A Smile for Christmas 2015

A Smile for Christmas 

Give Yourself The Gift Of A Smile

Tis’ the season to be merry and to smile! The holidays are always filled with parties and gatherings with friends and family.  Don’t let bad or missing teeth stop you from enjoying the holiday season. Give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile with help from Dr. Romero at Solace Oral Surgery. Create the smile you’ve always wanted and experience the gift that keeps on giving all year long!

All-on-4® Treatment

All-on-4® is a minimally invasive treatment that can help you get the smile of your dreams. It provides patients who wear dentures and/or soon to wear dentures with a fixed full-arch prosthesis on four implants on the day of surgery. Many other solutions require multiple office visits, but All-on-4® keeps it simple and is the least time-consuming treatment option available.

By tilting the two posterior implants, longer implants can be used, thus avoiding bone grafting procedures and allowing for immediate loading.  Additionally, the tilted implants allow for better quality bone anchoring and securer implants. When compared with traditional implant treatments, All-on-4® is a cost savings and has higher patient satisfaction, quickly allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of their new smile.

Smile For Christmas 2015 Contest

Dr. Romero and the Solace Oral Surgery team is partnering with Nobel Biocare to spread holiday cheer and provide one lucky person with an amazing, new smile.

Brighten someone’s Christmas this year by entering him or her or yourself for a chance to win our ‘Smile For Christmas’ 2015 contest! Share with us the patient’s story and why he or she deserves this FREE, dental treatment and smile makeover.

Take a minute to read Katrina’s story, our 2014 contest winner.

How To Enter The Contest

To enter the ‘Smile for Christmas’ contest, either mail or email us the applicant’s story. Please include pictures and/or any recent x-rays (if you have them), as well as all contact information.

Mailing:  Smile for Christmas, 207 23rd Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203.

Email: DrRomero@SolaceOralSurgery.com

All entries must be submitted by Christmas Day, December 25, 2015. Patients should be in good overall health and other qualifications may apply.  Contact our office at 615-320-1392 to find out more information.

Give yourself the gift that you really want and warm up everyone’s holiday this year with a beautiful smile! Contact Solace Oral Surgery to schedule an appointment with Jaime A. Romero Jr., D.D.S.

Simple Tooth Extractions With Solace Oral Surgery

                       

                                       Simple Tooth Extractions With Solace Oral Surgery

                                                                                        

We all want our teeth to be healthy, but sometimes a certain tooth ends up diseased, impacted, or painful despite our best efforts at oral health. In these cases, simple extractions may be the best answer. Many dental patients avoid tooth extractions because they fear pain or have heard negative things about local anesthesia. At Solace Oral Surgery, our mission is to alleviate these concerns and extract the teeth that cause our patients pain so they can return to living normal, healthy lives.

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

Not all oral disease or tooth pain results in an extraction. However, there are a few situations in which you might need one. Talk to Jaime A. Romero and his staff about an extraction if:

• You have a fractured or malformed tooth.
• You have extra teeth, including baby teeth, that are impeding adult tooth health.
• You have severe tooth decay, and root canals have not alleviated it.
• You have any periodontal disease that has impacted any tooth roots.
• You need braces, and crowding or extra teeth would impede their placement.

Are Tooth Extractions Painful?

No. We give all our patients gentle local anesthetics before extractions. If you have questions about your anesthetic, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Romero or the dentist treating you that day. You will undergo X-rays before the extraction, so inform us if you are or could be pregnant, or if you have had medical procedures that could influence how your body responds to radiation.

During a tooth extraction, the dentist uses an “elevator” tool to lift the tooth, loosening gum and ligament tissue. He or she then uses forceps to gently rock the tooth back and extract it from the ligaments and gums. Our dentists are extremely gentle and careful with this part of the procedure. Some teeth may need to be broken into pieces for removal if they cannot be tugged out easily. Again, you won’t feel this.

We use gauze to pack your tooth’s socket after the procedure. In some cases, stitches are necessary to close the wound. We’ll walk you through how to take care of the extraction site after your procedure. Please bring someone to drive you to and from the office and to take information. If you’re ill during the week before your extraction, you may need to reschedule, so call us as soon as possible. If you need an appointment, you may contact us online or by phone.

How Solace Oral Surgery Treats Impacted Canines

 How Solace Oral Surgery Treats Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth can cause some of the most pain of any tooth-related issue. This is especially true for your four canines or eyeteeth, because they’re positioned directly below your eyes. This can cause tremendous pain and pressure and may also lead to severe headaches and other problems.

Canines are usually the last of the permanent teeth to erupt. This often happens around age 13, but an impacted tooth can impede the process. An impacted canine is blocked or unable to fully erupt because parts of them are stuck. Canines that remain impacted or don’t fully erupt can cause several problems for a dental patient. The patient may have gaps in his or her teeth, struggle to bite down properly, or have teeth out of alignment.

How Did My Canine Become Impacted?

Upper canines in particular are the second most common teeth to become impacted. This often happens because of overcrowding or extra teeth, including baby teeth. Parents, be vigilant if your child began losing baby teeth later than most peers, or if he or she has a small mouth. Some patients’ canines also become impacted because of growths on the gum tissue. This is rare, but if you see a growth or your child’s gums are bleeding, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

Some canine teeth are very slow to erupt, and some children grow up with missing canines. Your regular dentist should document the number of teeth present when your child is about 7 so you can prepare for treatment if necessary. If your child has missing canines or they’re slow to erupt, the staff at Solace Oral Surgery can help.

How Are Impacted Canines Treated?

Dentists usually recommend tooth extraction. During this procedure, we don’t extract the canines themselves. Rather, we extract any extraneous teeth causing overcrowding or slow eruptions. Your child will be given X-rays before extractions. Extractions are done using gentle local anesthesia; we offer oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide. If your child is especially anxious about the procedure, ask our dentists if he or she would benefit from moderate or deep sedation.

After extraneous teeth are removed, the canine is guided into place using a bracket. In some cases, we use orthodontic arches to facilitate this. You’ll be sent home with proper pain medication and instructions on caring for the extraction site. If there are complications, contact us immediately. Reach out to us online or by phone for more information.

Multiple Missing Teeth: What’s the best solution?

Multiple Missing Teeth: What’s the best solution?

                    

If you are missing multiple teeth, especially molars, you may be wondering about your dental options. You want the freedom to be able to eat whatever you want. You want a stable, secure fix that won’t require unnecessary upkeep. With this issue, your options are limited.  

Your possible solutions for multiple missing back teeth include a fixed bridge anchored to implants or a partial removable denture. Removable dentures can be uncomfortable and complicated and their materials and fabrication can get expensive. A fixed bridge is often the superior choice for a lasting and comfortable solution that feels just like your natural teeth.

Benefits of a Fixed Bridge Anchored to Implants

• They are the sole fixed solution for missing back teeth.
• They are stable and secure, so you can eat anything without fear.
• They preserve your natural facial appearance.
• They prevent bone deterioration.
• They are more comfortable than dentures.
• They keep your gum line in tact, eliminating metal clasps that can eat away gumline.
• They preserve your adjacent teeth.
• They mimic natural teeth exactly in feel and look.
• They are a permanent fix. You won’t have to deal with any upkeep other than regular hygiene.

Once you’ve decided that a fixed bridge is the fix for you, what can you expect from the procedure? After your initial visit with your oral surgeon, you’ll have four to five additional visits until the final fixed bridge is attached. You may experience minor bruising, but you can treat it with over-the-counter painkillers, and you can be back to work the day after your procedure.

The Installation Process

1. The implants are installed first, usually in a single session. You may receive a temporary bridge so you’ll have normal mouth function as soon as you leave.

2. The implants must integrate with the jawbone before you get the permanent bridge. This varies, but it is normally done one to two months after implant installation.

3. Then, the new bridge will be installed, which will handle all the pressure of natural back teeth.

If you are ready to begin the process of permanently restoring your teeth and being able to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, you should contact a trusted oral surgeon, like those at Solace Oral Surgery, today. A professional will help guide you through the process step-by-step so that it is as painless and straightforward as possible, customized just for you.

The Mysteries of TMJ: What is it and how is it treated?

                                     The Mysteries of TMJ: What is it and how is it treated?

TMJ refers to Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, grouped conditions that together lead to lack of proper function and pain in the joint of your jaw and the muscles that control its movement. According to some estimates, TMJ affects over 10 million Americans. If you have jaw pain, consult an oral professional for the most accurate diagnosis as most jaw pain does not signify TMJ and is temporary or needs only minor treatment.

What are TMJ disorders?

Generally, scientists group them into three categories:

1. Myofascial pain - This is the discomfort or pain in the musculature of the jaw.

2.  Internal derangement of the joint - This can be a condyle injury, a dislocated jaw, or a displaced disc.

3. Arthritis - This is an inflammatory joint disorder that may afflict the temporomandibular joint.

Any of these may occur together and can occur simultaneously with other health issues that exacerbate the disorders or mimic them, so consult with your doctor as well as an oral professional when getting a diagnosis.

So, what causes TMJ?

In many cases, no one knows what causes TMJ. Other times, it is associated with trauma to the jaw. Pain can occur when a disc erodes or becomes unaligned, after impact to the jaw, or from cartilage damage from arthritis. TMJ disorders most commonly occur in women ages 20 to 40, but they can occur in men or women of any age.

How do you know if you have TMJ disorders?

Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness of the jaw
• Locking jaw or limited movement
• Painful clicking or popping in the joint when opening and closing mouth
• Change in teeth alignment

Because TMJ can be difficult to diagnose, seek professional help. Make sure you give your doctor as much information about your pain as possible. After a physical exam, if necessary, he or she can get X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to reveal problems with bones and discs.

What are the Treatments for TMJ?

Treatments for TMJ vary widely based on a number of factors. They often begin with sedatives or pain medication and other self care practices, including icing and eating soft foods. Some nonpharmaceutical therapies include:

• Physical therapy—exercises to strengthen jaw, ultrasound, heat and ice
• Counseling—understanding factors that can increase pain
• Oral splints—a soft or firm bite guard over teeth

If these measures are not successful or your condition is severe, you should consult a trusted oral surgeon and consider:

• Arthrocentesis—a procedure to irrigate fluid through the joint to remove inflammatory byproducts
• Injections—corticosteroid or botulinum toxin injections can relieve pain more effectively than medication
• Surgery—correction of structural problems within the joint

The oral surgeon at Solace Oral Surgery are experts at diagnosing this painful condition. Contact us today to answer any questions. 

A Story of HOPE: Solace Oral Surgery Contest Winner Has A New Reason To Smile

                                                                   Katrina Robertson 

            A Story of HOPE: Solace Oral Surgery Contest Winner Has A New Reason To Smile

Sometimes entering a contest can be a little like wishing on birthday candles. But for Katrina Robertson, winning the “Smiles for Christmas” contest has been a dream come true.

Katrina has risen above a very troubled past, overcoming drug addiction, abuse, prostitution, a criminal record, and 28 years of life on the streets, where she felt like she “was going to die.” Her personal journey of redemption started at Magdalene House, a recovery program which helps women overcome addictions, learn life skills, and clean up their credit and criminal past. This is where she encountered the God who she credits for her climb up from rock bottom, now 10 years ago.

And she hasn’t stopped telling others her story. She is a public speaker, sharing with churches, dorms, and anyone who will listen. Not only does she give back, but she has also been blessed. She has a new home, a wonderful husband, and a reconciled relationship with her daughter. She also works as the national sales director for Thistle Farms, which provides on-the-job training to residents of Magdalene House as well as funding. Her life has come full circle, helping those who are in the same place she was when she needed help the most.

One of the many repercussions she has dealt with as a result of her past is her teeth, or, rather, lack of upper teeth. Katrina’s temporary solution for her missing teeth was a bridge. There were complications with using the bridge. First, she couldn’t eat without it falling out. Also, her teeth wouldn’t stay in when she was public speaking, which was embarrassing. She wasn’t confident in her smile, even though she had a lot of joy to share.

When Solace Oral Surgery with Dr. Romero ran a contest in December, it seemed like the perfect solution. Katrina wrote up her story, which she is so good at sharing, and sent it in. She had a consult to make sure that she was a good candidate, and then she found out she was the winner! She was overjoyed at the prospect of all her bridge and missing teeth issues being permanently resolved.

Soon after, Katrina underwent the “All-on-4” treatment to provide her with a same-day, fixed full-arch prosthesis. Normally, permanent tooth implants involve multiple procedures and extended time. But Dr. Romero gave Katrina a new smile in one day. Katrina said she was thankful for the opportunity to have this done and was thankful to have her husband and daughter take care of her after the procedure.
One major after-effect after procedure is that she can’t stop smiling, describing her new teeth as “beautiful.”

Katrina said, “More than fixing teeth, it’s getting your self-esteem back, your personality back. And it gives me hope about people, that there are good people in the world.”

Dr. Romero, one of those good people, would agree. In fact, it’s on their website: “We believe everyone deserves to show off their happiness.”

Katrina is certainly showing off her happiness with her new, gorgeous smile.

Bone Grafting is Not Nearly as Scary as It Sounds

                                     Bone Grafting is Not Nearly as Scary as It Sounds

The term "bone grafting" may conjure up horrifying images if you're hearing it for the first time, but it's actually a common and relatively painless procedure. Due to ever advancing technology, a bone graft is not always needed to hold a dental implant, but is still occasionally used to strengthen the jaw. When a graft is needed, the procedure is not nearly as complicated as it used to be, and doesn't require hospitalization. Let's take a look at what bone grafting surgery entails.

The History of the Bone Graft

Originally, in the 70s, the only way to replace teeth was with a set of dentures. The dentures required a stable, strong jaw to hold them in place, and would often call for a bone graft. As people lose their teeth to age or other factors, the jawbone begins to atrophy from not being used. The bone of the jaw wears down and becomes narrow and unable to support new teeth. Early on, bone grafts would often require the patient to be hospitalized so that new bone could be harvested from their existing healthy bones, usually taken from the ribs.

Modern Bone Grafting Procedures

Bone grafting has come a long way. Nowadays, the procedure is minimally invasive and can be done in the dentist's office instead of a hospital setting. The bone is harvested from processed materials from animal bone. This is called a xenograft. After the bone is grafted, the body is "tricked" into thinking it's natural bone, and over time will build more bone around it. There are three different ways of performing a bone graft:

Socket Graft - This graft is used when a single tooth has been extracted. The graft acts as placeholder for the missing tooth, and allows new bone to form over time, which will eventually house the dental implant.

Block Bone Graft - This type of graft is used when there is more substantial damage to the jaw bone to the point where soft tissue cannot be supported. It may be needed for cases of dental trauma or bone destruction due to tumors or cysts. It requires some natural bone to be removed from the patient, in combination with the artificial harvested bone. Bone removed from the patient will most likely be taken from the area where wisdom teeth once were. The harvested bone is grafted using screws, and after several months of regeneration will be ready for an implant.

Sinus Lift - This graft is used when an implant is needed in the upper jaw, but cannot be placed because of sinus intrusion. When an upper molar is absent, the sinuses tend to "droop" and fill in the hollow area of the jawbone. The harvested animal bone is used to move the sinuses back up into the sinus cavity, hold them there, and create a "scaffold" which the dental implant will hold on to. 

To learn more about bone grafting and if it right for you, contact us at Solace Oral Surgery in Nashville.

What Is an Apicoectomy and How Is It Performed?

            

                     What Is an Apicoectomy and How Is It Performed?

Though the word may sound unfamiliar, apicoectomy is actually a very common procedure, and if you've had a root canal, you may have had an apicoectomy as well. So what exactly is an apicoectomy, and why is it used?

The Structure of Your Teeth

Common known, teeth are connected to the jawbone by roots. Most teeth have one root, but larger teeth, like molars and premolars, have two or more. The end of each root (otherwise known as the apex) is the canal through which nerves and blood vessels funnel into the pulp of the tooth. If there is an infection of the canal tissue or the pulp, a root canal treatment is needed. Your dentist will use a file to clean the infected tissue from these canals. Due to the complex nature of the canals, with many smaller parts branching off, it isn't uncommon for a small piece of infected tissue to be left behind. Sometimes the remaining infected tissue can prevent healing or cause another infection in the future. This is where the apicoectomy comes in.

Indications for an Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is done on a microscopic scale, and thus requires an experienced oral surgeon with advanced training. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the tip, or apex, of the root and seal off the canal. This makes it impossible for the infection to travel back through the canal again. The surgery is initiated when the previous root canal has failed, resulting in re-infection, or when your dentist doesn't want to weaken the crown of your tooth with a secondary root canal. Apicoectomies can also be performed to diagnose persistent tooth issues with unknown causes. By examining the entire root of the tooth, your dentist can identify the problem. If you have other damage to the surface of the root or bone surrounding the tooth, your dentist may want to perform the surgery.

How an Apicoectomy Is Performed

The oral surgeon will use a tool to make a tiny incision in your gum. They will then lift your gum up and away from the tooth, and may use a drill to access the root. Using a dental microscope and an ultrasonic light, the surgeon will remove the rest of the infected tissue and clean and seal off the remainder of the root's canal. Afterwards, the gum tissue will be stitched back into place. Anpicoectomies usually only take 30-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your root canals. Aftercare entails the same procedures as with any oral surgery, being careful not to brush hard, eating soft foods, and taking OTC pain medication.

Contact us for any other questions regarding this at Solace Oral Surgery, 615-320-1392