Bobby J. Carmen, DDS Blog

Smile Pretty! You’ve got Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK

March 30, 2015

78768689 Concealer is to a make-up artist as (fill in the blank) are to a dentist. The correct answer is porcelain veneers. Just as concealer covers skin imperfections, so too porcelain veneers cover smile imperfections. Dr. Bobby Carmen artfully uses porcelain veneers to correct and improve the smiles of people in and around Norman, OK.

Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers, can cover a variety of cosmetic dental issues, including:

Stained or discolored teeth that have not responded to teeth whitening
Chipped or slightly cracked teeth
Misaligned or misshaped teeth
Teeth that have gaps in between them
Teeth that are unevenly worn because of grinding or unusual wear and tear

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Once you have consulted with Dr. Carmen and determined that porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic dental solution for you—and you’ve settled on the color, size and shape of your new teeth—then you’ll likely need only two appointments for your veneers to be in place. At the first appointment, Dr. Carmen will prep the teeth in your smile zone. This includes applying a mildly acidic solution to the enamel that creates a more receptive surface for the bonding agent and porcelain veneers. Then, we’ll take an impression of your teeth that will be sent to our cosmetic dental lab, which will fabricate your custom-designed veneers. In the meantime, you’ll wear temporaries.

When your permanent veneers arrive in a few weeks, you’ll return to our office to have your veneers adhesively bonded to your teeth. If necessary, Dr. Carmen will artfully trim and shape the veneers for a perfect fit. When finished, you’ll have a new smile to show the world.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you would like to learn more about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile, call the office of Dr. Carmen for a consultation. We serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.

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No Worries! Dr. Bobby Carmen Offers Sedation Dentistry in Norman, OK

March 15, 2015

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, oral conscious sedation, sedation dentistry, sedation dentistry Norman, University of Oklahoma — dr_carmen @ 12:32 am

96397555 If you haven’t been to the dentist in months—okay, maybe years—because everything in a dental office frightens you, then you are in good company. Millions of Americans are afraid to go to the dentist and are letting their oral and maybe even their general health suffer as a consequence. But you don’t have to be one of the millions. With sedation dentistry from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, you can calmly and comfortably reclaim your healthy smile.

Research shows that there is a direct correlation between your oral health and your general health. No surprise, considering your mouth is the main entryway into your body. For example, the bacteria associated with gum disease has been found to be connected to other ailments including high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis and low birth weight in newborns. So, seeing the dentist regularly is more than just a way to have a pretty smile—it’s an important way you take care of yourself.

Three Types of Sedation Dentistry

Regardless of your level of anxiety, Dr. Carmen offers the type of sedation dentistry you need. For mild sedation, there is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. With this, you will simply inhale a measured combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nose mask during your procedure. You’ll feel relaxed, and when the mask is removed the effects of the gas will wear off almost immediately, so you can go about your day.

If your level of anxiety necessitates moderate sedation, then Dr. Carmen will recommend oral conscious sedation. With this method, you’ll take an anti-anxiety medication before your appointment. Because you’ve taken an oral sedative, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. Our sedation dentistry team will monitor your vital signs during your procedure. The effects of the medication should wear by the following day.

Finally, IV sedation can alleviate severe anxiety. We work with an anesthesiologist who administers the sedative and monitors your vital signs. You may be able to communicate during this sedation, but many patients do fall asleep. In either case, you’ll wake up without remembering the procedure.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, then call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK. We also serve patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Eliminate the Painful Symptoms of TMJ Disorder with help from Dr. Bobby Carmen

February 28, 2015

Filed under: TMJ Therapy,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, central oklahoma dentistry, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, the University of Oklahoma, TMJ therapy, University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — dr_carmen @ 9:45 pm

167121308 Have you ever heard of your temporomandibular joints? No? That’s okay, even though they’re located on either side of the face just in front of the ears, most people haven’t heard of them either. However, if you experience persistent headaches or a host of other painful symptoms, then you may want to spend some time learning about those joints. Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, treats patients with TMJ disorder, or TMD, so they can get back to living a productive and pain-free life.

Your temporomandibular joints allow you to open and close your mouth, so you can chew, talk, smile, laugh and yawn. If these joints malfunction—whether because of a bite problem that is brought on by misaligned teeth, uneven surfaces on the teeth caused by teeth grinding, or a hard blow to the face—then the consequences can be a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Perhaps the most common symptom is pain when chewing. Other symptoms may include:

Headaches and migraines
The feeling of an earache without infection
Swelling on the side of the face
A clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth
Sensitive teeth
A stiff or locked jaw
Misaligned teeth or other changes in your bite

TMJ Therapy in Norman, OK

If Dr. Carmen does diagnose you with TMD, then the goals are to arrest it, protect teeth from further damage, and correct underlying bite misalignment. To do this, Dr. Carmen may prescribe an oral appliance that you’ll wear at night to reduce stress on your jaw. You’ll also want to avoid eating hard and chewy foods, slouching—good posture can alleviate pain in your head, neck and shoulders—and stressful situations as much as possible, which naturally cause people to clench their teeth.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then call Dr. Bobby Carmen today to schedule a consultation to determine if the cause is TMD. Dr. Carmen serves patients in Norman, OK, as well as the surrounding communities of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Protect your Kids’ Teeth with Children’s Dentistry in Norman, OK

February 15, 2015

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,dr. bobby carmen,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, children's dentist Norman, children's dentistry, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — dr_carmen @ 9:37 pm

122406213 There are so many things parents do to protect their children: buckle them into car seats, vaccinate them from childhood diseases, hold their hands when crossing the street, and the list goes on. One more important measure parents can take is regular visits to the dentist. Children’s dentistry is a vital component of maintaining your children’s oral health, as well as their general health. Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, provides the gentle care children need in order to help them build a strong foundation for a lifetime of dental care.

Actually, children’s dentistry begins even before your child visits Dr. Carmen, and it begins with you, the parent. The time to start cleaning your child’s teeth is when that first baby tooth appears. Just moisten a soft cloth with warm water and gently wipe baby teeth after each feeding. Then, when your children celebrate their first birthdays, you can bring them to see Dr. Carmen for a consult. We’ll go over their proper dental care with you and check for any dental concerns.

Children’s Dentistry Means Regular Checkups

Beginning around the time your children are three-years-old, you should begin scheduling their regular dental checkups every six months. As we do when you visit Dr. Carmen for a checkup, we’ll clean your children’s teeth and we’ll examine their gums and check their teeth for decay, because children are not immune to gum disease and cavities. If Dr. Carmen finds a cavity, he will likely recommend a tooth-colored filling.

Beyond the Cleaning

Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are particularly important for your children’s dental health. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which is the first line of defense against decay-causing bacteria. And while fluoride is added to drinking water and toothpaste, a fluoride rinse from the dentist provides a necessary boost. Likewise, dental sealants offer an additional boost. Sealants are “painted” on to your children’s deeply grooved molars and harden to form an added layer of protection against decay.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If your child needs to see the dentist, then call Dr. Bobby Carmen today for outstanding children’s dentistry in Norman, OK. We also serve children and adults from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Save a Tooth and Save Your Smile with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK

January 30, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, Oklahoma, oklahoma dentist, root canal, root canal treatment norman, the University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — dr_carmen @ 5:53 pm

Root canal. Just saying those two words can run chills down your spine. The truth is, however, a root canal is meant to stop the chills down your spine by halting the pain and discomfort that accompanies an infected tooth. Moreover, a root canal can prevent the need for having that tooth extracted. With modern dental techniques and the comfort of sedation dentistry, Dr. Bobby Carmen performs root canals for patients in Norman, OK, and the surrounding vicinity.

Get to the Root of the Problem with a Root Canal

Your teeth are more than what you see. Inside each tooth there is soft tissue called pulp that is comprised of nerve tissue, blood vessels and lymph tissue. If you have a tooth that has severe decay or has suffered a serious injury resulting in a deep fracture, then the tooth’s pulp may be exposed to infection-causing bacteria. An infection inside a tooth can be extremely painful, and the infection can spread to your gum tissue, jawbone and beyond. The solution is to have a root canal.

During a root canal, Dr. Carmen removes the infected tissue inside your tooth along with any accompanying debris that the infection causes. Then, the tooth’s root and canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. Dr. Carmen will also likely want to fit the tooth for a dental crown to protect it from further damage. Once the crown is in place, your tooth will look and function as good as new. Best of all, you’ll be pain free and you will have avoided extracting the tooth.

Call Our Office Today

Don’t contend with toothache pain for even one more day. Schedule an appointment for root canal treatment with Dr. Bobby Carmen. We serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as the surrounding communities of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Make 2015 Your Brightest Year Yet with Teeth Whitening from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK

January 15, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry norman, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, KOR whitening, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, teeth whitening, the University of Oklahoma — dr_carmen @ 5:48 pm

100047604 It’s not too late to make one more New Year’s resolution: smile more. But if your smile isn’t as white and bright as you’d like, that may be a difficult resolution to keep. So, why not consider doing something to make that resolution a cinch? Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, revives smiles with professional teeth whitening.

As we age, our teeth become stained and discolored for a number of reasons, including:

Commonly consumed foods and drinks, such as blueberries and red wine
Tobacco use
Certain medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline
Genetic predisposition
The unavoidable aging process itself

Fortunately, there is a way to reverse the hands of time. Teeth whitening is a popular and safe alternative to simply putting up with a dull smile. Dr. Carmen uses the Kör® Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System. Kör combines the precision and comfort of custom-fitted trays that we fabricate in the office with the convenience and comfort of whitening your teeth at home.

Teeth Whitening in Norman, OK

When you visit Dr. Carmen for teeth whitening, we’ll take impressions of your teeth in order to make form-fitting trays that snuggly but comfortably hold the whitening gel against your teeth. The KöR whitening gel restores your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from its whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules. You’ll notice results within a few days, but for maximum whiteness, you should continue treatment for about two weeks.

At the end of treatment, your teeth will be dramatically whiter, and Kor even whitens teeth stained by tetracycline. In addition, patients report low tooth-sensitivity using the Kör® Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System. For long-lasting brilliance, Dr. Carmen may recommend combining in-office teeth whitening with periodic take-home touch-ups.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’d like to learn more about teeth whitening, then call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen. We conveniently serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Rely on Dr. Bobby Carmen for Family Dentistry in Norman and Moore

December 30, 2014

Filed under: Family dentistry,General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, family dentist moore, family dentist norman, general dentistry, general dentistry norman, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, the University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — admin @ 6:36 pm

170082992 Wouldn’t it be nice to find a dentist who provides a one-stop shop for all of your family’s dental needs? Yes. Well in that case, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Bobby Carmen practices all of the elements of family dentistry for patients in Norman, OK, as well as Moore.

As your family dentist, Dr. Carmen will want to see you and all the members of your family for dental checkups at least twice each year. At these checkups, he and our dental hygienists will clean your teeth and remove plaque, assess your gum health, examine for signs of tooth decay and take x-rays when necessary to reveal hidden spots of decay. If found, Dr. Carmen will fill these decaying spots with a tooth-colored composite resin that matches your natural tooth color.

Periodontal Therapy in Norman and Moore

Likewise, if we find an indication of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, we take the necessary steps to halt the progress of this all too common disease. Treatment may include root scaling and planing to remove plaque from below the gum line and smooth the surface of tooth roots; antibiotic therapy; laser treatment to remove bacteria and help gums reattach to your teeth; and oral surgery in advanced cases of gum disease. In this instance, we will refer you to a competent periodontist.

More Family Dentistry in Norman and Moore

Dr. Carmen also treats patients for sleep apnea and TMJ dysfunction. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes lapses in breathing during the night. There is one audible consequence—snoring—but the other consequences are far more life threatening and include high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Dr. Carmen treats sleep apnea with an oral appliance that shifts the position of the jaw in order to maintain an open airway.

TMJ dysfunction results from the malfunction of the temporomandibular joints, which move your jaw up and down. While there are a number of conditions that can cause TMJ, the most common is nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. Here too, Dr. Carmen can prescribe a custom-designed oral appliance.

Call Our Office Today

To schedule an appointment for family dentistry in Norman and Moore, call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen. We’ll be glad to see you and your whole family. Our office serves patients in Norman, OK, as well as Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma and beyond.

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Restorative Dentistry from Norman Dentist Dr. Bobby Carmen

December 15, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, CEREC crowns dr. carmen, CEREC crowns norman, dental implants, dental implants norman, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, norman dentistry, the University of Oklahoma — admin @ 6:30 pm

134124545 The first job of a dentist is to preserve oral health and prevent problems. But when problems do arise—and most people don’t go through life without at least a few dental problems—it’s important to restore your oral health and your smile. When those dental problems happen, there are a number of procedures that fall into the category of restorative dentistry. Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, is your Norman dentist who practices a variety of restorative dentistry procedures to give you back your happy smile.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

One of the most common dental problems is tooth decay. Fortunately, repair has come a long way since the days of dark, metal fillings. Today, your Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby Carmen, can use composite resins to restore teeth to an attractive and healthy state. This tooth-colored plastic mixture can be blended to find the perfect match to your teeth’s natural color.

CEREC One-Visit Crowns

For a tooth that is severely cracked, or to protect a tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy, you’ll need a crown. Dr. Carmen offers CEREC One-Visit Crowns, which are convenient, strong and completely natural looking. After taking a 3D image of your tooth, our CEREC machine mills a strong, beautiful restoration in about an hour. We’ll permanently place the crown during your single visit, and you’ll leave our office with a full, healthy smile.

Dental Implants

If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the most lifelike replacement. The advantage of a dental implants is that both the tooth root and crown are restored. First, Dr. Carmen implants a biocompatible titanium post in your jawbone beneath the open tooth socket. Then once the bone and implant have fused, a custom-designed crown or implant retained denture is affixed to the new tooth “root.”

Call Our Office Today

These are just some of the restorative dentistry procedures offered by your Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby Carmen. Others available include dentures and fixed bridges, inlays and onlays, root canals and full-mouth reconstructions. We serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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Cosmetic Dentistry in Norman, OK

November 30, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,dr. bobby carmen,dr. bobby j. carmen,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry norman, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, the University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — admin @ 7:28 pm

porcelain veneers If your smile doesn’t make you happy, then perhaps you should consider cosmetic dentistry. Unlike traditional dentistry that focuses on the health of your mouth, teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry addresses the appearance of your smile. Under the overall heading of cosmetic dentistry, there are a number of treatment options for you to consider. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his staff in Norman, OK, will be happy to consult with you to find the cosmetic dental treatment that will give a smile guaranteed to make you happy.

Your Cosmetic Dentistry Choices

The first step toward your new and improved smile is a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Carmen. Our office takes a comprehensive approach to smile makeovers, making sure your teeth and mouth are healthy before beginning any cosmetic treatments. Once your best oral health is confirmed, Dr. Carmen will recommend the cosmetic treatment best suited to your unique situation. These may include:

Teeth Whitening—to remove surface stains and reveal a whiter smile, we offer the KOR™ Whitening at-home teeth whitening system. You’ll simply wear the custom-fitted trays and professional grade whitening gel for the time Dr. Carmen specifies, and you’ll see a whiter smile in a few days.

Cosmetic Bonding—for a tooth with a slight imperfection, such as a chip or minor misalignment, Dr. Carmen may recommend one-appointment bonding. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with a curing light. Once hardened, Dr. Carmen will sculpt and polish the restoration.

Porcelain Veneers—for more seriously stained, chipped or misaligned teeth, there are porcelain veneers, which are thin layers of dental porcelain that Dr. Carmen adheres to your teeth. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental lab to specifications designed to best enhance your unique smile and face.

Cosmetic Gum Lift—if your smile shows too much gum and not enough teeth, then a gum lift can uncover the tooth structure that is hidden beneath that overgrown soft tissue. Excess gum tissue is precisely removed and after a short recovery, you’ll have a happy smile to show the world!

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry, call the office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK. We also conveniently serve patients in Del City, Moore, the University of Oklahoma and throughout central Oklahoma.

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Dr. Bobby Carmen: Your General Dentist in Norman, OK

November 15, 2014

Filed under: dr. bobby carmen,dr. bobby j. carmen,General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, general dentist, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, norman dentistry, Norman general dentist, OK, oklahoma dentist — admin @ 7:21 pm

shutterstock_94075012 Whether you need a routine teeth cleaning or a more specialized treatment, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is the general dentist in Norman, OK, with the training and experience to handle your dental needs. As a general dentist, Dr. Carmen treats children, teens, adults and seniors. You’ll be pleased to know that since graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Dr. Carmen has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in order to stay up-to-date with the latest dental skills and techniques.

General Dentistry Services

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure was probably never more applicable than it is with general dentistry. As a general dentist, Dr. Carmen can, of course, treat any dental or oral health problems that may arise. More importantly, however, he works to prevent those problems from ever happening. For example, everyone over the age of three should have a professional teeth cleaning at least twice per year. At these appointments, our gentle hygienists will not only clean and polish your teeth, they’ll carefully examine your gums for any signs of periodontal disease. If necessary, x-rays of your teeth will be taken to see any tooth decay that is invisible to the naked eye.

Beyond this basic general dentistry service, our office also provides periodontal (gum disease) therapy, athletic mouthguards, snore guards for sleep apnea and TMJ therapy. If we do find signs of gum disease at a check-up, then there are methods of treatment we can use in-office to improve the condition of your gums, teeth and supporting bone tissue. Athletic mouthguards are a must if you or anyone in your family participates in sports. A mouthguard fits over your teeth and helps protect your smile as well as your lips, tongue, face and jaw.

A snore guard is a custom oral appliance that keeps airways open to eliminate lapses in breathing due to sleep apnea and stop snoring. Likewise, Dr. Carmen can treat TMJ dysfunction with a custom fitted oral appliance that will alleviate the painful symptoms associated with TMJ.

Call Our Office Today

If you need an appointment with a Norman, OK, general dentist, call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen. We also serve patients in Moore, Del City, the University of Oklahoma and throughout central Oklahoma.

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