ARESTIN® Antibiotic Treatment for Gum Disease in Chevy Chase, MD
Periodontal disease is an aggressive gum disorder that only gets worse with time if treatment isn’t sought out as soon as possible.
Restore Your Gum Health With ARESTIN® at Smiles of Chevy Chase
If your dentist has told you that your gum pockets are still too deep after a deep cleaning, you may be a candidate for ARESTIN®—a locally applied antibiotic that goes straight into the infected tissue to fight gum disease where it starts. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis uses ARESTIN® as part of a targeted periodontal treatment program for patients with mild to moderate periodontitis in Chevy Chase, MD, and surrounding communities, including Bethesda, Potomac, Somerset, Forest Hills, and Washington, D.C.
You don’t have to settle for gum disease getting worse. ARESTIN®, combined with proper periodontal care, can meaningfully reduce pocket depth and give your gums a real chance to heal.
Ready to find out if ARESTIN® is right for you? Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-0656 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis today.
What Is ARESTIN®?
ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride microspheres, 1 mg) is the only FDA-approved locally applied antibiotic used alongside scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of adult periodontitis. Unlike antibiotic pills that travel through your entire body, ARESTIN® is applied directly into infected gum pockets, putting the antibiotic exactly where the infection lives.
Developed by OraPharma (a division of Bausch Health), ARESTIN® has been in continuous clinical use for 25 years and is supported by extensive peer-reviewed evidence. It consists of tiny bioresorbable microspheres containing minocycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the tetracycline family, that gradually dissolve inside the gum pocket over time, releasing the antibiotic in a controlled, sustained manner.
In plain terms, ARESTIN® keeps working on your gum infection long after you leave the dental chair.
Why Gum Disease Doesn't Always Respond to Cleaning Alone
Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that starts with plaque buildup below the gumline, leading to inflammation and damage to soft tissue and bone. This creates deep pockets between teeth and gums, which can harbor harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia.
While scaling and root planing (SRP) is an effective treatment, bacteria can remain in areas that cleaning can’t reach, allowing the infection to return. This is where ARESTIN® becomes important.
Common signs you may need more than a standard cleaning include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or elongated teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gum pockets deeper than 5 mm
- Pain when chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, consider consulting our dentist in Chevy Chase, MD.
How ARESTIN® Works — The Science Behind the Microspheres
What makes ARESTIN® different from other antibiotic approaches is its delivery system. Each microsphere is made from a biodegradable polymer (PLGA) that encapsulates minocycline. When placed inside a gum pocket, the microspheres are:
- Adhere to the pocket walls and surrounding tissue immediately after application
- Release minocycline in sustained, bactericidal concentrations—research shows ARESTIN® maintains drug levels greater than 1 µg/mL in the gum crevicular fluid for up to 14 days
- Naturally biodegrade—there’s nothing to remove. The microspheres dissolve completely on their own
This sustained-release mechanism means the antibiotic concentration inside your gum pocket is estimated to be at least 100 times higher than what would be achieved through a systemic oral antibiotic, with virtually none of the systemic side effects.
Clinical trial data showed that patients treated with ARESTIN® plus SRP had statistically significantly reduced probing pocket depths compared to those who received SRP alone, and these results were maintained at 9 months post-treatment (p < 0.01). Additional research confirms that ARESTIN provides superior results compared to SRP alone for up to 90 days after a single application.
Who Is a Candidate for ARESTIN® in Chevy Chase?
ARESTIN® is most effective for adults with mild to moderate periodontitis—specifically patients who:
- Have gum pockets measuring 5 mm or deeper after scaling and root planing
- Are in a periodontal maintenance program and experiencing pocket recurrence
- Have been diagnosed with initial or moderate periodontitis (not just gingivitis)
- Want to avoid or delay surgical intervention with a non-surgical alternative
Dr. Markogiannakis will measure your pocket depths during your periodontal exam. If your pockets remain elevated following SRP, she may recommend ARESTIN® as part of your ongoing care plan.
ARESTIN® is NOT appropriate for:
- Children and teenagers (tetracycline-class drugs can affect developing teeth)
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Patients with known allergies to minocycline or any tetracycline antibiotic
- Patients with an acutely abscessed periodontal pocket
If you’re unsure whether ARESTIN® is right for you, our team at Smiles of Chevy Chase can help you find out. Contact our dentist near you in Chevy Chase, MD, at (301) 652-0656 to schedule a thorough periodontal evaluation.
What to Expect During Your ARESTIN® Appointment
The ARESTIN® procedure is simple, comfortable, and completed in the same appointment as your scaling and root planing — no separate visit required.
Benefits of ARESTIN®
Why patients at Smiles of Chevy Chase choose this treatment:
- Targeted delivery—ARESTIN® delivers antibiotics directly to the infection site, achieving higher concentrations than oral antibiotics. Its extended-release formula works for up to 30 days, providing clinically superior results compared to SRP alone for up to 90 days, offering months of benefit from a single appointment.
- Clinical studies show that ARESTIN® combined with SRP significantly reduces gum pocket depth for patients with pockets of 5 mm or deeper, potentially preventing the need for surgery.
- Non-surgical and FDA-approved, ARESTIN® is part of your periodontal therapy plan. It requires no cutting, stitches, or lengthy recovery, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
- Biodegradable microspheres dissolve on their own, leaving nothing behind—no removal procedure needed.
ARESTIN® vs. Oral Antibiotics — What's the Difference?
Patients sometimes ask why their dentist would recommend ARESTIN® instead of a simple course of oral antibiotics. The answer comes down to concentration and targeting.
When you take an antibiotic pill, it enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your entire body. By the time it reaches the tiny, fluid-rich environment of a gum pocket, the concentration at the site of infection may be far below what’s needed to effectively kill the bacteria living there.
ARESTIN® bypasses all of that. Because it’s placed directly in the pocket, it achieves local drug concentrations estimated to be 100 times higher than systemic delivery— without exposing the rest of your body to the same antibiotic load. This reduces the risk of systemic side effects and contributes to better treatment outcomes at the actual site of disease.
There’s also the issue of antibiotic resistance. Systemic antibiotics used repeatedly contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains throughout your body. Local delivery minimizes that risk while maximizing therapeutic benefit exactly where you need it.
Insurance Coverage and Cost for ARESTIN® Treatment
The cost of ARESTIN® treatment varies based on the number of gum pockets being treated and the extent of your periodontal disease.
Good news: many dental insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for ARESTIN® when it is used in conjunction with scaling and root planing as part of a medically necessary periodontal treatment plan. Our front desk team at Smiles of Chevy Chase will contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific benefits before your appointment, so there are no billing surprises.
For patients without dental insurance or with out-of-pocket costs, Smiles of Chevy Chase accepts multiple payment methods and can help connect you with low-interest medical financing options.
To get a personalized estimate and confirm your coverage, call our office at (301) 652-0656 or ask a team member during your next visit.
Why Choose Dr. Markogiannakis for ARESTIN® Treatment at Smiles of Chevy Chase
Smiles of Chevy Chase is an award-winning dental practice recognized as a top practice by Washingtonian Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Potomac Magazine—a distinction earned through consistent clinical excellence and exceptional patient care.
Dr. Despina Markogiannakis brings extensive experience in periodontal disease management, including ARESTIN® therapy, to every patient she treats. She takes the time to perform a thorough periodontal evaluation—measure pocket depths, review your health history, and assess risk factors—before recommending any treatment. ARESTIN® is never prescribed reflexively; it’s recommended when the clinical data support it.
Our team serves patients throughout the greater Chevy Chase, MD, area—including Bethesda, Potomac, Somerset, Forest Hills, Northwest Washington, D.C., and Kensington. If you’ve been searching for a dentist near you who offers ARESTIN® antibiotic gum treatment, you’ve found us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARESTIN® safe?
Yes. ARESTIN® is FDA-approved and has been used safely in clinical practice for over 25 years. Like any medication, it carries potential side effects and contraindications. Patients allergic to minocycline or tetracycline antibiotics should not use ARESTIN®. Pregnant and nursing women and children should also avoid it. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, temporary tooth sensitivity, and mild gum discomfort at the treatment site — all generally short-lived. Discuss your full health and medication history with Dr. Markogiannakis before treatment.
Does ARESTIN® hurt?
The application itself is typically painless and doesn’t require an injection or local anesthesia. Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the treated area for a few days after the procedure, which resolves on its own.
How long does ARESTIN® last?
The microspheres biodegrade within approximately 30 days. Clinical research shows ARESTIN® continues to provide superior outcomes compared to SRP alone for up to 90 days following a single application.
How many ARESTIN® treatments will I need?
That depends on the number and severity of your infected pockets and how your gums respond to treatment. Some patients need ARESTIN® applied once as part of a single SRP session. Others with more extensive or recurring periodontitis may need retreatment at follow-up periodontal maintenance visits—typically every 3 to 6 months. Dr. Markogiannakis will outline a personalized plan based on your clinical measurements.
Can I find ARESTIN® gum treatment near me in Bethesda or Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Smiles of Chevy Chase is conveniently located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815—just minutes from Bethesda, Northwest D.C., Potomac, and surrounding areas. We serve new and returning patients from across the greater Washington region. Call (301) 652-0656 or book online to schedule your periodontal evaluation.
Will ARESTIN® make my gum disease go away permanently?
ARESTIN® is a highly effective component of periodontal disease management — but it’s important to understand that periodontitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. ARESTIN® significantly reduces pocket depth and bacterial load, but long-term success also depends on regular professional maintenance, excellent home hygiene, and addressing risk factors like smoking or uncontrolled diabetes. Think of it as a powerful weapon in an ongoing strategy, not a one-time cure.
Does my dental insurance cover ARESTIN®?
Many dental insurance plans cover ARESTIN® when it’s medically necessary and administered alongside scaling and root planing. Coverage varies by plan. Our team at Smiles of Chevy Chase will verify your benefits and handle the pre-authorization process on your behalf.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
Gum disease doesn’t resolve on its own — and the longer it’s left untreated, the more bone and tissue you stand to lose. If you’ve been told you have deep gum pockets, are dealing with persistent bleeding or recession, or simply want to find out whether ARESTIN® is right for you, Dr. Markogiannakis and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase are here to help.
Contact our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-0656 to schedule your consultation. We offer thorough periodontal evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and the kind of care that consistently earns us recognition as one of the top dental practices in the Washington area.
Smiles of Chevy Chase is located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Serving patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Somerset, Forest Hills, Kensington, and Washington, D.C.
