Bobby J. Carmen, DDS Blog

Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

January 23, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:27 pm

Snoring, while annoying to those in your household, is usually a harmless habit. Sometimes, it even takes years before someone lets you know you’re a victim of the condition – usually a tired spouse, or an annoyed friend at a sleepover when you’re still young. But did you know that snoring can actually indicate a much more serious problem? If you’re a chronic snorer, you might also be suffering from sleep apnea. At its core, sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way you breathe while you’re sleeping, causing your air intake to lessen or even stop altogether for seconds at a time, up to hundreds of time a night. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to complications down the road if left untreated. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen is happy to help, here at his Norman office. Our team is committed to providing you with a comfortable and effective solution for your sleep apnea, letting you and your family get back to safe, peaceful slumber.

But first, how can you tell if you have sleep apnea? Here are some of the most common symptoms.

  • Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
  • Chronic sleepiness during the daytime, no matter how much sleep you got the night before
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat after sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Long periods of silence when sleeping – check with your spouse to see if this sounds familiar!
  • Morning headaches

Those sound familiar! What can you do to help me?

Never fear – Dr. Carmen takes sleep apnea very seriously, and he has an easy solution so that you can get the rest and peace of mind you deserve. We will have a mouthpiece custom-made to fit your unique features, commonly known as a snoreguard. As long as you wear the snoreguard during sleep, your airways will always be held open, getting rid of that pesky snoring as well as eliminating dangerous lapses in breathing.

Our team wants to give you a reason to smile! Call our Norman dental office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK

January 16, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:24 pm

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK

Out of all the dental procedures and treatments you can undergo, “root canal” always seems to be the phrase that scares potential patients the most. Maybe the amount of pain experienced during the procedure has been exaggerated over time, or the supposed invasiveness is simply unsettling to think about. When all is said and done, root canal treatment certainly isn’t as bad as it’s been built up to be; in fact, it’s a crucial procedure that can rescue heavily decayed or infected teeth from needing to be extracted. With the help of up-to-date tools and sedation dentistry herein Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his team can help your root canal treatment be as quick and comfortable as possible, getting you back to smiling sooner.

How can I tell if I need treatment for a root canal?

Here are some common symptoms:

  • Serious tooth pain when chewing
  • Swelling and tenderness in the gums
  • A dark discoloration of a tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

What happens during root canal treatment?

“Root canal” refers to the internal structure of the tooth that contains “the pulp” (the nerve). Treatment is necessary when a crack or decay exposes that inner area to bacteria and infection. Dr. Carmen will clean out all the bacteria and now-diseased pulp from the tooth then fill it with a biologically inert substance before sealing it shut again. He might also suggest other restorative measures, such as a crown, to fully restore the affected tooth to tip-top shape.

Okay, but it is going to hurt?

Root canal treatment is extremely effective, and many teeth that have undergone the procedure go on to last a lifetime. Dr. Carmen uses every tool and technique to minimize discomfort, and when all is said and done, most patients say that the pain is no worse than it is when receiving a common filling.

If you think you might be in need of root canal treatment, don’t wait any longer to seek out help! Dr. Carmen and his team are committed to providing you with excellent, personalized care that always puts your safety and comfort first. Call our Norman dental office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Smile Easier With A CEREC Crown

January 10, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 3:27 pm

Getting the news that you need a new crown can put a damper on your whole day. Now you’ve got to schedule multiple appointments to get it taken care of – one for preparation and to have a temporary crown fit, the other to have your permanent crown placed, all while having to put your life on the backburner. Even worse, what if your temporary crown is damaged or falls out? That means another trip to the dentist. Crowns are important, though, for the sake of your smile. They can save a tooth that would otherwise soon need to be replaced with a prosthetic, so you definitely shouldn’t put off your appointments. But isn’t there an easier way?

A Faster Way to a Flawless Look

Dr. Carmen understands your frustration, and here at his Norman office, we are proud to share with you a revolutionary technology that is a treat for both your teeth and your time – CEREC crowns. CEREC eliminates the need for inconveniences like temporary crowns and follow-up visits. With CEREC, you can have a brand-new permanent crown crafted just for you in about an hour.

CEREC (short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is both a method used by millions of patients worldwide, as well as a material with several hard-earned years of research behind it. After taking a 3D picture of your tooth, Dr. Carmen’s CEREC machine will create a beautiful and durable crown for you, which he will then permanently place in the span of a single visit. You’ll be able to leave the office with new confidence and zero frustration. What could be better?

Let us brighten your smile! Call Dr. Carmen’s Norman office today to schedule an appointment with us. Our team serves patients not only from Norman, but also from The University of Oklahoma, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Treat Your Smile to A Four-Star Makeover

December 27, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 3:26 pm

The idea of visiting the dentist can often be a frustrating one, simply because you have no idea what procedure will help your smile be at its very best. Is it my gums? My bite? What should I ask them to do first? Is it is my health or my appearance that requires the most help? What you need is a complete and comprehensive discussion that leaves nothing out, while still getting to the root of your problems quickly. Luckily, this sort of discussion is just what you’ll get once you schedule a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Carmen. Once you have all the information you need, Dr. Carmen will be able to start helping your smile make a lasting impression on those around you.

What services do you offer?

At your smile makeover consultation, Dr. Carmen will begin by asking you what you honestly like and dislike about your smile. This will give you the space you need to vent your concerns without having to worry about having all the answers yourself. Then, he’ll offer suggestions for treatment.

We take several factors into consideration when dealing with a smile makeover, such as:

  • Tooth color – are your teeth dull or discolored?
  • Tooth integrity – can you see cracks or wear?
  • Periodontal Health – are your gums red or tender when touched?
  • Tooth Alignment – is there space between your teeth?

Health is very important to us, which means that when dealing with smile makeovers, we will first make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy before moving forward with cosmetic treatment. Once teeth are able to breathe easy, Dr. Carmen can recommend a personalized treatment that will best fit your needs and desires. You could benefit from teeth whitening, or porcelain veneers. Ultimately, the outcome will come down to you. What we want most is for your smile makeover to both improve the health of your teeth, as well as give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of and deserve.

We’re ready to bring a smile to your face. Learn more about the services we offer or call Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office today to set up a smile makeover consultation with us. Dr. Carmen not only serves patients from Norman, but also from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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.

Put a Stop to Bruxism Before the Stressful Holiday Season

September 21, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 7:01 am

We mentioned in our last post that the holiday season is coming up. The holidays are, of course, a time for getting together with friends and family and celebrating values like love and togetherness. But that doesn’t mean the holidays aren’t also a stressful time. And stress is often what causes an oral health condition known as bruxism.

The primary symptom of bruxism is teeth grinding. But there are other symptoms to watch out for in addition to this one. Those symptoms can include pain in the jaw, neck, back, and shoulders. Patients with bruxism may also experience frequent headaches or earaches.

Why is bruxism a serious issue?

Because the pressure of all that grinding can damage your teeth, as well as the muscles and tissues in and around the jaw.

You might think, then, that stopping bruxism is as simple as not grinding your teeth. That’s true, but many patients who struggle with bruxism grind their teeth unconsciously and often while asleep. That makes treating bruxism on your own much more difficult.

So how can you treat bruxism?

With a nightguard! By wearing a nightguard while you sleep, you can prevent the clenching and grinding associated with bruxism, preserving your oral health in the process.

Getting started with a nightguard is easy. The process starts with a complete oral exam at Dr. Carmen’s dental office in Norman. As part of that exam, Dr. Carmen will take an impression of your smile. A nightguard will then be made for you from that impression, and, once it’s ready, treating your symptoms  will be a simple as wearing your nightguard while you sleep at night.

To learn more about bruxism and how it can be treated, call our office today. Dr. Norman would be happy to answer your questions and talk to you more about how bruxism can be managed. Our office serves patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Have You Scheduled Your Fall Visit with Dr. Carmen?

September 7, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 6:00 pm

Another fall season is almost here. Starting on Saturday, September 22, we can look forward to the end of summer and the start of cooler weather. We can also look forward the upcoming holiday season, which will be here sooner than you think.

But until then, why not use the end of September or the beginning of October to schedule your last checkup and cleaning of the year.

A key part of enjoying the holidays—besides being with the ones you love—is enjoying the holiday goodies that come with it. When you know your smile is in good shape, you can feel less guilty about indulging (just a little bit!) in all that your end-of-the-year festivities will have to offer.

It’s hard to know how your smile is doing, though, without a dental checkup and professional cleaning. During a checkup at Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office, we’ll keep a sharp eye out for signs of common oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ dysfunction, and even oral cancer. If Dr. Carmen find anything at all, he can immediately suggest a service to help you while there’s still time left on your current dental benefits. If we had to do the same thing closer to the end of the year, it might be harder to give you the care you need before the New Year starts.

So, why wait any longer? Call Dr. Carmen’s Normal dental office to schedule your fall checkup. Our office serves patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

 

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »