Dr. Afkami has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, or gum disease. At Brookshire Dentistry, Dr. Afkami can help patients throughout Hurst and Fort Worth using the most advanced, most effective periodontal treatments available.
Periodontic medicine is a field of dental study and care which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Treatment used to address gum disease include deep cleaning methods known as root planing and scaling, gum grafting, and laser gum surgery. Osseous surgery is also used and is a procedure where lost gum and bone tissues are replaced.
Gum disease usually develops because of poor dental hygiene. It occurs because bacteria which normally occur in the mouth build up along the gum line. This area is commonly difficult to clean because people develop plaque which hardens into tartar and the bacteria hide underneath it. Bacteria also hide between teeth and along the top of teeth where the gum meets the tooth. When the number of bacteria goes up, they release more toxins. These toxins cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, known as receding. This exposes more of the tooth to bacteria. When left untreated bacteria can reach the tooth root and cause it to become loose or even fall out.
Gum disease can cause an array of symptoms depending on how long the disease has gone untreated and how severe it has become. In milder cases, it typically causes very little symptoms. As the disease becomes more severe, the symptoms may begin to include:
The number one cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S. is gum disease. Regular cleanings and exams at the dentist’s office are the best ways to make sure both your teeth and gums are healthy. Checkups and cleanings should be performed twice a year. You can also work to prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding sugary foods and beverages.
"I was very impressed with their professionalism, the ease of getting an appointment, and the great job their hygienists do. "
"Brookshire took great care of me. They made sure I was comfortable during my appt. beginning w/ the front desk employees."
