Take Back Your Smile with Dental Implants

                                  Take Back Your Smile with Dental Implants

While dental implants date back to around 600 A.D., modern implants have been around only since the 1970s. Unlike ancient times, when people made dental implants from jade, stones, and even seashells, modern implants are nearly indiscernible from real teeth. Dental implants replace missing teeth and stabilize the jawbone.

                                                                                                     

How Dental Implants Have Evolved

When dental implants first became popular, they were for people who had lost most of their teeth. When you lose teeth, the structural integrity of the jaw begins to deteriorate. People who wear dentures often have trouble getting them to stay in place if they've lost strength in their jaw. The implants are fused to the jawbone surgically, acting like an "anchor" for replacement teeth.

 In the 1970s, oral surgeons used these anchors to stabilize the jaw to accept dentures. But now, implants can negate the need for dentures altogether. Oral surgeons fuse the implants to the jawbone and attach the replacement teeth to the anchors. The teeth are strong and secure, and there is no need to take them out at night for cleaning. Implants can replace one tooth or all of them!

 The Dental Implant Process

Dental implants are done in three steps, which require three separate visits to your oral surgeon. The whole process takes six months to a year. The first step is to place the implant into your jawbone with surgery. The implant acts like a natural root of your tooth, and need to be covered for three to six months to fuse to the jawbone.

After that time, your surgeon will attach a post to the implant, which will eventually serve at the frame for your replacement tooth. You will then need to let your gums heal for a few months before proceeding to the final step. Once your gums have healed, your oral surgeon will attach your new replacement tooth to the post and you will have your own beautiful smile back.

 

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

While implants are very strong and damage resistant, they are not indestructible. It's not uncommon for implants to fail because the patient doesn't take good care of his or her teeth. People who smoke or grind their teeth run the risk of damaging their implants. Some preexisting health conditions, including diabetes and osteoporosis, can increase the risk for implant failure. Your oral surgeon will tell you if implants are right for you.

 

Want to learn more about dental implants? Visit the Solace Oral Surgery site to find out about our services. 

 

Dr. Romero of Solace Oral Surgery Receives Community Awards

               Dr. Romero of Solace Oral Surgery Receives Community Awards

 

We are pleased to announce that Jaime A. Romero Jr., D.D.S of Solace Oral Surgery was recently recognized by the community for his outstanding service and patient care.

Dr. Romero was named as a 2014 and 2015 ‘Top Dentist’ for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by Nashville Lifestyles.  He was nominated and selected for this award based on votes from the local community.

Dr. Romero was also honored by Interfaith Dental Clinic with the ‘Dentist of Distinction’ award for 2015.

Interfaith Dental Clinic provides comprehensive and emergency dental services for low-income, uninsured individuals suffering from devastating dental disease. They depend on community donations and volunteers to run their programs.

To learn more about this organization, please click here.

Dr. Romero and the team at Solace Oral Surgery are truly honored to receive these awards and sincerely appreciate everyone’s support!

To learn more about Dr. Romero and Solace Oral Surgery or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (615) 320-1392.

 

 

Far-Reaching Impact of Tooth Loss

 

 

Far-Reaching Impact of Tooth Loss

 

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, and the process of tooth extraction can cause anxiety and discomfort. But, the psychological effects can last for years. About 70 percent of people in the United States are missing one or more teeth, so everyone should try to understand the far-reaching effects of tooth loss.

 

Severity of Impact

The number and location of missing teeth is a factor in the degree of impact the loss will have on a person. Loss of front teeth has the most emotional impact on a person.

Speech

Teeth affect the way we talk, and missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. A change in speech impacts a person’s social interaction, and he or she may become self-conscious and depressed.

Appearance

Teeth also affect our facial appearance. Teeth make a person look younger by filling out the jaw area. When multiple teeth are missing, the face sags inward, making the person appear older. This also affects a person’s social interaction and can lead to low self-esteem and depression.

 Additional Dental Issues

Missing teeth can lead to additional dental problems, too. As teeth begin to move, teeth above or below the missing one may develop issues. A person may chew food exclusively on one side of their mouth, causing jaw soreness and other complications.

Replacement Options

Ideally, when a tooth or teeth need to be removed, they are replaced. If the issue involves one tooth, oral professionals may implant a post and crown or bridges. The psychological effects of this depend on the person’s degree of satisfaction in the replacement tooth.

 

Ill-fitted crowns and bridges cause discomfort and trouble chewing, resulting in anxiety and frustration. Cleaning a bridge requires extra attention. If a person is not willing to adhere to an increased cleansing regimen, gum issues may arise.

 

Another option is dental implants. Implants are an effective solution for single tooth replacement or multiple teeth. With this solution the tooth both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

 

Dentures may be used when all teeth are removed. A well-fitted denture is important, as ill-fitting dentures cause pain and make it difficult to eat. Denture wearers may be anxious about eating in public, and patients who suffer bone loss in their jaw have difficulty wearing dentures. A person with too much bone loss may not be a good candidate for dentures.

 Absence of oral treatment often leads to avoiding social situations because of changes in appearance and speech, as well as difficulty eating. Contact Solace Oral Surgery to learn how we can restore your confidence with oral management and treatment.