The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

                                          The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth – the third and final set of molars – typically do not erupt until late in the teenage years or early 20s. Though not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, those that do will likely experience problems with them between the ages 25 and 30.

Why Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Healthy, well-positioned wisdom teeth do not cause problems, however, this is usually not the case when wisdom teeth erupt. Oftentimes, there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate an additional set of teeth, which can lead to several dental issues.

·       A wisdom tooth that does not fully integrate into the mouth or align with the other teeth can become impacted in the jaw. Impacted teeth can house bacteria, which eventually leads to gum disease and infection.

·       If a tooth fails to come in completely, tissue will grow over the tooth, allowing food and other particles to become lodged under this tissue and form bacteria.

·       Teeth that grow in awkwardly can also have a huge impact on the overall comfortability and bite of the jaw. It can force the surrounding teeth to reposition themselves or push together and overlap.

·       Wisdom teeth that erupt only partially can sometimes cause fluid-filled sacs to form, otherwise known as cysts. To stave off infection and avoid damage to neighboring tissue, these cysts should be promptly drained or removed. However, there are no guarantees the cysts will not reform even after removal.

Due to their position in the jaw, wisdom teeth are exceptionally hard to clean. Flossing and brushing can be a challenge, so tooth decay and cavities are common ailments for these hard-to-reach teeth. And since your wisdom teeth are difficult to see without using a dental mirror, it is almost impossible to gauge visual indicators of infection or other problems.

Because of the problems wisdom teeth present, doctors recommend taking preventative measures whenever possible. Many oral surgeons advocate extraction in youth before the teeth have a chance to emerge. Young adults are particularly resistant to infection and generally have faster, healthier recovery times.

Are There Risks?

In most cases, there are no long-term effects associated with wisdom teeth extraction. Despite the procedure’s success rate, however, some minor complications can occur, such as a painful dry socket where the tooth was removed, infection due to food particles trapped in the vacant sockets, and damage to neighboring teeth or sinuses.

The benefits of wisdom tooth removal are great. To avoid many of these issues, consult with Solace Oral Surgery for options and information about removal. 

Dr. Jamie Romero Recognized As 2016 Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Jamie Romero Recognized As 2016 Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

With sincere gratitude and appreciation, we are honored to share that Dr. Jaime A. Romero Jr. of Solace Oral Surgery has been recognized as a 2016 Top Dentist for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by Nashville Lifestyles.

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 has received Top Dentist standing multiple years in a row.  He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and accomplished 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 passion for Dr. Romero and one of the characteristics that make him a Top Dentist. Dr. Romero has recently been involved with Mission You Matter and has been involved for many years with Hope Smiles, an organization that provides surgical and emergency dental care during medial mission outreach in partnership with St. Thomas Health. He also serves and volunteers at Interfaith Dental Clinic, Brentwood Baptist Dental Unit and various other local organizations.

Born in the United States and raised in Mexico to be closer to family, Dr. Romero is fluent in Spanish. His family returned back to the U.S. when he was twelve years old for employment and educational opportunities.

Dr. Romero has a strong love and support for America. He served in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a major, has flown helicopters as part of his military career, and was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom before starting his surgical residency.

Dr. Romero and his wife Eva Angelina, the reigning Mrs. Nashville, currently live in Franklin, TN with their four children. Dr. Romero enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing basketball and soccer.  He, alongside with his four brothers, is a talented off-road Baja racer embracing the fighting spirit the sport embodies.

These unique traits, talents and interests make Dr. Romero a standout as a Nashville Top Dentist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. To learn more about Dr. Romero and Solace Oral Surgery please call (615) 320-1392 or visit solaceoralsurgery.com.

 

                                 

Understanding Anesthesia With Oral Surgery

                                           Understanding Anesthesia With Oral Surgery

Many oral surgery patients must undergo anesthesia before the procedure. Your surgeon will give you all the information you need to know for a successful operation. Always listen to your surgeon’s instructions above anything you read online. For a general background, here’s what you should know about anesthesia and oral surgery.

Types of Anesthesia

For oral surgery, your surgeon will recommend a specific type of anesthetic. Many surgeries require general anesthesia—a procedure that puts the body into a temporary induced coma. Not only are patients unconscious, but they’re also unresponsive. In this state, surgeons can easily perform all of the necessary tasks without worrying about pain management or sleep-related movements.

Aside from general anesthesia, some more routine procedures may only require semi-conscious or localized anesthetic. Semi-conscious sedation won’t render you completely unconscious. Localized anesthetic only affects a certain part of the body. Nitrous oxide may also play a role in treatment. Commonly referred to as laughing gas, this inhaled sedative delivers temporary calming effects.

 Discussing Anesthesia With Your Surgeon

For any type of anesthetic, your surgeon and anesthesiologist should have full knowledge of preexisting medical conditions and any medications you take. Some individuals react poorly to certain types of anesthesia. Tell your physician about any past experiences with anesthesia, existing allergies, and other medical information.

During your pre-operative appointment, your surgeon or a staff member will walk you through all of the anesthesiology requirements. For general anesthesia, you may need to fast for a certain period of time, stop taking some medications, and avoid using tobacco products and alcohol. Keep the written instructions regarding your requirements visible in the days leading up to the surgery. Failing to closely follow the instructions could lead to surgical complications.

 

What to Expect During General Anesthesia

When you arrive at the facility, the anesthesiologist or licensed professional should explain the process as he or she goes through the steps. Double check that you’ve followed all instructions, and ask the person administering the anesthetic to confirm the medication you discussed during your pre-operative appointment (especially if you have any allergies). After the professional administers the appropriate drug, you’ll drift out of consciousness.

 

You probably won’t remember the procedure, and the side effects from the anesthesia—including drowsiness—will wear off over time. Arrange to have someone take you to, pick you up from, and stay with you after any surgical procedure. In the days following the procedure, remember to obey your surgeon’s after-care instructions for a successful experience.

 

For additional questions, please contact Solace Oral Surgery at (615) 320-1392.

4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mouth and Teeth Injuries

                                          4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mouth and Teeth Injuries

Mouth and teeth injuries can happen in a moment and completely change the way your mouth looks and functions. Some accidents, including car collisions, are unavoidable, but you can minimize the risk of other injuries.

As the fall sports season begins, pay close attention to teeth and mouth protection measures. One hard tackle or ball to the face can chip a tooth or worse. Here are some protection tips to keep you or your family members’ mouth and teeth safe during any physical activity:

1. Wear a helmet designed for the activity. A helmet can go a long way towards protecting your head, jaw, and mouth from injury during many activities. Encourage all contact sports players to wear helmets during practices and games to prevent accidental injuries. In addition to team sports, individuals should wear helmets while riding a bike, skateboarding, and skating.

Some helmets may provide more protection for the oral-maxillofacial area than others. For example, football helmets and hockey goalie helmets incorporate face cages that provide additional protection.

2. Invest in a mouth guard. Mouth guards protect the teeth, lips, and tongue. Your local oral surgeon may offer customized mouth guard fittings. In addition to a professionally made mouth guard, sports players can purchase a mouth guard kit from most major sporting goods stores. Work with your health care provider to find the solution that will work best for your mouth structure and needs. Mouth guards are particularly important for those with orthodontic appliances, implants, or bridges.

3. Schedule a checkup at the start of the season. Keeping teeth healthy plays a major role in injury prevention. Cavities and weakened enamel may increase the risk of accidental and sports-related injuries. Schedule any teeth strengthening treatments, such as surgeries, prior to the season. Talk with your surgeon about protecting your teeth. Always use good dental hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing, as recommended.

4. Other protective measures. In addition to preparing for sports, individuals should follow basic safety precautions during daily activities. Wear a seat-belt in any vehicle that offers one. Avoid chewing on ice and other hard substances.

Accidents may happen under the best circumstances. Knowing where to go in the event of an emergency can improve the likelihood of successful intervention. For knocked or pulled-out teeth, try to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon within 30 minutes of the incident.

Sedation Dentistry for All Your Dental Needs

                                     Sedation Dentistry for All Your Dental Needs

Going to your oral surgeon can make many of us nervous. In fact, some people have had traumatic experiences in dental offices. If this describes you, sedation dentistry may be the solution you need. Solace Oral Surgery provides some of the best sedation dentistry in the country, meeting all your dental needs without pain or emotional stress.

Sedation Dentistry Myths and Facts

Sedation dentistry is often thought of as putting the patient to sleep. Thus, some patients fear they will lose control of their bodies or that the dentist will perform procedures without their consent. In reality, sedation dentistry does not mean you are asleep. Solace Oral Surgery uses several forms of conscious sedation, which allow you to stay awake during procedures but still remain relaxed.

Some of our patients have heard sedation dentistry carries negative side effects. At Solace, we make sure our sedation methods have as few side effects as possible. Our methods are safe; we will protect you from experiencing any allergic reactions, seizures, or other medical problems. Simply alert us before treatment if you are allergic to our equipment, are epileptic, or have any disease or disability that causes muscle spasms or tremors.

Available Sedation

Different patients prefer different kinds of sedation, so Solace Oral Surgery obliges with multiple options. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as IV sedation. Nitrous oxide is one of the oldest sedation methods available. It may be best for you if you have mild dental anxiety or are experiencing a routine procedure. Some patients report numbness and tingling afterward, but this side effect is generally mild.

IV sedation may be best if you have severe anxiety. We recommend it for short treatments because although IV sedation is moderate, it is injected directly into the bloodstream. Thus, it takes effect quickly and may last longer than nitrous oxide. If you choose IV sedation, have someone drive you to and from the office. You might feel fatigued for several days afterward, so get as much rest as possible.

Benefits of Sedation

Our patients report several sedation dentistry benefits. The first is the absence of pain, which is vital if you have experienced many painful or traumatic procedures. Additionally, sedation eliminates the need for needles and drugs like Novocain, which can leave you feeling numb and uncomfortable. Many patients report that procedures done under sedation seem to take less time, which reduces the anxiety they feel while waiting for the procedure to begin. Contact us today if you would like a consultation.

Jaw Problems? Everything You Need to Know about TMJ

                                  Jaw Problems? Everything You Need to Know about TMJ

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull around the front of the ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw in order to chew, talk, and yawn. Problems with the muscles in your face, especially the jaw, are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but they are most commonly known as TMJ.

Causes

TMJ has various causes such as:

Injury

• A hard blow to the face or whiplash
• Pressure on the jaw from clenching or grinding teeth
• Stress that causes facial tightening

Disease

• Arthritis in the jaw
• Sinus infections
• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease

Symptoms

TMJ is often painful and may be on one side of your face or both. The pain can be temporary or last for years. TMJ affects more women than men and often develops in people between 20 and 40 years old.

Symptoms include:

• Discomfort in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, or ears (when speaking, chewing, or opening mouth)
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Jaw becoming locked in the open or closed position
• Jaw making a popping, clicking, or grating sound when opening or closing mouth (May or may not be associated with pain)
• Face feeling tired or achy
• Feeling that teeth don’t fit together properly
• Facial swelling
• Toothache
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears

Diagnosis

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. Symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so it is important to be diagnosed correctly.

Your oral surgeon will ask questions, look for tenderness, and listen for popping sounds. He or she will check your bite and facial muscles and take X-rays to look for other problems.

Other tests, like a computer tomography (CT), may be needed to see the bone or joint. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be scheduled to see if the disc in your jaw is in the proper position.

Treatment

If your TMJ is not severe, your doctor may suggest:

• Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve swelling and pain.
• Eating soft foods like soup, eggs, fish, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. Avoid hard or chewy foods.
• Cold packs or warm, moist compresses
• Limiting excessive jaw movement – yawning, yelling, singing, gum chewing
• Keeping teeth slightly apart to relieve pressure and avoid clenching

If your case is severe, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – relaxation therapy of the facial muscles with low-level electrical currents.
• Ultrasound – heat therapy to improve mobility and reduce soreness.
• Surgery – as a last option (Seek a second or third dentist’s opinion before going this route)

For more help with TMJ or jaw pain, schedule a consultation with Solace Oral Surgery.

Oral Pathology – How it Affects You

                                              Oral Pathology – How it Affects You

Many people do not know what oral pathology is or how it can affect them. Here is some detailed information on oral pathology to help you understand its importance to your oral health.

What is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is a dental specialty that studies the diseases associated with teeth, gums, and jaw bones. These are the specialists who diagnose any condition relating to your oral health.

Oral Diseases

There are certain common signs and symptoms related to oral disease everyone should be aware of, such as:

·         Red gums

·         Sensitivity to hot and cold

·         Bleeding gums

·         Bad breath on a regular basis

·         Pain in gums

·         Change in your bite

·         Gums pulling away from teeth

·         Teeth shifting

Some of the oral diseases that an oral surgeon may diagnose someone with are plicated tongue, hairy-coated tongue, geographic tongue, changes to taste, burning mouth syndrome, oral cancer, and canker sores.

How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

Oral health has been at the forefront of studies lately, and medical experts have discovered a link between poor oral health and increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Other studies have shown that gum disease can be linked to respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

If you are wondering how to how prevent oral diseases, there are a few things you can implement to help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. Try to eat healthy foods and avoid smoking. Make sure to brush and floss daily, and use mouthwash as needed. Visit dental professionals regularly, so no problems are missed.

Making these recommendations a daily habit will help ensure good oral health for years to come. Speak with your oral surgeon if you have any questions about what products you should use in your oral health routine.

Oral pathology is a vital part of what oral surgeons do. They are able to recognize signs and symptoms of oral disease, diagnose it, and treat it so that it doesn’t become a long-term problem for the patient. As a patient, being informed is key. If more patients are aware of the signs and symptoms of oral disease, they will be able to contact an oral surgeon for treatment before it leads to further damage.

If you have any of these signs of oral disease or are concerned about your oral health, contact Solace Oral Surgery for further information.