What Happens if I Need More Than one Dental Implant?

February 7, 2018

Dentist showing patient a dental implant modelWhile many dentists consider dental implants to be a staple of effective tooth replacement services, these restoration options are still relatively unheard of for most patients. If you’re missing one or more teeth, versatile dental implant supported tooth replacement plans may be just what you need. Dental implants are positioned below the gums to replace missing tooth roots and support replacement teeth. For a single lost tooth, this is relatively straightforward. An implant post is placed, and a replacement tooth is fixed to the top of the implant. When it comes to more complex tooth replacement plans, patients have questions. What happens if I have more than one missing tooth? Do I need a dental implant and dental crown for every lost tooth? In this post, we’ll discuss some of the basics of dental implant tooth replacement for patients missing multiple teeth.
(more…)

Norman dentist replaces teeth with bridges or implants

June 1, 2016

Find modern tooth replacement options with Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby Carmen. Are bridgework or dental implants right for you?Your Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, excels at preventive dentistry. Hygienic ceanings, comprehensive examinations, mouthguards and more keep teeth and gums healthy and attractive. Sometimes, though, tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth and bone loss occur. When you lose a tooth through an unfortunate circumstance, what replacement option should you choose: Norman bridgework or a dental implant? (more…)

Dental Implants from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK

April 29, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-519555723If you have one or more missing teeth, then you know that you have several choices when it comes to tooth replacement. There are partial and full dentures, as well as fixed bridges. But perhaps the tooth replacement that provides the most natural and stable solution is a dental implant. Dr. Bobby Carmen is the Norman, OK, implant dentist with the education and training required to place and restore dental implants.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants actually consist of two parts. One is the biocompatible titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jawbone beneath the open socket of a missing tooth. (If you have several missing teeth, Dr. Carmen can strategically position posts along one arch to securely hold a denture in place.) The second part is the porcelain crown that Dr. Carmen adhesively bonds to the abutment adjoining the post. Together, the titanium post and crown closely imitate the relationship between one of your natural tooth’s root and crown.

The Dental Implant Procedure

When you come to Dr. Carmen for dental implants, we’ll first make sure that you are completely comfortable. If necessary, we can provide conscious sedation or call in an anesthesiologist to administer IV sedation. The procedure then begins with minor oral surgery during which Dr. Carmen anchors the post in your jawbone. As you heal over the course of three to six months, the post and bone with fuse together, generating a strong and secure base. After healing, you’ll return to Dr. Carmen’s office for him to attach the abutment and crown. When the dental implant process is completed, you have a new tooth that looks, feels and functions much like a real tooth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile, call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen and ask about a consultation. We serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and 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.

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.

How Dental Implants Work: Rebuilding Your Smile with Dr. Bobby Carmen

June 9, 2014

shutterstock_119151670The loss of a permanent tooth is always a traumatic experience, hindering your ability to eat and speak properly and causing you to feel self-conscious about your smile. At the Norman, OK dental practice of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, our caring, compassionate team understands the importance of a complete, healthy smile, and we’re happy to help patients with missing teeth regain their oral health with a variety of restorative dentistry options, including dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

While missing teeth do cause a number of problems for adults – including the inability to speak and eat properly – there are numerous other drawbacks as well. For example, many patients don’t realize the vital role that a tooth’s root plays in the health of the jaw as a whole. In the absence of a tooth’s root, the bone in the jaw tissue gradually begins to deteriorate over time. This degradation can lead to the loss of additional teeth as well as a diminished facial shape. The gums sag and the jawline takes on a hollow appearance as the bone loses form.

When Dr. Carmen places dental implants, however, the new titanium “roots” actually aid in the stimulation of the jaw bone, thereby helping to prevent deterioration. The biocompatible implants serve as anchors for beautiful, stable restorations, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence and comfort. A consultation with Dr. Carmen will determine which restorative dental procedure is right for your individual needs.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Whether you are missing a single tooth or you are in need of replacement teeth for an entire arch, we are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carmen and our team. We look forward to helping you achieve lifelong oral health and a smile you can truly be proud of. Our conveniently located office in Norman, OK also happily serves patients from throughout nearby communities in Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Del City, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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

November 30, 2013

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

How does the dental implant process work?

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

What are the benefits?

Benefits of having dental implants include:

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

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

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

May 23, 2013

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.

Choose Dental Implant Dentures from Dr. Carmen Instead of Dentures

December 12, 2011

Do you need to replace either your top or bottom teeth with a row of full dentures? If so, have you considered choosing implant-supported dentures over traditional dentures?

While traditional dentures can help patients improve their appearance and even enjoy improvements in functionality, there are three reasons why you should ask Dr. Carmen if implant-supported dentures are right for you.

First, implant-supported dentures can provide you stronger, more natural bite than is possible with traditional dentures. Making this possible is the natural bonding process that occurs between your implants and your jaw over time as they gradually take on the job that your natural tooth roots previously had.

(more…)