Frequently asked questions about gum disease and PerioER™

Gum disease

What is gum disease?

Gum disease—also known as periodontal disease—is a bacterial infection that can, over time, harm the gums and bones that support your teeth. With timely treatment and good at-home care, you and your dental professional can fight the infection, allowing your gums to heal, get stronger, and hold your teeth more securely.

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What are pockets?

If gum infection is not treated, the gums can begin to pull back, creating pockets of diseased tissue between the teeth and gums. As a pocket deepens, the tooth can become less supported, and bacteria can spread even deeper.

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Why is pocket depth important?

If you have pockets that get deeper over time, it can be a sign that gum disease is getting worse. If the pockets become less deep, it can be a positive sign that the treatment is working.

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What is scaling and root planing (SRP)?

• Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling teeth involves manually removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and their roots

• Planing smoothes out rough spots on the roots where bacteria can gather

       SRP is a widely used treatment for gum disease.

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How effective is scaling and root planing (SRP)?

SRP is highly effective at removing visible plaque and tartar, but it often cannot reach to the base of deep pockets. That’s why many dental professionals use a combination approach that pairs minocycline microspheres local antibiotic therapy antibiotic.

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In clinical trials, in just 30 days after local antibiotic therapy using sustained release 1 mg minocycline microcapsules added to SRP provided better results than SRP alone by reducing gum pocket depth by nearly 40% more in pocket 5 mm or deeper, decreasing the number of deep pockets more effectively, reduced harmful bacteria by nearly twice and reduced gum bleeding during examination nearly twice more effectively.

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What are the risks and causes of periodontal disease (gum disease)?

There are many factors that can put someone at risk for gum disease. An important one is poor oral hygiene, which may allow bacterial plaque to build up. Other risk factors include family history, diabetes, smoking, certain prescription medicines, stress, pregnancy, diseases affecting the immune system, and tooth alignment irregularities that may lead to food impaction.

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About PerioER (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1 mg

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What is PerioER used for?

PerioER is an antibiotic a dental professional place directly into infected gum pockets after a scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure. Minocycline microspheres + SRP fights harmful bacteria deeper—and longer—than SRP alone.

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What are PerioER Microspheres?

PerioER microspheres are tiny particles that contain an antibiotic. They release the antibiotic gradually to fight bacteria in the gums over time.

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How is PerioER treatment different from taking antibiotic pills?

Unlike oral antibiotics for gum infection, PerioER is locally applied, delivering the antibiotic right where you need it, at the site of the gum infection.

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How does PerioER work?

After performing a scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure, a dental professional places PerioER directly into the gum pocket. Because it starts as a fine powder, PerioER can reach the base of the pocket, targeting bacteria that SRP alone may not reach.

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How effective is PerioER?

Studies have proven that 1 mg minocycline microspheres  + scaling and root planing (SRP) is more effective in reducing pocket depth than SRP alone.

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How effective is PerioER for smokers with gum disease?

In a clinical study, smokers treated with 1 mg minocycline microspheres  + scaling and root planing (SRP) showed a 29% reduction in pocket depth vs SRP alone.

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How long does it take PerioER to work?

Fighting gum disease takes time, and healing happens gradually. Depending on the depth and number of pockets you have, some pockets may need retreatment at future visits. To achieve the best results from treatment with PerioER, follow the post-treatment instructions and any other recommendations from your dental professional.

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Treatment with PerioER (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1 mg

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When do I receive treatment with PerioER?

PerioER is applied to infected pockets in the gums immediately after a scaling and root planing (SRP) has been completed. Your dental professional may apply PerioER during the same visit as your SRP or during a follow-up visit.

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Is the placement of PerioER painful?

Placement of PerioER is easy and does not require needles or anesthesia.

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How long does the placement of PerioER take?

Placing PerioER into a single pocket takes 1-2 seconds and about 30 seconds in most cases over 20 pockets.

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Does the treatment require bandages or other covering?

No. PerioER does not require periodontal bandages and will not fall out.

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Will I have to return to my dental office to have PerioER removed?

No. PerioER is naturally absorbed into the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed.

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After treatment with PerioER, what instructions do I need to follow?

For 7 days after treatment, do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (eg, carrots, chips, and gum). For 10 days after treatment, do not use floss or a dental pick in the treated areas. Your dental professional may have additional instructions.

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Safety profile of PerioER (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1 mg

Does ARESTIN have any side effects?

Patients treated with PerioER may experience side effects. In clinical studies, 1 mg minocycline microspheres, the non-dental side effects that impacted more than 5% of patients included headache, infection, ulceration and soreness of the mouth, and flu-like symptoms. The most common side effects related to the mouth were swelling of the gums, tooth disorder, cavities, and tooth pain.

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Can I receive PerioER if I am allergic to the antibiotics minocycline or tetracycline?

No. PerioER should not be used in any patient who has a known allergy or sensitivity to minocycline or the tetracycline class of antibiotics.

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Can I be treated with PerioER if I am pregnant or nursing a baby?

No. PerioER contains minocycline, an antibiotic in the tetracycline class. Tetracyclines should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or by children. The use of tetracyclines during development may result in permanent discoloration of the teeth. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about PerioER and pregnancy.

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Are there any drug interactions with PerioER?

Interactions with PerioER and other drugs have not been studied. Consult your physician about any health concerns or conditions you may have. Your physician will be most familiar with you and your personal medical history.

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Will PerioER interact with the penicillin I take prior to my dental work?

An interaction between PerioER and penicillin has not been studied. Consult your physician and dental professional about any health concerns you may have. They will be the most familiar with you and your personal medical history.

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If I am allergic to gluten, nuts, or red or yellow dye, can I still receive PerioER?

Yes, PerioER does not contain any gluten, red or yellow dye, nuts, or nut byproducts.

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Saving on ARESTIN (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1 mg

Do I need to have dental insurance to get coverage for my PerioER prescription?

No. If you already have dental insurance, ask your dental office or plan if there is coverage. But you may qualify for coverage under your medical insurance plan's prescription benefits.

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How can I find out if my medical insurance offers coverage for PerioER?

There’s very little you need to do. Your dental office handles the paperwork to find out if your medical plan may cover PerioER. If your medical insurance does provide coverage for PerioER, you may be eligible for a copay as low as $0.

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What if I don’t have any insurance coverage for PerioER?

Talk with your dental office; they may suggest payment options you are not aware of.