Rejuvenate Your Smile and Erase Unsightly Gaps with Dental Implants in Norman, OK

November 30, 2013

For patients with one or more missing teeth, dental implants are a revolutionary new tooth replacement method that’s truly transformative. They provide a prosthetic that’s so lifelike and durable that it will be difficult to even remember that you lost the original pearly white; even better, they help prevent jawbone deterioration with the help of a small, titanium post – a problem that patients who rely on dentures or bridges have no solid solution for. While several dentists are able to place restorations, Dr. Bobby Carmen has taken several advanced courses in implant dentistry, qualifying him to be able to take you through every step of the implants process in one convenient location.

How does the dental implant process work?

While it takes longer to receive a full dental implant than a bridge or denture, the dental implants process is considered ultimately more rewarding. First, Dr. Carmen will determine whether you’re a viable candidate for the procedure with a thorough examination. Then, you’ll undergo a brief oral surgery, in which we’ll place a small, titanium post into the empty socket. You will require some time to heal from this event; once you have, you’ll return to our Norman office so that Dr. Carmen can place a customized crown atop the post and complete the procedure.

What are the benefits?

Benefits of having dental implants include:

  • Function – dental implants closely mimic natural teeth, providing patients with much-needed comfort and stability in their new smile.
  • Success – the success rate for dental implant placement is an impressive 98%!
  • Longevity – if cared for properly, dental implants can last for a lifetime, unlike bridges and dentures, which need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.

Contact our Norman office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carmen. Our team can’t wait to leave you with a happier and healthier smile. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and beyond.

Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease with Help from Dr. Bobby Carmen

November 18, 2013

Many dental patients are surprised to learn that the most common oral health ailment isn’t something simple like cavities or teeth grinding – it’s gum disease. In fact, a staggering 80% of the population is projected to suffer from a stage of this ailment. Also commonly referred to as a periodontal disease, gum disease is relatively harmless in its earliest stages, but if left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences, including bone deterioration and tooth loss. That’s why it’s so important to attend regular check-ups here in Norman with Dr. Carmen! Our dedicated staff can thoroughly inspect your gums and provide customized therapy promptly if needed. If you’re between check-ups, here are some common symptoms that you can keep an eye out for in the comfort of your own home:

  • Gums that bleed during brushing and/or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath that isn’t alleviated by oral hygiene or mouthwash
  • Any tenderness, swelling, or discoloration concerning your oral tissues
  • Pain when chewing
  • Teeth that appear longer (it means your gums are receding)
  • A bite that feels different suddenly, or teeth that seem looser

In addition, here are some factors that indicate a higher risk of gum disease than normal:

  • If you smoke and/or use tobacco
  • If you have diabetes
  • If you take steroids
  • If you’ve undergone therapy for cancer

We have several methods available for treating gum disease, including scaling, root planing, antibiotic therapy, and laser treatment. If your case is advanced, we may recommend you to a trusted colleague who can provide periodontal surgery. We’ll be sure to select the treatment that best fits your unique needs and concerns!

Contact our Norman office today to schedule an appointment! Dr. Carmen and his staff are happy to welcome new patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over the state.

Finally Relax During Oral Health Care in Norman, OK with Sedation Dentistry

November 5, 2013

If you suffer from fear or anxiety when faced with an upcoming dentist’s appointment, don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. In fact, a majority of the population reports experiencing some level of dental phobia throughout their life. Here in Norman, OK, the last thing our team wants to do is make you feel uncomfortable or frightened when undergoing care. However, it’s important that you pursue the dental treatments you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful; after all, putting off visits indefinitely could result in severe problems that require even more time and money to fix. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen offers a solution: sedation dentistry. With the help of several sedation options, we can ensure that you’ll feel completely comfortable and at ease during treatment!

Sedation dentistry best benefits patients who:

  • experience severe fear when faced with visiting the dentist
  • have serious time constraints and need to undergo several lengthy procedures in as little time as possible
  • have a sensitive gag reflex
  • find it difficult to become numb with local anesthetic
  • is unable to rest comfortably in our chair due to neck and/or back pain

Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, the nation’s leading associated dedicated to this field, so you can be sure to trust him when it comes to your sedation needs. Our team can provide nitrous oxide for patients who experience mild fear; the dosage you’ve given can be easily altered, and the effects wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities instantly. If your sense of fear is much more severe or debilitating, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation is also available. We’ll be happy to sit down with you and discuss your needs before your treatment begins so that we can be sure to pick the sedation dentistry choice that best suits you.

Contact our Norman, OK office today to schedule an appointment! Dr. Carmen can’t wait to give you and your loved ones new reasons to smile. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.