Smile for Christmas Winner: A story of Hope and Faith

                    Meet Our Smile for Christmas Winner: A Story of Hope and Faith

Everyone goes through seasons of life when heartache seems closer than hope and tears come easier than smiles. For Caroline Lusk, that season has been long and exhausting. 

Like so many others, she witnessed her parent’s divorce. Many years later, she lost her father in a motorcycle accident at the hand of an impaired driver. The years in between and after held additional struggles. To cope with her circumstances, she developed an unhealthy relationship with food that sent her to multiple treatment centers and threatened her well-being—physically and psychologically.

Over time, she achieved stability, enabling her to move forward with life. She met and married a wonderful Christian man, had two healthy children and began to embrace the reality of grace that allows one to emerge from darkness into a new day.

Life wasn’t perfect.

There were relapses.

As a writer and non-profit professional, she was and continues to be engaged in either ministry or philanthropic work. It’s the kind of work she did and still does believe in, but in industries that are volatile at best, it’s never been a sure thing.

Beyond that, her health history had left its mark. Nearly 20 years of acid reflux had worn away the enamel on her teeth, compromising their stability and health.

When she happened upon the Smile for Christmas give-away from Solace Oral Surgery, it was as though once again the heavens opened and mercy rained down. Finally, she would be able to regain oral health, whereby improving her physical well-being. More than that, this opportunity meant that the smile that had been emerging inside, out of the wake of great loss, could now be reflected on the outside.

Today, she is celebrating a new season. One in which hope redeems heartache and smiles wipe away the tears. 

Dr. Jaime Romero’s Hard Work Brings Smiles to Patients

               Dr. Jaime Romero’s Hard Work Brings Smiles to Patients

 

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.

 

Dr. Jaime Romero was born in the United States but, as a child, moved to Mexico to be raised closer to his grandparents. When he was twelve years old, his father wanted to follow his dream of higher education, transplanting the family of six across the country near a college in Mexico, south of Texas. When things did not go as planned, the family of six had to live in their van while they sought more permanent housing. This turned to permanent homelessness and hardship and his father left school to plant trees in Mississippi and Tennessee. During this change, his father got very sick, so Jaime, the oldest of four children, had to stop his schooling to help the family by planting trees. For the next five years, Jaime did not attend a traditional school but taught himself math and science from simple books.

Then everything changed. Jaime’s grandfather made him promise that he would go back to school to have a better life. Jaime, having huge respect and love for his grandfather made him this promise. Two weeks after this, Jaime’s grandfather died unexpectedly. This was a turning point in Jaime’s life. Jaime made good on his promise and going back to school. He attended an alternative high school in Savannah, TN, where he worked off his tuition. Because his grades were so good, he graduated and attended college the following year. “I was taking college classes like algebra, biology, and chemistry, but” unlike his college classmates, “I had never taken these classes in high school before,” he said. He was up for the challenge. He worked very hard and keep determined. And, both he and his father realized their dream of graduating college together.

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.

With the love and support of his wife, Eva Angelina, and their four children, Dr. Romero has the joy of listening to his patients and giving them their smile back. In 2013, he opened his own practice at Solace Oral Surgery in Nashville, TN, where he does not take the trust of his patients for granted. He especially loves full-smile reconstruction and placing implants. “When the patient looks at you and smiles, they get emotional,” Dr. Romero says, “And we do, too.”

The future of Solace Oral Surgery is bright. The practice has grown since opening in 2013 and is now expanding. Dr. Romero would love to expand the practice without losing that personal connection he has with his patients. His love for education also extends to his patients, where his blog and website provide additional information for patients to make informed decisions about their care.

 

Dr. Romero also likes to give back to the community. He and his wife Eva are involved in numerous charitable organizations that are close to their heart. He loves to inspire youth and help others in need. In 2014, Solace Oral Surgery had a “Smile for Christmas” giveaway which provided a new smile for someone in need.  At Solace Oral Surgery, the phrase “All that is good begins with a SMILE” is put into practice.

 

Dr. Romero has advice for students and others who want to pursue their dreams. First, he says to never give up but to persevere with hard work. Second, he says to be fearless of failure. “Failure is a way for us to grow. The journey, even if you fail, will be worth it. And you can learn from the mistakes of others.” Lastly, he says not to listen to negativity, “If you have a dream and a passion, if you are driven and work hard, then the sky’s the limit. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

Solace Oral Surgery is located at 207 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203. More information is on the web at www.solaceoralsurgery.com or call (615) 320-1392.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All-on-4: A Game Changer for Dental Implants (Get a NEW SMILE in ONE DAY)

 

 

            All-on-4: A Game Changer for Dental Implants (Get a New Smile in ONE DAY)

 

Losing your teeth can be a horrible thing to go through and can really affect your self-esteem. You’ll worry about how you look, and you could have trouble eating and speaking. All of these things can significantly impact your day to day life.

Anyone who has gone through tooth loss is aware of dentures and implants. Dentures have always seemed to be the cheaper and simpler option, but more patients want something permanent. Implants are the other option, but they entail oral surgery that can be expensive and require recovery time. Most patients need multiple surgeries to complete the implantation process.

But there is good news for edentulous, those with missing teeth, and soon-to-be edentulous, patients. It is called All-on-4. This is the latest breakthrough in oral implant surgery and is sure to become a popular alternative to dentures and regular implants.

What is the All-on-4?

Most implants require multiple oral surgeries before being complete. That means more expense and more recovery time for the patient. During the All-on-4 surgery, fixed implants are placed at one time, requiring only one surgery, allowing for quicker recovery while being much more cost-effective for the patient.

How it Works

The All-on-4 system consists of 4 fixed-arch implants. Most other implants require more. By only needing 4 implants per arch, the surgery is quicker and cheaper than getting regular implants. For this procedure, an oral surgeon inserts the implants at an angle. By doing this, the implant can be supported by the bone. This is in stark contrast to other implants which require drilling into the bone for the implants to be supported. Lastly, the All-on-4 surgery generally takes less time to complete than other implant procedures. This helps cut down on patient discomfort and cost.

Benefits of All-on-4 Implants

The All-on-4 implants have many advantages over dentures and other implants, such as:

·         You don’t have to take them out

·         They function like natural teeth

·         They’re comfortable for patients

·         There’s no need for messy adhesives

Patients have expressed how much they love their All-on-4 implants almost immediately, and there are several reasons why. The procedure gives patients their smile back, letting them keep their self-confidence. The implants are immediately functional, so patients can get back to their busy lives sooner. Patients also don’t have to worry about their talking, as the implants are solid and do not interrupt speech.

Having a winning smile makes you feel better about yourself. And feeling good about yourself is good for you. So if you are interested in replacing your dentures or know you will need implants or dentures soon, contact to Solace Oral Surgery in Nashville, TN about the All-on-4 implant procedure to see if it would be a good option for you.

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.

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.