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Oral Antibiotic Treatment in Upper East Side

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that leads to severe inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated.  Antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with scaling and root planing, curettage, surgery, or as a stand-alone treatment to help reduce bacteria before and/or after many common periodontal procedures.

Antibiotic treatments come in several different types, including oral forms and injectables which are applied directly into the gum pockets.  Research has shown that in the case of acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease and juvenile periodontal disease, antibiotic treatments have been incredibly effective.

Antibiotics can be prescribed at a low dose for longer term use or as a short term medication to deter bacteria from re-colonizing.

Oral Antibiotics

Here are some specific details about several different types of oral antibiotics:

• Tetracycline antibiotics – Antibiotics which include tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and minocycline are the primary drugs used in periodontal treatment.  They have antibacterial properties, reduce inflammation and block collagenase (a protein which destroys the connective tissue).
• Amoxicillin - A commonly used antibiotic for periodontal infections and post-operative care
  
• Macrolide antibiotics – This group of antibiotics has proven effective at reducing inflammation and can also reduce bacterial growth associated with periodontitis.
  
• Metronidazole – This antibiotic is generally used in combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline to combat inflammation and bacterial growth in severe or chronic periodontitis.

Local Delivery Antibiotics

The biggest advantage of directly delivering antibiotics to the surface of the gums is not affecting the entire body.  Direct delivery methods tend to be preferred over their oral counterparts and can be effective when used with scaling and root planing procedures. One example of a commonly used direct delivery antibiotic is:

• Arestin^® – This Minocycline antibiotic comes in mini capsules which are delivered into the gums after scaling and root planing.

Noticeable periodontal improvements are usually seen after systemic or oral antibiotic treatment. We will incorporate antibiotic treatments as necessary for the healing of your periodontal condition.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease or antibiotic treatments, contact our practice at your convenience.