Shenandoah Dental Center

Periodontal Care

ARESTIN Therapy

A targeted antibiotic that goes where mouthwash can't — deep into infected gum pockets, where periodontal disease actually lives.

Reviewed by Dr. Mini Nair, DDS — Updated 2026

What ARESTIN does

ARESTIN is a tiny, time-released antibiotic powder placed directly into the gum pockets after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). It works on the bacteria that cause periodontitis — targeting the source of infection rather than masking the symptoms.

When we recommend it

If your gum pockets measure 5 mm or deeper, regular cleanings and home brushing may not be enough. ARESTIN is often combined with scaling and root planing for these moderate-to-advanced cases. We'll measure your gum pocket depth at every cleaning and let you know if it's a fit.

What to expect

  1. Numbing of the area being treated
  2. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning under the gumline)
  3. ARESTIN powder placed into the cleaned pocket
  4. No special diet or activity restrictions — go about your day
  5. Follow-up cleaning in 6–8 weeks to evaluate healing

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Catching it and treating it early — even with something as simple as ARESTIN — can make the difference between keeping your teeth and losing them.

Ready When You Are

Let's write the next chapterof your smile's story.

Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.