Bobby J. Carmen, DDS Blog

Start Fresh This School Year with the Dental Expertise of Dr. Bobby Carmen

September 20, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, University of Oklahoma — admin @ 4:06 pm

The kids are back in school, and the first day of fall is almost here. What better time to forget those hectic summer schedules and start fresh? And of course, it’s always a good idea to start with your dental care. If you’ve been fruitlessly searching for a new dentist and practice that can accommodate your oral health needs with a kind and personalized touch, look no further than Dr. Bobby Carmen here in Norman, OK! We offer a wide variety of dental services to patients of all ages, from simple check-ups to more complex restorative and cosmetic treatments. If you’re new to our website, here are some helpful links that can teach you more about us!

Patient Services – learn more about the treatments we can offer you and your loved ones, all designed to leave your smile happier and healthier than ever before.
FAQs – do you have a question about oral healthcare? You may find the answer you’ve been looking for here!
Patient Resources – we believe strongly in patient education; that’s why we provide a wealth of valuable information here that can help you better understand our field of expertise.
Ask the Doctor – if you haven’t been able to find an answer to your question or concern in the first two links, feel free to ask Dr. Carmen! He’ll be happy to respond quickly and privately.
Patient Feedback – hear directly from our patients about the particulars of our care!

Contact our Norman office today if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to go ahead and schedule your appointment! We pride ourselves on providing dental care that’s comprehensive and compassionate, putting your comfort first at all times. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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Revitalize Your Damaged Smile with a Personalized Full Mouth Reconstruction Plan in Norman, OK

July 19, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, full mouth reconstruction, full mouth reconstruction dentist, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, the University of Oklahoma — admin @ 5:39 pm

When your teeth have been damaged due to injury or decay, it can be an intimidating task to seek out dental help, especially if you can tell that you’re in need of several treatments to restore your smile to its former glory. After all, the last you need is one more person criticizing you unfairly for your appearance. Thankfully, here at Dr. Bobby Carmen’s dental practice, judgment is the last thing on any of our staff members’ minds – far from it! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to take this step towards rebuilding both your smile and your self-confidence. With the help of a full mouth reconstruction plan, we’ll be able to plan your treatment out in a way that best fits your unique needs and goals and leaves your teeth healthier and happier than ever before!

Revitalize Your Look with our Transformative Services

When it comes down to it, a full mouth reconstruction isn’t a specific service or procedure – it’s a combination of our various restorative dentistry services that has been personalized to fit your unique situation! We’ll begin by treating you to a thorough evaluation at our Norman, OK office so that we determine the scope and extent of your dental problems. Once that process is completed, Dr. Carmen will sit down with you and discuss the options available for treatment and what his recommendations are, being sure to take into account any wishes or concerns you may have. By developing a full mouth reconstruction plan ahead of treatment, you’ll be sure to save yourself valuable time and cost by combining appointments and avoiding unnecessary procedures, all while improving the health of your smile!

Our available procedures include:

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

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Dr. Carmen Can Help Keep Your Smile Safe during Sports with an Athletic Mouthguard

July 12, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, Moore, mouthguard, mouthguard dentist, Norman, norman oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma — admin @ 5:39 pm

If you or your child regularly participates in a sport, then you know how important it is to always be wearing protective gear. Helmets, kneepads, and shin guards are all common staples, but have you ever stopped to the safety of your teeth? Nearly half of all injuries every year that are related to sports occur in or around the face, after. Dr. Carmen wants to ensure that your smile stays perfectly protected as you enjoy yourself on the field or court – that’s why he’ll be happy to offer you a custom athletic mouthguard at his Norman, OK office!

What exactly is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a piece of gear that covers your teeth, as well as your lips, tongue, and jaw. While it may seem obvious to wear one during heavy-contact sports such as boxing or football, the American Dental Association strongly recommends the use of one in nearly all sports, including baseball, martial arts, basketball, gymnastics, bicycling, and much more. There are good reasons for this – mouthguards have been shown to dramatically reduce the amount of mouth-related injuries that occur each year, even helping to reduce the severity of concussions.

There are several types of mouthguards, and Dr. Carmen and his staff can work with you to find the choice that best fits your unique needs. Ready-made mouthguards, mouth-formed mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards all have their own advantages and disadvantages; that’s why it’s crucial to discuss your concerns with our team before deciding on one. Additionally, remember that mouthguards should be worn during both games and practices, and that they should be regularly brushed and rinsed in order to avoid discomfort.

Contact our Norman, OK office today if you’d like to schedule an appointment! We can’t wait to give you and your family a reason to smile bigger and brighter! We welcome new patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over the state.

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Restore Your Smile Seamlessly in Norman, OK with the Help of a CEREC Crown

May 30, 2013

Filed under: CEREC Crowns — Tags: CEREC, CEREC crown, CEREC crown norman, CEREC machine, dr. bobby carmen, Moore, Norman, norman CEREC dentist, Norman dentist, Oklahoma, oklahoma dentist, the University of Oklahoma, the university of oklahoma dentist — admin @ 9:51 pm

Whether it’s needed due to decay or an injury, having a crown placed is a common staple of dental care that countless patients have experienced over the years. However, the process can be a major inconvenience, especially if you have a tight schedule – one appointment for preparation and the placement of clunky temporary crown, and then a second appointment for the permanent crown to be placed. In the meantime, your temporary crown might even break or come loose, resulting in another impromptu trip to your local dental office. Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff in Norman, OK have experienced first-hand how vexing and inconvenient this process can be – that’s why they provide CEREC crowns for damaged smiles of all shapes and sizes!

How does CEREC work?

The process is simple! After taking a detailed, 3D image of your tooth, the CEREC machine goes to work on creating a beautiful, custom-made restoration for you. Better yet, the process only takes a single hour – no inconvenience or temporary pieces required! Dr. Carmen will then permanently place the new crown for you once it’s completed and ensure that you’re happy with it before you leave our office with a fuller, healthier smile.

Our CEREC machine can also create inlays, onlays, and veneers, allowing us to quickly and thoroughly provide you with the perfect restorative solution to your dental woes.

Contact our Norman, OK office today if you any questions about our available CEREC technology, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmen. Our team is committed to providing patients with comprehensive, personalized oral health care that leaves teeth happier and healthier than ever before. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond!

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Dr. Bobby Carmen Can Use Dental Implants to Revitalize Your Smile and Self-Confidence

May 23, 2013

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: dental implants, dental implants norman, dr. bobby carmen, implant dentist norman, Moore, Norman, norman dental implant dentist, Oklahoma, oklahoma dentist, the University of Oklahoma, the university of oklahoma dentist — admin @ 9:51 pm

A relatively new restorative dentistry tool, dental implants are a modern alternative to bridges and dentures, and they’ve helped countless patients recover from tooth loss and experience a smile that’s beautiful and fully functional again. Having unsightly gaps isn’t only embarrassing – it can also lead to additional oral health problems, such as periodontal disease. At Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental practice, we’ll keep that from happening by seeing you through every step of the treatment, as well as answering common questions about dental implants here!

What exactly are dental implants?

They’re comprised of the same parts as a natural tooth: the crown and the root. The root, a small titanium post, is surgically placed in jawbone in order to provide a secure foundation for the custom-made crown, which will be set atop it after an appropriate amount of time has passed for the area to heal.

What happens during the dental implant process?

First, Dr. Carmen will thoroughly examine your mouth for any possible signs of decay or damage. Once he’s determined that you’re a viable candidate for dental implants, you’ll undergo a surgical procedure to have one or more dental implants placed in your jaw. While many dentists have to send their patients elsewhere to undergo this part of the treatment, Dr. Carmen has taken advanced courses in implant dentistry and is highly qualified to carry out every stage himself.

Once the surgery is complete and some time has passed for the implant to successfully fuse with the bone tissue, you’ll return to our Norman, OK office so that Dr. Carmen can attach your new restoration.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are notable for being the only tooth replacement option that replicates the entire structure of the tooth instead of just the crown. This helps keep the jawbone from deteriorating over time and provides better support and stability for the patient. Additionally, dental implants have a very high success rate, closely mimic natural teeth, and can potentially last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Contact our Norman, OK today to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Carmen. We can’t wait to give you a reason to smile! We also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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Have a Fear-Free Oral Heath Care Experience in Norman, OK with the Help of Sedation Dentistry

May 8, 2013

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, IV sedation, Moore, nitrous oxide, Norman, Norman dentist, oral conscious sedation, sedation dentistry, sedation dentistry Norman, sedation dentistry oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma — admin @ 5:42 pm

The idea of going to the dentist’s office can be a scary one – especially if you know your teeth and gums are in need of treatment. Dental anxiety is a common problem; in fact, nearly 75% of the population experiences some level of it when placed in a similar situation. However, this certainly doesn’t mean you should delay treatment! Oral health problems that are left to their own devices often develop into more serious conditions, which can result in more money, more time, and more frustration for you. But what can you do? Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff have you covered at their Norman, OK office. With the help of several sedation dentistry options, we can ensure that you feel safe and comfortable as we transform your teeth!

Sedation dentistry might be the right choice for you if:

Are often anxious or afraid when visiting the dentist
Have as sensitive gag reflex
Have difficulty becoming numb with the help of local anesthetic
Have a hard time sitting still for a long period of time or suffer from neck or back pain
Need to have several lengthy procedures done in as few appointments as possible

Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, which is the nation’s leading association dedicated to helping people overcome dental fear. Because of you, our patients know that they can put their wellbeing in the hands of our accomplished staff. We can provide nitrous oxide for patients who only need to take the edge off and would like to feel more relaxed. For patients who suffer from more severe dental fear, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation can produce the effects you’re looking for, placing you in such a deep stage of comfort that once the procedure’s finished, you’ll remember very little about it.

Contact our Norman, OK office today to learn which sedation dentistry option would best fit your unique needs, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about! We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.

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Guard Your Smile against Oral Cancer with Help from Dr. Carmen

April 26, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, Oklahoma, oklahoma dentist, oral cancer, oral cancer norman, oral cancer norman dentist, the University of Oklahoma, velscope, velscope norman — admin @ 5:42 pm

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Here in Norman, OK, we’re constantly surprised to find that many of our patients aren’t familiar with this destructive disease. Oral cancer kills one American every hour, and only around half of those diagnosed with it will go on to survive more than five years. Even worse, while most cases are found in people who excessively use tobacco and/or alcohol, nearly a fourth of patients with oral cancer never participated in any risk factors whatsoever. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff take this threat very seriously; that’s why we thoroughly inspect your mouth for any signs of the disease every time you’re in our office. However, if you find yourself unable to come in to see us for a significant period of time, here are some common signs of oral cancer you can check for at home:

A sore that bleeds easily and doesn’t show signs of healing.
A sudden color change of the oral tissue.
A lump, thickening, or crust inside the mouth
Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips

Of course, it’s important to remember that Dr. Carmen should be your first line of defense against all oral health diseases, including oral cancer. By scheduling regular check-ups for you and your family, you’ll give our team the perfect opportunity to keep an eye out for suspicious areas and treat them accordingly. At our Norman office, we have several techniques available to detect the presence of oral cancer, including brush biopsies, scalpel biopsies, and VELscope.

Contact our practice today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Carmen! Our team will be sure to keep your teeth happy and healthy with a variety of services and procedures. In addition to Norman, we also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over Central Oklahoma.

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Give Your Teeth a Break with TMJ Therapy from Dr. Carmen

April 19, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Central Oklahoma, central oklahoma tmj dentist, central oklahoma tmj dysfunction, dr. bobby carmen, Norman, Norman dentist, tmj dentist, tmj dysfunction norman, tmj dysfunction norman dentist, TMJ therapy, tmj-disorder, University of Oklahoma — admin @ 5:29 pm

When asked to name common health conditions that a dentist could treat, most potential patients would probably start with typical ailments of the teeth and gums, such as cavities, cracks, and periodontal disease. But did you know that some of the greatest pain you can experience as a result of an oral-health condition isn’t caused by areas that you brush and/or floss around at all? Located just in front of your ears are small joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, which are usually referred to as temporomandibular joints, or TMJ. While little, these joints are massively important; in fact, they contain a complex system of blood vessels, nerves, and bone. Worse, even a slight misalignment or problem can negatively impact both your dental health and your overall wellbeing. Here at Dr. Bobby Carmen’s Norman office, we don’t take problems with the TMJ (commonly called TMJ disorder) lightly. Our dedicated team will do everything in our power to help ease your pain and get you back to smiling sooner.

How can you help my TMJ disorder?

First, we’ll make sure to inspect your mouth and jaw for any possible signs of TMJ dysfunction during each regular check-up. If we detect any signs of the condition, we’ll work fast in order to prevent damage to your teeth, as well as relieve pain. In most cases, an oral appliance can help hold your jaw in a preferable position during sleep so as to relieve pressure. Additionally, there are several other methods that could help:

Stress management
New bite/chewing techniques
A new sleeping position
Light temple and jaw massage
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or analgesics

Don’t let pain from TMJ dysfunction ruin one more day – contact our Norman office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Carmen and his team are well-known for providing personalized, precise care that will put your comfort first. We’re also happy to see patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.

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Find Personalized Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs in Norman, OK

April 8, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Central Oklahoma, central oklahoma dentist, dr. bobby carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, special needs dentistry, special needs dentistry norman, special needs norman dentist, University of Oklahoma — admin @ 5:29 pm

When you have a loved one who suffers from a serious mental or physical disability, making sure that they get the dental services they need can seem like an impossible task at times. After all, a regular approach often won’t meet their unique needs, and it can even result in trauma or disaster. Here in Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his dedicated team are committed to providing excellent care to smiles of all shapes and sizes, no matter what the circumstances are. That’s why we’ve taken the time to learn the special needs that come with a variety of disabilities and adjust our services accordingly. We want you and every member of your family to feel welcome at our practice!

When caring for special needs patients, it’s crucial to understand their disabilities and the unique challenges that they pose. Here are a few examples:

Alzheimer’s

As this degenerative disease progresses, symptoms such as forgetfulness and dementia begin to affect every aspect of that person’s life, including their dental hygiene routine. Dr. Carmen recommends that patients with Alzheimer’s are brought in to his Norman office more frequently for check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, oral sedation and other measures that can induce relaxation may be necessary.

Parkinson’s

Tremors are usually associated with this condition, making it harder as time goes on to control even simple movements fully – a problem that can definitely affect brushing and flossing, which require fine motor skills. A large percentage of people with Parkinson’s also suffer from depression. Our team can ensure that these patients’ smiles stay full and functional, contributing to a higher quality of life.

Down syndrome

When it comes to people with Down syndrome, trust has to be a crucial aspect of their care. We’ll help you assure your loved one that they won’t be harmed or restrained in any way during their procedure. Because their immune systems may be compromised as well, we’ll take every precaution to prevent the spread of infection and keep a close eye on any possible signs of developing gum disease.

We’re here to give you and your family a reason to smile! Contact our Norman office today to learn more about our dental care for special needs patients, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you can find out additional information about other conditions at this page. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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Protect Your Pearly Whites from Gum Disease in Norman, OK

March 5, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dr. bobby carmen, gum disease, gum disease norman, gum disease norman dentist, gum treatment norman, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, periodontal disease, the University of Oklahoma — admin @ 6:18 pm

When asked to name common oral health problems, most of us would probably choose culprits like cavities or unsightly enamel stains – but did you know that nearly 80% of the population is suffering from a stage of gum disease today? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, often begins mildly; sometimes, symptoms are even invisible. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to a myriad of destructive problems, including tooth loss. Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff believe strongly in catching and treating gum disease quickly and efficiently, saving you time, money, and frustration; that’s why we offer a variety of thorough, non-surgical treatments at our Norman office that can leave your smile healthier and happier.

How can you tell if you might be suffering from gum disease? Here are some common symptoms:

Tenderness and swelling in the gums
Gums that bleed during and/or after you brush and floss
Sudden pain that occurs when chewing
A shift in your bite, or teeth that feel loose or changed
Bad breath that persists even after brushing and mouthwash

Of course, it’s important to remember that in many cases of gum disease, none of these symptoms are noticeable or even present. That’s why it’s important to attend regular check-ups with Dr. Carmen at his Norman office so that our staff can closely monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease.

I have gum disease! What can you do for me?

Our practice offers several options for gum disease treatment so that we can ensure you get the care that bests fit your individual needs. These include scaling, root planing, antibiotics, and laser treatment. Dr. Carmen will be happy to discuss with you how each of these methods work. In severe cases of gum disease, we may need to recommend you to a trusted colleague who can provide your gums with the thorough care they need.

Don’t let gum disease steal your smile – treat it quickly and effectively with help from Dr. Carmen and his excellent staff! Our Norman practice is committed to providing you with comfortable dental care that is sure to put a smile on your face. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.

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