Approximately half of Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. While often overlooked, inflammation and infection in the gums is correlated to illnesses in other parts of the body.

Jefferson Dental is pleased to announce Dr. Firas Abdel-Rahman as a resident periodontist at the Spencer location located at 1632 Spencer Highway. As a leading periodontologist, Dr. Rahman is specially trained to treat gum disease and inflammation, as well as conduct highly-advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures such as placing dental implants. Moreover, Dr. Rahman offers patients sedation dentistry, to help keep patients with severe dental anxiety comfortable through difficult or stressful dental treatments.  He will also serve as a referral specialist to treat patients who have advanced gum disease. 

There are multiuple stages of gum disease that each require differing forms of treatment. While early-stage gum disease can be mitigated with proper dental hygiene, many patients need planing and scaling to remove built up plaque and tartar. As periodontal disease worsens, pockets form around the teeth, creating gaps where food and bacteria can collect and cause irritation and infection.

Severe infection of the gums often requires antibiotics to treat and reduce inflammation. Clear warning signs of gum disease include red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, however you may also notice pain, bad breath or tooth ache. In it's late stages, periodontal disease causes the gums to recede and left untreated, causes tooth loss as the gums and ligaments that anchor the teeth become detatched. 

Patients who seek affordable dental implants to replace lost teeth can receive specialty care from Dr. Rahman, who is highly-skilled at implantology. Dr Rahman completed his Periodontology and Implant specialty at Boston University, and holds accreditation of professional advancement at Zimmer, Nobel Biocare, ITI, Ankylos and 3I Implant based systems. Implants are a natural-looking option to replace missing teeth. 

If you notice changes in your gum health do not delay a visit to your dentist, who may refer you to a periodontist who can specially treat diseases in the gums. For nearly 50 years, Jefferson Dental has served as the leading purveyor of quality, affordable dental care for patients across the state of Texas. For more information about treating periodontal disease or obtaining dental implants please visit www.givingsmiles.com