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 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.

Anti-Snoring Devices for a Quieter, More Restful Night of Sleep

July 24, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep Apnea Couple PeacefulDoes snoring cause problems in your relationship? For many couples, this noisy nuisance is enough to send one partner searching for a quieter place to sleep, even if it means spending the night on the couch so that the non-snoring party can finally get some rest. At Bobby J. Carmen, DDS in Norman, OK, we understand your need for uninterrupted sleep and our team wants to help. With the help of an anti-snoring device, Dr. Carmencan help you stop snoring and enjoy more restful sleep every night.

Stop Snoring Without Surgery

Depending on the cause of your snoring, surgical intervention may not be necessary. A customized oral appliance made especially for you can effectively offer relief from nighttime snoring by opening up your airway as you sleep. When the soft palate and tongue obstruct the passageway from your mouth to your lungs, the air you breathe in causes audible vibrations; this is what we know as snoring. When your wear your anti-snoring device, however, the tongue and jaw are held in their proper positions while you sleep. The result is a quieter night for both you and your partner.

Though not all people who suffer from snoring are affected by a condition called sleep apnea, the two are frequently connected. If you feel extremely tired during the day – even after a full night of sleep – ask Dr. Carmen about sleep apnea and how it affects your health. We’d be happy to offer treatment for this prevalent sleep condition as well.

Anti-snoring Devices: A Snoring Solution that Really Works

If you or your partner is affected by excessive snoring and you’re ready to make a real change, contact our office in Norman, OK today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Carmen and our friendly, experienced staff. We look forward to showing you how a simple change and a custom anti-snoring device can improve your overall quality of life. Our cutting-edge dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, Del City, Midwest City, and more.

Cosmetic Gum Lift: Transform Your Smile with Dr. Bobby J. Carmen

July 10, 2014

shutterstock_100520008When you look at your smile in the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you feel confident in the appearance of your teeth and gums, as well as the way your smile impacts your overall appearance? For some patients, excessive gum tissue can make teeth appear short and stubby, negatively affecting the symmetry and balance of their smile. At Bobby J. Carmen, DDS in Norman, OK, Dr. Carmen and his team help patients with all kinds of cosmetic woes finally achieve the confident, gorgeous smiles they’ve always dreamed of. One of the ways we do this is with a procedure called a cosmetic gum lift.

Can a Cosmetic Gum Lift Help Me?

Many people who think that their teeth look too short (or that their smile is filled with too much gum in general) believe the problem to reside with the actual length of their teeth. Fortunately, this is not typically the case. The teeth are merely covered by too much gum tissue, hiding the healthy crowns of the teeth beneath. Using only the most advanced soft tissue laser technology, Dr. Carmen can effectively and carefully remove this excess gum tissue, revealing more of the tooth in a way that is completely safe. After a brief period of healing, you’ll see a completely transformed new smile emerge.

In order to determine if a cosmetic gum lift procedure is the right choice for you, Dr. Carmen will first assess the health and status of your gum tissue and teeth. If you are a good candidate for this solution, we will formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your individual needs. You’ll love your results, finally feeling fantastic about the way your teeth and smile look.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’d like to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you enjoy a bold, confident smile you’ll truly be proud to show off to the world, Dr. Carmen is here to help. Contact our office in Norman, OK today to schedule your appointment with our caring, experienced team. Our family-friendly, state-of-the-art practice also happily serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Del City, the University of Oklahoma, Midwest City, Central Oklahoma, Moore, and beyond.

How Air Abrasion at the Dentist’s Office Benefits You: No Drill Required!

June 20, 2014

shutterstock_94075012At the office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, we believe that every patient should be made to feel as comfortable as possible during their dental visits, and we’ve taken steps to ensure that you and your family enjoy the highest level of comfort when you come to see us. Because the dentist’s drill is among the most uncomfortable aspects associated with oral healthcare, we opt for a less invasive, more enjoyable alternative that is still just as effective: air abrasion.

How Does Air Abrasion Work?

An air abrasion unit may be aptly compared to a miniature sandblaster, effectively spraying away areas of decay from the surfaces of a tooth. Tiny particles of aluminum oxide or baking soda are propelled with rapid force using a focused stream of compressed gas, removing painlessly the decayed material and preparing the area for further treatment, all without the use of a drill.

When compared to the traditional dental drill that is often used to prepare a tooth for a filling, air abrasion is preferable for a variety of reasons. Because air abrasion produces zero heat, pressure, or vibration, patients find that the experience is far more comfortable overall. In cases of shallow cavities, anesthesia may not even be necessary. The entire procedure is considerably quicker, even when multiple areas of the mouth require attention. Best of all, perhaps, is the fact that air abrasion is completely safe, so it’s an excellent choice for working with young children as well.

Only the Best for Our Patients

Contact our office today to discover the difference our dedication to patient comfort can make for you. We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile, and to show you how comfortable and relaxing your dental treatment can actually be in our warm, inviting atmosphere. Our family-friendly dental office in Norman, OK welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, Del City, Moore, and beyond.

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.

The Role of Fluoride in Your Dental Health with Dr. Bobby J. Carmen

May 18, 2014

shutterstock_146473019Fluoride plays an essential role in the health of our teeth, strengthening our enamel and preventing tooth decay. Understanding the way that fluoride benefits you is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. At the Norman, OK office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, our team helps patients keep their teeth strong and healthy with a variety of general dentistry services, including fluoride treatments when needed.

How Does Fluoride Affect Oral Health?

Fluoride can be found in a variety of ways, both naturally in the foods that you eat and in oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwashes. Your dentist can also apply fluoride to your teeth in order to further strengthen them. Fluoride diminishes plaque’s ability to form on the teeth, thereby reducing the patient’s risk of developing gum disease. Additionally, it actually promotes remineralization of the enamel, effectively reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay before cavities form.

While it is certainly most critical that patients between the ages of six months and 16 years receive a sufficient amount of fluoride to prevent serious decay, adults can definitely benefit from it as well. If your diet doesn’t include a lot of fluoride-rich foods, talk to Dr. Carmen about fluoride treatments.

Lifelong Dental Health

Whether you are the parent looking for the best ways to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong, or you’re an adult patient with questions about how fluoride may help protect your teeth, our team is here to help. Contact our office in Norman, OK today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Carmen and our caring, experienced staff. Our family-friendly dental practice happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, Del City, and beyond. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward lifelong oral health and wellness!

Find Peace and Calm at the Dentist’s Office with Sedation Dentistry in Norman, OK

May 2, 2014

Shutterstock Sleeping WomanIf you find yourself feeling anxious or even afraid when you visit the dentist, even for a minor checkup or procedure, you are certainly not alone. Many people report feeling uncomfortable or anxious even considering the dental chair, but this doesn’t have to be case any longer. At the office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, we offer sedation dentistry services to alleviate fear and nervousness in the dental chair.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?

For many patients, the sights, sounds, and smells of a dentist’s office can be overwhelming. For others, a negative experience at the dentist – perhaps as a child or adolescent – can keep them from ever wanting to come back. With sedation dentistry, our team will ensure that you are completely comfortable and calm for the duration of your treatment. Even patients with especially sensitive gag reflexes or difficulty keeping their mouths open are able to receive treatment without discomfort or pain.

Though sedation dentistry won’t completely put you to sleep during your treatment, it is unlikely that you’ll remember any of the details of your procedure after it is complete. You’ll still be able to respond to Dr. Carmen’s requests while he works, but you’ll feel as if you’ve floated off into a deep state of calm relaxation throughout the process. When your treatment is complete, you’ll be gently roused and sent on your way. You’ll need a responsible party standing by to take you home, but the effects of the sedation will wear off soon and you’ll feel completely normal once again.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’ve been putting off important dental treatment – or even a routine exam and cleaning – because of negative emotions associated with the dentist, we welcome you to experience the difference our sedation dentistry services can truly make. Contact our office in Norman, OK today and learn more about how this safe, proven method can help you achieve total relaxation at your next visit. We also warmly welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Central Oklahoma, Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Del City, and more.

Foods & Drinks to Avoid: Keeping Your Smile Healthy & Beautiful with Dr. Carmen

April 17, 2014

Shutterstock healthy smiles with foodWe all know that certain habits can have a negative effect on our teeth and gums; some, like smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, are obvious culprits of stubborn stains that darken your enamel. There are many foods and drinks, however, that we don’t actively avoid because we don’t fully understand how they impact our oral health. At the family-friendly dental practice of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, we offer our patients easy, helpful tips for maintaining radiant, healthy smiles for a lifetime.

Avoid These Common Foods & Beverages for Healthier Teeth

Starchy Foods – Foods like breads, pastas, chips, and crackers contain high levels of starch that begins to convert to sugar rapidly inside your mouth. In addition, these small particles easily become lodged between teeth and in the small crevices in your molars. To mitigate this, try enjoying these types of foods as part of a whole meal. Other components of your breakfast, lunch, or dinner will help prevent problems from arising.

Sports Drinks & Energy Drinks – These popular thirst-quenching options often contain sugar, citric acid, and/or carbonated water, all three of which are known to cause unnecessary enamel wear. If you absolutely must have one, don’t brush your teeth immediately after; opt for a nice glass of water first instead. Brushing too soon after drinking anything that contains citric acid (including lemons, oranges, limes, and some sodas) can actually prove more damaging than the beverage itself.

Sticky foods – Dense, sticky fruits and candies – think dates, raisins, caramels, and taffy – linger on and between teeth long after you’ve eaten them. Indulge in these types of treats sparingly and, when you do, be sure to clean your teeth and gums well afterward.

Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption causes dehydration throughout the body and, of course, this includes your mouth. Without proper hydration, the mouth fails to produce a sufficient amount of saliva, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to decay and your gums more susceptible to periodontal disease. While the occasional cocktail, beer, or glass of wine won’t necessarily cause your mouth any lasting harm, it’s important to remember to drink plenty of water between drinks to maintain proper hydration and pH levels.

Protect Your Smile!

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, contact us at our Norman, OK office today to schedule your appointment. Dr. Carmen’s comprehensive exams and cleanings are the building blocks of a healthy, beautiful smile. We also serve patients from the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, Moore, and beyond.

Get the Bright, Beautiful Smile You Want & Deserve with Teeth Whitening from Dr. Bobby J. Carmen

March 27, 2014

Happy couple smiling brightlyIf you find yourself feeling insecure or even embarrassed about the color of your teeth, you are certainly not alone. In fact, most Americans report at least some level of desire to brighten the shade of their teeth, saying that a whiter smile makes them look and feel more youthful and attractive. At the Norman, OK office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, our team of dental professionals performs a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments for more beautiful smiles, including KöR Teeth Whitening.

Why Professional Teeth Whitening?

Unlike the teeth whitening strips, trays, pens, and gels that you can buy at your local drugstore, our professional whitening services deliver real results that last. Dr. Carmen offers his patients the advantage of KöR Whitening, a deep bleaching teeth whitening system that has the ability to lighten even the most severely stained teeth by up to 16 shades! Over-the-counter solutions are not nearly as powerful, typically only whitening by two to three shades.

In addition to the impressive whitening power of KöR Deep Bleaching, this system offers numerous other benefits. Sensitivity, for example, is not a problem with this product as it is with the majority of teeth whitening solutions on the market today. In fact, the majority of patients treated with the KöR Whitening system report feeling no sensitivity to the formula whatsoever, and even those who did claimed that the mild feeling they did experience was far less than with any other system they’d tried. Within as little as two weeks with the KöR Deep Bleaching system from Dr. Carmen, you’ll be smiling with whiter, more beautiful teeth.

A Bright, White Smile in No Time

If you’d like to enjoy the many benefits of a brilliantly white smile that lasts, contact our office in Norman, OK today and reserve your appointment with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to giving you back the confidence you deserve to smile freely, showing off luminescent white teeth that still look completely natural. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from nearby communities in the surrounding areas, including Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, Moore, Norman and beyond.

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