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

February 28, 2015

Filed under: TMJ Therapy,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 9:45 pm

167121308Have 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.

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

February 15, 2015

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,dr. bobby carmen,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 9:37 pm

122406213There 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.

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

January 30, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 5:53 pm

480377293Root 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.

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: , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 5:48 pm

100047604It’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.

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

December 30, 2014

Filed under: Family dentistry,General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:36 pm

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

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:30 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,dr. bobby carmen,dr. bobby j. carmen,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:28 pm

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.

Choosing Between Dentures and Dental Implants

September 29, 2014

Filed under: Dental Implants,General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:55 pm

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.

Have Healthy Gums with Gum Disease Therapy

August 29, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 3:29 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 3:15 pm

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.

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