Arestin is an antibiotic specifically developed to fight the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. It is a 1mg dose of minocycline that is delivered directly to the treatment area under the gum, it comes in tiny spheres. It is not ingested orally. People with allergies to tetracycline should avoid having this treatment. Arestin is used to fight anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen) This includes Actinomycetemcomitans, P Gingivalis, and P Intermedia B.

Once scaling and root planing treatment is complete, further Arestin therapy may be recommended. This treatment involves applying Arestin to all areas affected by gum disease to help kill bacteria that may not have been reached by usual cleaning methods.

Arestin is most effective when used in conjunction with deep scaling and root planing. During the healing phase and after Arestin has been placed a chlorhexidine rinse enhances the efficacy of the Arestin.