ARESTIN® Gum Disease Treatment in Midtown East, NYC

Periodontitis can create deep spaces between the teeth and gums where disease-causing bacteria are difficult to remove. Dr. Sonia Kohli may recommend ARESTIN® as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for selected adult patients with periodontal disease.

Our East 48th Street dental office provides gum disease evaluations and personalized periodontal care for patients near Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and the surrounding Midtown Manhattan area.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and other structures that support the teeth. It begins when bacterial plaque accumulates around the teeth and gumline.

The earliest stage, gingivitis, may cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums without damaging the supporting bone. When the condition progresses to periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form periodontal pockets. These pockets can collect bacteria and become increasingly difficult to keep clean.

Without appropriate care, periodontitis can contribute to:

• Persistent gum inflammation
• Bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Persistent bad breath
• Loss of supporting bone
• Changes in the way the teeth fit together
• Loose teeth
• Eventual tooth loss

Not everyone with bleeding gums has periodontitis, and gum disease may sometimes progress without obvious discomfort. A periodontal evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and severity of your symptoms.

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?

During a periodontal evaluation, Dr. Kohli examines the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. The evaluation may include:

• Reviewing your symptoms, health history, and medications
• Checking for gum redness, swelling, bleeding, or recession
• Measuring the spaces between the teeth and gums
• Evaluating tooth mobility and bite changes
• Looking for plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Reviewing dental X-rays when needed to assess supporting bone
• Identifying health, behavioral, or lifestyle risk factors

Periodontal measurements help Dr. Kohli identify deeper pockets that may require treatment and monitor how the gums respond over time.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment used to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from below the gumline. Scaling removes deposits from the teeth and root surfaces, while root planing smooths contaminated areas of the roots to support healing and make the surfaces easier to maintain.

Treatment may be completed in sections of the mouth and may require more than one visit. Local anesthesia can be used when necessary to improve comfort.

ARESTIN does not replace scaling and root planing. It may be applied to selected periodontal pockets as an additional treatment when Dr. Kohli determines that local antibiotic therapy may be beneficial.

How Does ARESTIN Work?

ARESTIN contains minocycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic in the tetracycline class. The medication is contained in bioresorbable microspheres that are placed directly inside a periodontal pocket.

After application, the microspheres release minocycline locally over time. This places the medication at the treated site rather than requiring the patient to take an oral antibiotic pill.

ARESTIN is used with scaling and root planing to reduce periodontal pocket depth in adults with periodontitis. It should be part of a broader oral health program that includes effective brushing, interdental cleaning, professional periodontal care, and recommended follow-up visits.

Who May Be a Candidate for ARESTIN?

ARESTIN may be considered for an adult with periodontitis who has selected periodontal pockets that could benefit from locally administered antibiotic therapy following scaling and root planing.

Dr. Kohli will consider:

• The depth and location of the periodontal pockets
• The amount of gum inflammation or bleeding
• The severity and extent of periodontal disease
• Previous periodontal treatment and response
• Oral hygiene and plaque control
• Relevant health conditions and medications
• Medication allergies
• Other individual risk factors

ARESTIN is not routinely needed for every patient with gum inflammation and is not intended to be placed automatically at every dental cleaning.

Who Should Not Receive ARESTIN?

ARESTIN should not be used by anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to minocycline or another tetracycline-class medication.

Use during tooth development can cause permanent tooth discoloration. ARESTIN should not be used in children or in patients who are pregnant or nursing.

Before treatment, tell Dr. Kohli if you:

• Have an allergy to minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, or a related medication
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have experienced a serious medication reaction
• Have a history of oral candidiasis or thrush
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have diabetes, HIV, or another significant health condition
• Are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Take prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements

Provide a complete health and medication history so Dr. Kohli can determine whether ARESTIN should be considered.

What Happens During ARESTIN Treatment?

ARESTIN is typically administered after scaling and root planing has been performed.

1. Periodontal evaluation: Dr. Kohli identifies and measures the periodontal pockets requiring treatment.
2. Scaling and root planing: Plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits are removed from beneath the gumline.
3. Local application: ARESTIN microspheres are placed directly into selected periodontal pockets with a specialized cartridge.
4. Post-treatment instructions: You receive guidance on eating, oral hygiene, and caring for the treated areas.
5. Follow-up evaluation: The periodontal pockets and gum response are reassessed according to the recommended schedule.

ARESTIN does not need to be manually removed. The microspheres are bioresorbable and remain at the treated site while the medication is released.

Does ARESTIN Treatment Hurt?

ARESTIN is applied directly into the periodontal pocket without an incision or sutures. Some patients may experience temporary tenderness, sensitivity, discomfort, or gum irritation after scaling and root planing or local medication placement.

Contact the office if discomfort becomes severe, persists, or is accompanied by significant swelling or other unexpected symptoms.

What Should I Do After ARESTIN Treatment?

Follow the personalized instructions provided by Dr. Kohli. General manufacturer guidance may include:

• Avoid touching treated areas for approximately one week
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for approximately one week
• Avoid using floss, toothpicks, or other devices between treated teeth for approximately 10 days
• Continue brushing according to the instructions provided by the office
• Attend all recommended periodontal follow-up visits

These guidelines may be adjusted according to the areas treated and your individual needs. Contact the office if you are uncertain about when to resume your normal oral hygiene routine.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of ARESTIN?

As with any medication, ARESTIN can cause side effects. Reported non-dental side effects include headache, infection, flu-like symptoms, and pain. Local tenderness, discomfort, or changes in the treated gums may also occur following periodontal treatment.

Minocycline and other tetracycline-class medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light. If you notice unusual skin redness or a severe sunburn reaction, contact the office or an appropriate healthcare professional.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hives, widespread rash, or severe itching
• Fever accompanied by signs of an allergic reaction
• Enlarged lymph nodes or generalized swelling

Oral tetracycline-class medications have also been associated with autoimmune reactions. Contact an appropriate healthcare professional if you develop unusual joint pain, muscle pain, rash, swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, or generalized weakness.

Is ARESTIN the Same as an Oral Antibiotic?

No. An oral antibiotic is swallowed and travels throughout the body. ARESTIN is placed directly inside selected periodontal pockets so that minocycline is delivered locally at the treated sites.

This does not mean ARESTIN is appropriate for every gum infection or that it is free of medication-related risks. Dr. Kohli will determine whether local antibiotic treatment is suitable based on the diagnosis and clinical findings.

Does ARESTIN Cure Gum Disease?

ARESTIN should not be considered a cure for periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

ARESTIN may help reduce the depth of selected periodontal pockets when used with scaling and root planing, but long-term stability also depends on:

• Effective brushing and interdental cleaning
• Periodontal maintenance appointments
• Management of plaque and tartar
• Tobacco avoidance
• Management of relevant health conditions
• Following the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Kohli

Response varies between patients and between individual areas of the mouth.

When Will My Gums Be Re-Evaluated?

Healing after periodontal treatment takes time. Dr. Kohli will recommend an appropriate follow-up interval based on the severity of the disease, the treatment performed, and your individual risk factors.

At a periodontal re-evaluation, Dr. Kohli may:

• Measure treated periodontal pockets again
• Check for bleeding, inflammation, or tenderness
• Review your home-care routine
• Evaluate how the gums responded to treatment
• Determine whether additional care is needed
• Recommend an ongoing periodontal maintenance schedule

Additional ARESTIN placement is not automatic. The need for further treatment depends on the findings at follow-up.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is ongoing professional care for patients who have been treated for periodontitis. It is different from a routine preventive cleaning because it focuses on controlling a chronic periodontal condition and monitoring the tissues supporting the teeth.

Appointments may include:

• Reviewing changes in health and medications
• Measuring selected periodontal pockets
• Evaluating gum inflammation and bleeding
• Removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Checking areas that have previously received treatment
• Reinforcing effective home-care techniques

Periodontal maintenance is commonly recommended more frequently than routine preventive care, although the appropriate interval depends on individual disease risk and response to treatment.

Can Regular Dental Checkups Help Detect Gum Disease?

Yes. Gum disease can sometimes progress without significant pain. During routine adult dental checkups, Dr. Kohli can look for gum inflammation, bleeding, recession, periodontal pocketing, and other signs that may warrant further evaluation.

Contact the office between checkups if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, gum recession, tooth mobility, bad breath, or changes in your bite.

How Much Does ARESTIN Treatment Cost?

The cost of ARESTIN treatment depends on the number of periodontal pockets treated and the other periodontal care included in your treatment plan. Scaling and root planing, local antibiotic placement, and follow-up care may be billed separately.

Insurance coverage varies by plan and may depend on the periodontal diagnosis, treatment performed, frequency limitations, and other benefit requirements. Our team can review available coverage information and provide an estimate of your expected responsibility.

Learn more about our dental insurance and payment options.

ARESTIN Treatment Near Grand Central and Rockefeller Center

Sonia Kohli DDS is located at 18 East 48th Street in Midtown East, making our office convenient for patients seeking a gum disease evaluation or ARESTIN treatment near Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Central Midtown.

We welcome Manhattan residents, professionals, and commuters who are concerned about bleeding gums, gum recession, periodontal pockets, persistent bad breath, or other possible signs of gum disease.

Frequently Asked Questions About ARESTIN

What is ARESTIN used for?

ARESTIN is used with scaling and root planing to reduce periodontal pocket depth in adults with periodontitis. It is placed directly into selected periodontal pockets as part of a comprehensive gum disease treatment plan.

Is ARESTIN a gel?

No. ARESTIN contains minocycline hydrochloride in bioresorbable microspheres. The microspheres are administered as a powder directly into selected periodontal pockets.

Is ARESTIN an antibiotic?

Yes. ARESTIN contains minocycline, a tetracycline-class antibiotic. Unlike an antibiotic pill, it is delivered locally inside the treated periodontal pocket.

Does ARESTIN replace scaling and root planing?

No. ARESTIN is approved for use as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. It does not replace the removal of plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline.

Will I receive ARESTIN at every dental cleaning?

No. ARESTIN is not routinely placed during every cleaning. Dr. Kohli may recommend it for selected periodontal pockets in an adult with periodontitis when local antibiotic therapy is appropriate.

Does ARESTIN need to be removed?

No. ARESTIN contains bioresorbable microspheres that remain in the periodontal pocket while the medication is released. The material does not need to be manually removed.

How long should I wait to floss after ARESTIN?

Manufacturer guidance advises avoiding floss, toothpicks, and other devices between treated teeth for approximately 10 days. Follow the specific instructions provided by Dr. Kohli because recommendations may vary according to the treatment performed.

Can children receive ARESTIN?

ARESTIN should not be used in children because tetracycline-class drugs used during tooth development may cause permanent tooth discoloration.

Can I receive ARESTIN if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

ARESTIN should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing. Tell Dr. Kohli if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can I receive ARESTIN if I am allergic to tetracycline?

No. ARESTIN should not be used by patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to minocycline or another tetracycline-class medication.

Does insurance cover ARESTIN?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and diagnosis. The number of sites treated, periodontal benefits, deductibles, frequency limitations, and other requirements can affect your cost.

Where can I receive ARESTIN treatment near Grand Central?

Dr. Sonia Kohli provides gum disease evaluations and ARESTIN treatment at 18 East 48th Street in Midtown East, conveniently located near Grand Central Terminal.

Does Dr. Sonia Kohli offer ARESTIN near Rockefeller Center?

Yes. Sonia Kohli DDS is located near Rockefeller Center and provides personalized periodontal care for patients throughout Midtown East and Midtown Manhattan.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Gums

If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, deep periodontal pockets, persistent bad breath, or other possible signs of periodontal disease, Dr. Sonia Kohli can evaluate your gum health and recommend appropriate care.

When indicated, treatment may include scaling and root planing with locally administered ARESTIN. Contact our Midtown East office to schedule a gum disease evaluation near Grand Central and Rockefeller Center.

Ready to Schedule a Gum Disease Evaluation?

Call us at (212) 644-6360 or request an appointment to learn whether ARESTIN may be appropriate for your periodontal treatment.