Sedation Dentistry – What It Is, and What It Isn’t

November 28, 2012

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 7:12 pm

It’s easy to think that sedation dentistry is the same thing as sleep dentistry. Yes, you’re put under, but there’s a major difference: you don’t completely fall asleep during sedation dentistry.

Dubbed as being in a “twilight state,” you don’t necessarily stay awake or go to sleep. You’re relaxed, but not dreaming exciting dreams about being out of the dentist chair. Thankfully, the work gets done while you’re between states of consciousness. You can be easily aroused during the procedure, but don’t worry: you’ll be able to respond to what your doctor asks of you.

Know that there are different levels of sedation:

  • Minimal (awake, yet relaxed)
  • Moderate (partially awake)
  • Deep (almost asleep but still awake)

If your anxiety of going to the dentist is high, seriously consider sedation dentistry. Anxiety isn’t an only factor. You should also consider this approach if you have a gag reflex, trouble with a local anesthetic, or experience neck or lower back pain while in a dentist’s chair. It’s important that you’re not embarrassed by thinking about this procedure. What might be only for children is completely understandable and acceptable for adults too. It’s OK to be afraid, but Dr. Carmen can calm those fears.

Consider your options and feel free to ask all of your questions with Dr. Carmen and his staff. Dr. Carmen received holds his certification with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He provides nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, and he works closely with an anesthesiologist who administers IV sedation. Dr. Carmen will be with you the whole way through: from consultation to the day of treatment to your recovery. That’s certainly something to keep in mind.

Call our office to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.

Air Abrasion: A Safe Alternative Without a Drill!

November 21, 2012

Filed under: dr. bobby j. carmen,General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry,Technology — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 7:10 pm

Has the sound or sight of a drill kept you away from visiting your dentist? You’re not alone. It’s hard not to forget the piercing sounds, smelling the burning and seeing the smoke. Even worse, the pain of lying helpless in a chair during the procedure. Ease those fears and forget those horror stories with the wonderful option of air abrasion!

Dr. Carmen and his excellent staff have the means and the technology to give you a relatively painless experience with air abrasion. As a popular option in children’s dentistry, the option works just as well for adults. There’s no shame or embarrassment here. It’s completely normal to have anxiety about a procedure of this magnitude, but you shouldn’t let important dental work fall to the wayside.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your tooth (or teeth) is sprayed with a steady stream of aluminum oxide particles
  • By going this route, the chances of chipping or fracturing are very small.
  • Your teeth are not subjected to vibrations, heat, or sound like what you find with a drill.
  • There is little or no need for anesthetic.
  • The procedure is brief, so multiple or all your spots can be taken care in one visit.

Your oral health is important, and air abrasion can also help with the following:

  • Removal of old composite restorations
  • Preparation for a sealant
  • Removal of stains

Imagine the power of dental work in only a few minutes without the pain, and especially without the fear of a drill. Dr. Carmen and his team are happy to answer any questions you have about air abrasion. Call our office to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.

New Year, New Smiles for Norman, Oklahoma

November 14, 2012

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,dr. bobby carmen,Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:00 pm

This year has been long, and the holidays can take a lot out of you. But if you’re thinking about making a new start in 2013, how about a

If you’ve seen Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his team before, you might have heard about this, but here are three main services we offer:

Have a cracked tooth? Got a tooth that just doesn’t want to turn white, no matter how much you brush and flush? Got swollen gums that keep getting bigger? Have a gap between teeth that feels miles long? Everyone seems to have things they would like to change. But no matter what you like or dislike about your smile, we can help. Dr. Carmen and his team will give you a thorough examination and determine what’s best for you and your oral health.

Want to make an impression at a new job? Meet new people with a friendly handshake and grin? Starting a new semester at OU? Don’t let your anxiety keep you from fulfilling your goals. Your outer beauty will give way to your inner beauty. And it can happen with a smile makeover.

There are a variety ways of going about this. If you want your teeth whitened, there’s the convenience of in-office and take-home treatments. They’re painless and you’ll see results in no time. With the trusted and respected KOR™ Whitening, you’ll be on the road to bigger and brighter smiles. And if you’ve heard about porcelain veneers or cosmetic gum lifts and want to know more, Dr. Carmen can answer all of your questions.

Ready to face 2013 with confidence in that smile? Call our office to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.

There’s Still Time for a Dental Checkup Before the Holidays!

November 7, 2012

Filed under: dr. bobby carmen,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:00 pm

The holidays are coming up, but don’t let oral health take a backseat. Of course you’re busy with making travel plans, thinking about cooking plans, and hosting friends and family. Your teeth might look great in the mirror, but it never hurts to have a licensed dentist check you out. So why not consider a fellow OU alum, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen? Call our Norman office today for a checkup before the holiday rush comes in.

Whether you’re an OU student or a longtime resident in the area, everybody must think about their oral health. Sure, you’ve been brushing and flossing twice a day, rinsing out with mouthwash, and keeping all your teeth intact. But can you remember the last time you paid your dentist a visit?

  • Has it been six months?
  • Has it been a year?
  • Has it been . . . oh, you can’t remember?

Well, Dr. Carmen and his team are here to help. As simple as a regular checkup and oral exam may sound, it’s extremely important to have this on a regular basis. Especially keep this in mind before you consume belt-busting amounts of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. You want your teeth to handle all of that with ease, and Dr. Carmen can help make sure you’re on track.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but a regular checkup can help with fighting the early signs of gum disease. Gum disease can lead to far more threatening matters like heart disease, so understand this is no small matter.

Smile with ease and confidence this holiday season. Yes, you can!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmen, call our Norman office today. We serve patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.