Over time, patients often become familiar with several kinds of conditions and injuries that can negatively affect their dental health, from TMJ disorder to gum disease to even simple cavities. But have you ever stopped and wondered whether you might have oral cancer? While this condition isn’t discussed too often, the numbers surrounding it are staggering – this year, tens of thousands of people will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and half of them won’t survive longer than five years. This is because oral cancer isn’t often detected until its latest, most dangerous stage. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen provides VELscope at his Norman, OK office! This revolutionary device can discover signs of oral cancer and potentially rescue patients from the diseases’ ill effects early on.
The way VELscope works is simple – it’s a fluorescence-based identification system that can detect tissue abnormalities. Dr. Carmen will use the device while also visually inspecting your smile, using the special light to illuminate any cells that show signs of abnormality when compared to the surrounding normal tissue.
Our team strongly recommends that all adults undergo an exam with VELscope every year. While most patients who contract oral cancer smoke and/or drink heavily, nearly 25% don’t participate in any risk factors whatsoever, which is a compelling reason to ensure that your mouth is healthy and cancer-free on a regular basis.
If you’re concerned about oral cancer, it’s all right to relax as long as you’re attending regular check-ups with VELscope – while the disease is dangerous, it had an 80-90% cure rate when caught in its earliest stages. Contact our Norman office today to set up your next appointment! Dr. Carmen can’t wait to leave your smile happier and healthier. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma, and beyond.
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 
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. 
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. 
A relatively new restorative dentistry tool, 
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, 
Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Here in 
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? 
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 
Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK