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Alternatives: Periodontal Medications

Alternatives: Periodontal Medications

Alternatives: Periodontal Medications

Medications control infection

After your scaling and root planing procedure, we may administer medication to control the infection and promote healing.

Depending on your particular case, we may use Arestin, Atridox, or Periostat to administer antibiotics or Periochip to deliver chlorhexidine.

Arestin

Arestin is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. It is in a granular substance that we place in the periodontal pocket that formed between your gum and tooth. The moisture in your mouth makes the antibiotic stick to the pocket and tooth surface.

A steady flow of Arestin is released for up to 21 days to reduce pocket depth and the spread of the disease.

Atridox

Atridox is an antimicrobial antibiotic that kills bacteria and prevents more bacteria from growing. It is a gel that flows into the pocket and quickly turns into a wax-like substance. It releases the antibiotic for about 7 days and then dissolves away.

Periostat

Periostat is a prescription medication that you take after your scaling and root planing procedure. It reduces the activity of the enzymes that destroy the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.

Periochip

Periochip is another medication that is used at the site of infection. It is a small chip of medication placed between the tooth and gum. As it dissolves, it releases an antimicrobial medication called chlorhexidine, over a 7-day period of time.

Medication precautions

These medications are not right for everyone and could interfere with any other prescribed or over-the-counter supplements you may be taking, including vitamins. So, we will ask you about your medical history.

Arestin, Atridox, and Periostat are in the tetracycline family of drugs. They should not be used by anyone who is pregnant, allergic to tetracycline, or under 8-years old.

Periochip should not be used by someone who is sensitive to, or allergic to, chlorhexidine, pregnant or nursing.

These medications can help speed your healing. If one of them is right for you, we will talk to you about how we can get your periodontal disease under control.

Patient Reviews

  • Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.

    ~Review by Eileen S.

  • Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).

    ~Review by Mary Ellen M.

  • Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.

    ~Review by Elena C.

  • I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.

    ~Review by Paulina C.

  • Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.

    ~Review by Diane S.

  • Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.

    ~Review by Kenneth C.

  • The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.

    ~Review by Amanda C.

  • Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.

    ~Review by Patricia L.

  • Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.

    ~Review by Charles G.

  • Excellent.

    ~Review by Dom J.

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