Clean Out Infections And Keep Your Smile Healthy with Localized Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a form of adjunctive therapy used in dentistry to manage bacterial infections. Often, they are used to manage gum disease after a deep dental cleaning to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent their recolonization. Vital Dental uses localized antibiotics to manage oral infections for patients in and around Sarasota, Florida. Whether you need antibiotic therapy to treat diseases or need education regarding their use, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitul Patel.
What are localized antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be administered topically, intravenously, or with oral medications. Localized antibiotics are administered topically to the infected tissues, offering a targeted approach. Topical application involves placing the medication directly into the periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) as gels, chips, or microspheres. They release antibiotics over time, targeting the infection locally.
Antibiotics have many uses in dentistry, including preventing infections after surgical procedures. Localized antibiotics are also used to treat advanced gum disease to kill or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that cause gum infections. They can also be used in abscess treatment or pocket reduction surgery.
When are localized antibiotics required in periodontics?
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This condition occurs when plaque—a colorless, bacterial film—is left to thrive in the mouth. Over time, this oral biofilm hardens into tartar (dental calculus), which the dentist can only remove.
The harmful bacteria in tartar destroy the ligaments that keep gums tightly tucked into the teeth. As your gums loosen and pull away from the teeth, deep pockets become hiding grounds for harmful bacteria, tartar, and other unhealthy deposits.
Deep teeth cleaning is the first line of treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. This treatment uses root scaling to “scrape away” harmful deposits from the deep pockets. Then, the dentist polishes the roots to encourage them to reattach to the teeth. Deep teeth cleaning works, but unwanted bacteria can recolonize, creating a cycle of infections.
The dentist supplements periodontal cleanings with localized antibiotics placed into the deep pockets. Combining antibiotics with deep teeth cleanings is one of the most effective ways of shrinking and eventually eliminating the infected pockets.
What are the benefits of localized antibiotics?
Here are the benefits of localized antibiotics:
- Targeted approach to fighting infections
- There is no need to take pills orally for a long time, reducing the risk of non-compliance
- Minimized risk of bacterial resistance
- Elimination of gastrointestinal side effects
Although localized antibiotics work, they are not used as substitutes for periodontal treatments, especially when calculus has formed. When this is done, the unhealthy deposits remain “trapped” in the root surface, which can cause an abscess, a painful oral condition requiring urgent treatment to prevent further health complications.
What are the types of localized antibiotics?
Here are the antibiotics the dentist can use to treat localized infections.
- Arestin®: It’s one of the most popular treatments for advanced gum disease. It’s administered in microspheres containing minocycline, which is placed into periodontal pockets to fight gum disease at its source.
- PerioChip®: A small chip containing the antibiotic chlorhexidine inserted into the gum pockets.
- Atridox®: A gel containing doxycycline applied to infected gum areas and hardens over time.
Do you need localized antibiotics?
Localized antibiotics are great for fighting infections at the source and result in minimal systemic side effects. Call (941) 371-2022 to learn more about localized antibiotics from Vital Dental.
Dr. Mitul Patel
Dr. Mitul Patel, D.M.D., is a dedicated dentist at Vital Dental Sarasota, known for his caring and gentle approach. With over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Patel's commitment to staying abreast of the latest dental advancements ensures his patients receive top-notch care. His meticulous attention to detail, aided by high magnification loupes, guarantees precision in every procedure. Dr. Patel's compassionate nature and expert knowledge make him a trusted figure in the dental community, providing an exceptional and reassuring experience for all his patients.
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