As an active bacterial infection, periodontitis can pose a range of risks and potential oral health consequences to patients if not controlled. Because periodontitis manifests at both the microbial and clinical levels, a treatment plan that addresses both may be appropriate. ARESTIN is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis.
Dr. Ashish Arya, who is in private practice in Rocklin, CA, used to do SRPs exclusively in practice and would use chlorhexidine irrigation/home rinse, but has since adopted ARESTIN.
“We use ARESTIN for pockets 5 mm and above with bleeding, especially in localized areas. If generalized 5 mm and above, we use a generic minocycline syringe wherever needed,” said Dr. Arya.
Because most patients are motivated to accept recommended treatment when periodontal disease is explained as a chronic bacterial infection that can lead to other symptoms—such as tooth loss—the importance of "seeing is believing" can often mean the difference with regard to patient acceptance.
“We use their radiographs, intraoral photos, and periodontal chart along with a video or flip chart showing how the presence of plaque/calculus can lead to periodontal infect and potential bone loss,” said Dr. Arya. “On the same video/flip chart, it shows the correlation of the 2 and this seems to be a real eye opener for patients.”
Once ARESTIN is administered in the office, it continues to fight infection after the patient has left the office and will continue to do so until the next treatment date, but Dr. Arya insists that the product has produced more immediate results for his patients.
“In most localized cases, the results are amazing—usually a pocket reduction of 2 to 3 mm. For generalized areas, the results are typically a 1 to 2 mm reduction usually due to recurrent calculus build up,” added Dr. Arya.