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

December 30, 2014

170082992Wouldn’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.

Restorative Dentistry from Norman Dentist Dr. Bobby Carmen

December 15, 2014

134124545The 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.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Norman, OK

November 30, 2014

porcelain veneersIf 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.

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

November 15, 2014

shutterstock_94075012Whether 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.

Relax! Sedation Dentistry is Available in Norman, OK

October 30, 2014

76132811Are you willing to admit that the thought of going to the dentist makes you a little nervous? Or actually, are you just plain fearful of the dentist and have consequently delayed and avoided a long overdue dental check-up? Well, with sedation dentistry, Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, can ease your nerves and calm your fears.

Sedation Dentistry for All Types of Dental Procedures

Whether you are coming to see Dr. Carmen for a teeth cleaning and check-up or a more involved procedure, sedation dentistry can relieve your anxiety. The degree of sedation will depend on how invasive the procedure is and your level of fear. Dr. Carmen uses three types of sedation.

Oral conscious sedation combines oral medication with nitrous oxide to achieve the appropriate level of relaxation. In this case, you will usually take an anti-anxiety medicine the night before your dental appointment. The next morning, a friend or relative will accompany you to the dentist. Depending on whether or not you’re still feeling somewhat anxious, Dr. Carmen may decide to administer nitrous oxide to further calm you.

Another option is to use only nitrous oxide (many people know this as laughing gas). Once you are comfortable in the dental chair, Dr. Carmen will position a mask over your nose. You’ll then inhale the combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen until you are sufficiently relaxed for your dental work to begin. Once the mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide quickly wear off, so you’ll be able to drive after your appointment.

Finally, if necessary, Dr. Carmen works with an anesthesiologist who can administer IV sedation. This type of sedation can relieve severe anxiety and help patients with sensitive gag reflexes, TMJ or other neuromuscular disorders that may make keeping their mouths open for a long time difficult.

Call Our Office Today

Don’t let fear of dentistry stand in the way of your best oral health. Call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, for an appointment made easier with sedation dentistry. Dr. Carmen conveniently serves patients throughout Central Oklahoma, Moore, Del City, and the University of Oklahoma.

Cosmetic Bonding for Quick and Easy Tooth Repair

October 15, 2014

Shutterstock Lumineers Close UpOops! You just chipped a tooth. Or perhaps you have a tooth that has always been misshapen or misaligned. There’s no reason to settle for a smile that is less than what you want it to be. With the modern dental treatment of cosmetic bonding, that tooth can likely be repaired in one appointment at the Norman, OK, office of Dr. Bobby Carmen.

When is Cosmetic Bonding the Right Choice?

There are a number of cases when cosmetic bonding may be the perfect option. Some of these instances include:

  • Repairing a chipped or cracked tooth
  • Restoring the look of discolored or stained teeth
  • Correcting the spacing between teeth
  • Changing the shape of a tooth

With cosmetic or dental bonding, Dr. Carmen will first need to slightly roughen the exterior of the existing tooth in order to provide the proper surface for the bonding material to adhere. Then a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth. The resin is molded and smoothed to the desired shape. A special ultraviolet light that “bonds” the resin to the tooth hardens the material. Dr. Carmen will further shape, trim and polish the bonded material to match the appearance of the rest of the tooth, thereby restoring your tooth and improving your smile.

Advantages of Cosmetic Bonding

The first advantage of cosmetic bonding is that the procedure can usually be completed in a single visit, unless several teeth are involved. Secondly, cosmetic bonding rarely even requires local anesthesia. Finally, when compared to other cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers or crowns, cosmetic bonding is relatively inexpensive.

Call the Office of Dr. Carmen Today

Whether you just noticed that chipped tooth or you have a tooth that has been bothering you for a while, cosmetic bonding may be just the solution you’re seeking. Make an appointment with Dr. Carmen and his team in Norman, OK. We’ll be happy to speak to you about what cosmetic bonding can do for your smile. Dr. Carmen also serves patients throughout Central Oklahoma, Moore, Del City and the University of Oklahoma.

Choosing Between Dentures and Dental Implants

September 29, 2014

Shutterstock Explaining ImplantsIf you have missing or damaged teeth that need to be replaced, you may be considering a choice between dentures and dental implants. For a long time, dentures were the only option for people looking to replace teeth that had been lost or extracted. Today, you may also choose dental implants. The decision between dentures and dental implants shouldn’t be taken lightly and you should get all the facts before you make your choice. You can make an appointment with Dr. Carmen in Norman, OK,today to get those facts and discuss your options.

Dentures

Full and partial dentures are made of a series of one or more false teeth that are attached to a metal or plastic framework. Simulated gum tissue is added for a more natural look. Dentures are held in place with the use of an adhesive paste or wafers. However, their bond is not always secure; dentures can slip and move around while eating and speaking. Lower dentures tend to move more frequently and can cause gum irritation and sores. Dentures require daily cleaning and will eventually need replacement. Dentures also do not correct the missing tooth roots in your jaw, which may lead to jawbone recession and facial collapse.

Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants can eliminate some of these issues. The process starts with a tiny titanium implant that’s inserted into your jawbone to serve as the replacement tooth root and to preserve the bone structure in your jaw. A dental crown is then attached to the dental implant, serving as your prosthetic tooth. Implants will not slip or move, require far less maintenance than dentures and are the most permanent solution for tooth loss, often lasting a lifetime.

Dentures and Dental Implants in Norman, OK

Be proactive about your oral health and make an appointment with Dr. Carmen today for a free consultation about your choice between dentures and dental implants. Dr. Carmen restores smiles everyday throughout Norman, Del City, the University of Oklahoma, Midwest City, Moore, and Central Oklahoma.

The Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy

September 15, 2014

shutterstock lumineers smileIt’s reported that approximately 40 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. have some kind of oral health problem. The gum disease, gingivitis, affects 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women, and if left untreated, can develop into a more serious periodontal disease. Rises in hormone levels during pregnancy cause the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food, resulting in increased irritation to the gums. Preventive dental care during pregnancy, like dental cleanings and semi-annual exams, are not only safe, but are recommended for the health of the mother and baby. If you are pregnant, then make an appointment with Dr. Carmen today. Dr. Carmen is experienced, gentle and serves patients throughout Norman, OK, Central Oklahoma, Moore, the University of Oklahoma and Del City.

Dental Care Issues during Pregnancy

If you have a toothache during your pregnancy, see a dentist immediately. Pregnant women should not self-medicate dental pain because excessive doses of pain medication, such as Tylenol, can damage the liver and endanger the fetus. Dental care during pregnancy such as fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection and pain. The second trimester of pregnancy is the ideal time for needed dental work. However, postpone all unnecessary dental work, like cosmetic procedures, until after delivery.

Dental Care during Pregnancy can be comfortable and stress-free. If dental work is needed, the amount of anesthesia administered will be the minimum required. When the mother is comfortable, the amount of stress on the baby is reduced. Also, the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for anesthesia to work. If dental treatment requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, then antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin are safe to use during pregnancy and may be prescribed after a procedure.

Pregnancy Dental Care in Norman, OK

Dr. Carmen will take any necessary step to put an expectant mom at ease during your visit. Make an appointment with Dr. Carmen today to protect your health and the health of your baby. Dr. Carmen proudly serves patients throughout Norman, Central Oklahoma, Moore, the University of Oklahoma and Del City.

Have Healthy Gums with Gum Disease Therapy

August 29, 2014

472315273Though many people think that the key components to a healthy smile are white, straight teeth, that cannot be further from the truth. It is important that with many things in life, in order to have a thriving result of any kind, you must have a healthy, solid foundation. Many people may not know this, but your gums are the foundation of your smile, and if they are compromised in any way, the results can be detrimental. Gum disease, also known periodontal disease, is the second most common disease facing Americans, as the first is the common cold. It is very important that if you are living with gum disease, you take care of it as soon as possible. Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is able to handle your gum disease by offering gum disease therapy at his Norman, OK dental office.

Though gum disease may not seem like a big deal to some, leaving it to its own devices can really be harmful, not only to your smile, but to your body as a whole. Untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, TMJ, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Many people do not know that they are living with gum disease, which can be even more harmful. A few signs of gum disease are gums that are red and swollen, receding gums, gums that are sensitive to the touch, and discolored gums.

There are many ways that Dr. Carmen is able to handle your gum disease. He will perform scaling, which is removing the bacteria and tartar from below the gum line. There is also root planing, which involves smoothing the areas of the tooth’s root that have become jagged due to the tartar buildup. There is laser treatment, which will remove the infected gum tissue as well as promote the growth of healthy tissue, and for more advanced cases, there is surgery with a periodontist that we will refer you to. If you feel as though you are living with gum disease and would like the help of Dr. Carmen, contact our office today, and we would love to help!

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.

Have A Flawless Smile with Porcelain Veneers!

August 15, 2014

137110504There are many people that wish they could have the perfect smiles they see in the magazines and on television. A beautiful, flawless row of teeth is a sign of vitality, and having such a smile can be positive in the way you view yourself as well as the way you interact with others. Our smiles are used to show friendliness and communicate, and if that is compromised in any way, the effects can be damaging. If your smile is less than perfect, you may not know how you can achieve the smile of your dreams. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is able to give you the smile you have always wanted by offering porcelain veneers at his Norman, OK dental office.

One of the main reasons why porcelain veneers are so popular is because they are able to completely revolutionize your smile is a short amount of time. If your smile is chipped, stained, misaligned, oddly spaced, or cracked, porcelain veneers are able to rectify the situation instantly, only revealing an impeccable smile! The first step is a consultation with Dr. Carmen, where he will be able to assess your smile in its current condition, as well as discuss your future smile goals with you. If you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, Dr. Carmen will then take impressions of your smile, and send them to a dental lab to have your custom veneers made.

When your veneers are being made, we will keep many things in mind, such as your smile wants as well as your facial features. We want your new smile to appear as natural as possible, making sure everything blends in seamlessly. Dr. Carmen will prepare your natural tooth by removing a small bit of enamel, ensuring there is space for your new smile. When your veneers are ready, Dr. Carmen will place them onto your prepared teeth, and make them permanent with dental resin cement. At the end of the procedure, you are left with a smile everyone will be envious of! If you would like Dr. Carmen’s help rejuvenating your smile using porcelain veneers, contact our office today, and we would love to help!

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.

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »