Dr. Jamie Romero: 2018 Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

   
               Dr. Jamie Romero:  2018 Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

For over six years Dr. Jamie Romero has had the honor of serving the Metro Nashville community oral health needs. An expert in oral surgery and dental implants, Dr. Romero has been recognized by the community multiple times for his outstanding commitment to excellence in patient and surgical care.

Most recently, it is with great pride and pleasure that we share that Dr. Romero has been named by Nashville Lifestyles as a Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery four years in a row!  

The Top Dentists are selected based upon a database containing thousands of comprehensive evaluations from other dental professionals.  These professionals are asked to consider the nominees’ experience, continuing education, conduct with patients, use of new techniques and medical results, according to Nashville Lifestyles. The Top Dentists must also have an active license and be in good standing with the state dental board.

Dr. Romero was born in the United States, but as a child moved to Mexico to be raised closer to family. During his youth he experienced homelessness and extreme hardships. These experiences helped fuel him into the dedicated and devoted surgeon that he is today.

Dr. Romero has also served in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Major. He flew helicopters in the army and was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom prior to becoming a surgeon.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Dr. Romero completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Metro Health Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Giving back to the community is a priority for Dr. Romero. Organizations that he is active in include Hope Smiles, Interfaith Dental Clinic, Mercy Ministries, Men of Valor, OneGen Away, Nashville Rescue Mission, Brentwood Baptist Dental/Medical Unit, American Red Cross,  and Solace Oral Surgery’s annual ‘Smile for Christmas.’

In his spare time Dr. Romero enjoys basketball, soccer, biking, traveling and spending time outdoors. A fun fact people may not know about him is that he is an avid off-road Baja racer. He and his wife Eva Angelina live in Nashville, TN with their four children.

To learn more about Dr. Romero and Solace Oral Surgery, call (615) 320-1392 or visit solaceoralsurgery.com.

HOLA Spotlight for Dr. Romero

WHO: Doctor Jaime Romero, oral surgeon What do you get when you combine a helicopter pilot, an oral surgeon, and an ex-migrant tree planter? You get Dr. Jaime Romero Jr., a hard-working, adventurous father of four who loves to give people their smile back at Solace Oral Surgery. His success has not been easy or instantaneous, but rather marked by determination and love for family and country.   Jaime’s love of country and the benefits for college tuition prompted him to join the Army ROTC, eventually learning to fly helicopters for the Army. As soon as he was done with flight school, though, he was accepted into dental school. He transferred units to the Dental Corp. and was then deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Soon after his return in 2008, he was accepted into the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.   His name may sound familiar because yesterday we read about his wife, HOLA honoree Eva Angelina Romero!

WHAT: Tell us about an achievement you’re proud of. I'm proud of being my own boss and owning my own company. I had a rough childhood with many challenges growing up.I had to drop out of school early on to help support my family. I have definitely come a long way. WHEN: Describe a turning point that was important in bringing you where you are today. I would have to say it was when I was a young boy and my grandfather pulled me aside one day. My grandfather was not a man of many words, so this day meant alot to me. That day he made me promise him that I would go back to school and get an education. He did not want me to struggle and do hard labor throughout my life. He wanted me to do better than he had done. A few days later he passed away. This was so life-changing for me. I had made a promise to him, so I went back to school. I worked really hard and was able to achieve my goal of becoming an oral surgeon. WHERE can we find you online and learn more about your work? www.SolaceOralSurgery.com WHY? HOW? Why is it important to connect more with our community? Give some advice to future Hispanic leaders and achievers. I had a really rough beginning. Many people helped along the way. Some inspired and lent a helping hand. I would like to do that same for others. I feel it is my responsibility to give back and help others. One thing I would say is to never give up on your goal! There will many people that doubt you and many naysayers. Do not listen, stay focused. I would also say that you need to learn to be flexible. Some things might not always go as planned, but stay focused.

HOLA—the new Hispanic Organization of Leaders and Achievers—is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing you profiles of faith, business, education, and community leaders across Tennessee and beyond. Visit us at Facebook.com/HispanicOrganizationofLeadersandAchievers andholatn.org.

Everything You Need to Know About Bone Grafting With Oral Surgery

                    Everything You Need to Know About Bone Grafting With Oral Surgery

Dental implants are a leading solution for individuals who are missing one or more teeth. They not only appear and function exactly like real teeth, but they are also virtually unnoticeable. At the same time, it's crucial to consider all the components of having oral surgery, and dental implants are no exception.

One of the primary elements to be cognizant of when considering dental implants is the possibility you'll need to have a bone graft procedure done to make sure your surgery is successful. If you are considering having or planning to have oral surgery at some point in the future, review the following key points to grasp a better understanding of bone grafting procedures for oral surgery.

Overview

A physician will use a bone graft to fix a defect in a patient's bone that otherwise may impair the quality and success of his or her dental implant surgery. This correction can be implemented with bone from the patient or with the use of special bone substitute materials.   

When You Need a Bone Graft

Unmedicated gum diseases, dental trauma, and inflammation issues can result in bone deterioration and consequent bone loss, which can appear near existing teeth. In these circumstances, your jaw bone may become too soft or fragile to ensure an implant can remain in place. Your oral surgeon may speak to you about having a bone graft for oral surgery if he or she determines that your jaw bone cannot support the implants. He or she will then perform a bone graft procedure around the teeth to improve their unification. Bone graft procedures are also done around missing teeth to be sure implants can be inserted effectively.

What the Procedure Involves

The process will begin with your oral surgeon taking a portion of your bone from a different region of your body, or using a specialized material, and grafting it to your jaw bone. In the aftermath, you will have to wait a few months as the graft establishes an adequate amount of new, healthy bone to ensure that it will support your dental implant. However, if you only need a minor bone graft, the procedure may be performed alongside your implant surgery.

  

When your bone graft is complete, your surgeon can conduct your dental implant surgery. As with all types of surgery, it's vital to speak with your oral surgeon about your medical history, as well as the potential advantages and risks associated with the procedure. When your dentist confirms your eligibility, you can take the first steps to secure a healthy, sustainable smile.

Options for Replacement of Missing Teeth

                                 Options for Replacement of Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can be an unpleasant experience for anyone. While you’ll always have the option of not replacing a lost tooth, doing nothing can result in further dental problems, including bone loss and additional erosion.

The good news is there are now several options for replacement. Below are a few of the best options for replacing a missing tooth:

Removable Partial Denture

A removable partial denture is used during the day and can replace one – or more – missing teeth. In some cases, a partial denture uses metal clasps that help it remain in the mouth. These clasps might be visible when talking. Another possible limitation of removable partial dentures is that they can move around when eating or talking, which might cause discomfort. However, wearing a removable partial denture does not require alterations on surrounding teeth and is generally the most cost-efficient replacement option.

Temporary Denture

A temporary denture is a quick fix for a lost tooth. Dentists commonly use these when an implant or bridge will replace the tooth later, but the patient is waiting for the area to heal completely. Temporary dentures are like removable partial dentures, but they tend to be less durable and lower cost.

Bridge

A bridge is a replacement solution that remains firmly situated in the mouth and is a viable option if you have teeth situated on one or both sides of a gap. The installation process includes filing down the teeth on the sides to fuse them together. A bridge can effectively replace one or two teeth, and sometimes more depending on the support.

However, this method comes with the potential disadvantage of cutting down healthy teeth. In addition, sometimes bridges situated in the lower jaw don't last long because the jaw's movements can cause the inflexible bridge to crack and leak, which can pave the way for rotting and bacteria infiltration.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an excellent option for replacing a missing tooth. Implants feel and behave like real teeth when eating, talking, and smiling. Implants replace the root of a lost tooth and helps heal the bone in the aftermath of placement. A significant benefit of an implant is that it doesn't require altering any other teeth. An implant is a good option for one missing tooth, and additional implants can restore multiple lost teeth. Best of all, there is no way to notice the disparities between an implant or real tooth when speaking or smiling.

To learn more or for additional questions, contact Solace Oral Surgery at 615-320-1392.

How Visiting the Dentist May Save Your Life

                                         

                                       How Visiting the Dentist May Save Your Life

February is designated American Heart Month, which makes it a perfect time to discuss how oral health and heart health are connected. This may come as a surprise to many, as heart health and dental health don’t seem to be immediately related. On the contrary, taking care of your dental health could be a major key toward maintaining a healthy heart.

Periodontitis, the inflammation of the gums, has been shown in studies to be an indicator of current or future heart disease. The studies have shown that the inflammation and plaque buildup in gums can indicate the same issues present in the heart. So while periodontitis is bad for your dental health, it also could be indicative of poor heart health. Heart disease is a manageable disease if caught in time, and your dentist can ensure that happens.

Research

One study investigating the connection between oral and heart health found that people with periodontitis are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. The cause is widespread inflammation and bacteria in the system. The most accepted theory to explain how this occurs involves bacteria entering the bloodstream through small, inflamed abrasions in the gums, subsequently traveling through the cardiovascular system. The bacteria present throughout the body will then cause damaging inflammation, the body’s natural response to foreign bodies.

Professional Care Is Necessary

If visiting your dentist on a regular basis wasn’t a priority before, it should be now. Daily brushing and flossing is the best maintenance plan for your mouth, but this alone isn’t enough. Your dentist has the tools and expertise needed for long-term oral health which will lead to better overall health. A dental exam can identify plaque buildup, unusual spots or sores and also reveal information about your overall health.

Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes

Visiting the dentist can help save your life. If periodontal disease is found by your oral professional, they will recommend a thorough exam from your primary care physician. Symptoms that otherwise may have gone undetected will be found early and can begin to be treated. Regular visits to your dentist will also ensure you are receiving regular check-ups for oral cancer screenings. Dental health is often overlooked as less important than other aspects of our overall health. Clearly, that isn’t true. Maintaining your dental health is not that hard when you form the proper habits. With proper daily care and regular visits to the dentist, you can enhance your dental health and protect your overall health at the same time. When you think about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, think about dental providers, not just primary care physicians.

What Sedation Dentistry Offers Patients

                                        

                                          What Sedation Dentistry Offers Patients

Your oral health professional just gave you the news: you need some procedures! Now, you have many questions, including if you will be able to get time off of work, how you are going to face more appointments when this one caused you so much anxiety, or what options you have to get the work done. The good news is you have an option at Solace Oral Surgery that answers all of those questions: sedation dentistry. This process offers patients many benefits, including help for those with dental visit anxiety, options for those with busy schedules, and more.

Fear of Dentist Visits

For those patients who develop anxiety or fear about going to the dentist, sedation dentistry can help. It numbs their senses, freeing them to relax and have a pleasant experience. In the end, the patient will have no memory of the event, won’t experience pain during the procedure, and will feel better about the whole trip.

Saves on Oral Health Trips

Some procedures require multiple visits to the dentist. This presents challenges to patients whose jobs don’t allow them to take time off for several appointments, or for those who can only tolerate so much dental work in a single visit. Sedation dentistry offers patients an option to knock out all of their procedures in a single appointment, without the added stress.

Beneficial for Sensitive Teeth/Gums

Many patients have sensitivity in their teeth or gums that makes dental procedures particularly uncomfortable. Sedation reduces this discomfort by numbing the sensitive areas or putting the patients under for the procedure.

Options for Special Needs Patients

Some patients cannot handle sitting in a prone position without pain, or holding themselves still for extended periods of time due to an injury or disability. For children, the idea of sitting still for that long sounds like torture and they’ll pass, thank you very much. For all of these patients, sedation dentistry offers the best possible outcome: completed procedures without the hassle. They go to sleep and wake up done and ready to go.

Helps Time Pass

Even those who well tolerate the occasional oral procedure can only handle that kind of work for so long. Enter sedation dentistry, where even a slight bit of sedation can make that time fly by. That doesn’t mean you’ll be asleep. In fact, this kind of sedation is often used in ways that keep patients awake; however, the appointment will still seem shorter.

If you have a series of upcoming procedures and have misgivings, consider sedation dentistry as an option to help you complete the dental work you need. At Solace Oral Surgery, our oral surgery team is highly trained in all methods of sedation dentistry. You can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands with your next appointment at Solace Oral Surgery.