospheres are actively releasing
the minocycline up to 14 days.
- The microsphere are completely resorbed
on there own.
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- Follow up visits will reveal no bleeding
upon probing.
- No inflammation in most cases.
- No bleeding in most cases.
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Periodontal
disease is a chronic bacterial infection, and like
most bacterial infections, can be treated with an
antibiotic. Dentists and hygienists typically
treat periodontal disease with a procedure called
scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP is a non-surgical
procedure that involves a deep cleaning above and
below the gum line in order to remove plaque that
accumulates on the tooth. The root is then planed
until it is smooth to eliminate plaque deposits
on the root that can breed bacteria. Although SRP
is effective at removing plaque build up, it doesn't
eliminate all the bacteria that cause periodontal
disease. Adding Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1
mg) helps eliminate the remaining bacteria.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection,
and like most bacterial infections, can be treated
with an antibiotic. Dentists and hygienists typically
treat periodontal disease with a procedure called
scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP is a non-surgical
procedure that involves a deep cleaning above and
below the gum line in order to remove plaque that
accumulates on the tooth. The root is then planed
until it is smooth to eliminate plaque deposits
on the root that can breed bacteria. Although SRP
is effective at removing plaque build up, it doesn't
eliminate all the bacteria that cause periodontal
disease. Adding Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1
mg) helps eliminate the remaining bacteria. |
|
A healthy diet helps your
body stay in top physical condition.
If you do not eat well-balanced meals every
day, you may be missing important nutrients
that your teeth and gums need to fight invading
bacteria. Talk to your dentist or physician
about how you can improve your diet for peak
physical condition.
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Arestin
used in conjunction with scaling and root planing
is more effective at fighting periodontal disease
than scaling and root planing alone. Scaling
and root planing cleans the gums and therefore
helps combat gum disease. However, scaling and
root planing doesn't get deep into the infected
site and can't kill all the bacteria which causes
periodontal disease. Administered directly into
the infected pocket, Arestin kills the bacteria
that scaling and root planing can't reach.
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The
clinical trials for Arestin® (minocycline HCl
1 mg) microspheres were large and well controlled.
These studies were conducted at 22 universities
and dental schools across the United States in more
than 920 patients with adult periodontitis.
In these clinical trials, patients treated with
Arestin plus scaling and root planing (SRP) had
significantly reduced pocket depth compared to those
treated with SRP alone. Pocket depth is a measurement
that is used to diagnose and monitor the severity
of periodontal disease. Pockets are formed around
teeth when supporting tissue and bone is destroyed.
Because the severity of periodontal disease is measured
in part by the depth of pockets, a desired outcome
in periodontal disease treatment is the reduction
of pocket depth. In addition, clinical trials showed
that 25 percent more patients treated with a combined
therapy of Arestin plus SRP as compared to SRP treatment
alone, reduced their pocket depth below 5mm, restoring
their dental health to a point that can be more
easily maintained.
The trials also showed that Arestin used with SRP
was particularly effective in patients with cardiovascular
disease and patients who smoke. Arestin was also
effective in more difficult to treat teeth such
as molars and in challenging to treat sites that
occur between tooth roots know as furcations. Typically,
molar teeth and their furcation sites in particular
are hard to clean with the scaling and root planing
procedure because of their shape and location in
the mouth. Arestin is easy to apply, allowing dentists
to reach these harder to treat sites and because
Arestin is so adhesive, the antibiotic remains in
these difficult to treat areas and kills the infection
for a long period of time. Arestin can be administered
quickly right after scaling and root planing, which
allows patients to address all of their oral health
needs in one brief visit.
In addition, studies show that there is a possible
link between periodontal infection and cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and increased incidence
of pre-term, low-birth weight babies. These added
risks makes early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal
disease even more important. |
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Following
treatment for periodontal disease using a combination
of Arestin® and scaling and root planing (SRP),
you should continue to take care of your gums and
mouth by practicing good oral hygiene, brushing
three times a day and flossing regularly.
After treatment, avoid eating hard, crunchy, or
sticky foods for one week. You can resume your normal
oral hygiene routine 12 hours after treatment. To
maximize the results of your treatment, speak to
your dentist and follow these recommendations.
How do I get the best results from
my treatment with Arestin?
To
achieve the best results, follow the instructions
given by your dental professional. You'll
also find these important guidelines useful:
- Avoid touching treated areas.
Wait 12 hours after your treatment before brushing
teeth.
- Wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks,
or other devices designed to clean between teeth.
Avoid foods for 1 week that could hurt your
gums.
- Gum disease can recur and needs to be checked
regularly. Be sure to return for your follow-up
appointments.
- Periodontitis is a chronic disease and needs
to be checked regularly. Be sure to return for
your follow-up appointments.
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