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…)
Norman dentist replaces teeth with bridges or implants
June 1, 2016
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Tooth Replacement with the Dentist Norman, OK, Trusts
July 27, 2015
If you or someone you care about is missing teeth, then you might be familiar with the difficulties they face almost daily. The activities most people take for granted—eating, talking, smiling, laughing—may be compromised. And beyond the affects that even one missing tooth can have on your oral health, there are the consequences to your general and emotional health to consider, too. Your nutrition may suffer if you are unable to consume a well-balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. Emotionally, missing teeth can make you self-conscious in both social and professional situations. Therefore, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his team in Norman, OK, offer a variety of tooth replacement options, so you can have the full and beautiful smile you need and deserve.
Dental Implants in Norman
Perhaps the most lifelike tooth replacement choice is a dental implant. This modern dental wonder not only replaces the crown of a tooth—the visible portion—but the root as well. As such, you’ll have stable base upon which Dr. Carmen can attach a natural-looking porcelain tooth restoration. As an implant dentist, Dr. Carmen will perform every step of treatment, including implant placement, at our Norman dental office. He will surgically implant a small titanium post your jawbone. As this heals, the bone and post will fuse, creating as firm a foundation as a live tooth root. Once you’ve healed, you’ll return to our office where Dr. Carmen will affix a custom crown. If you have more than one missing tooth, then implants will be positioned along your arch in order to securely hold implant retained dentures.
Full and Partial Dentures
For full and partial dentures, Norman turns to Dr. Carmen. As you might guess, full dentures replace all of the teeth on an upper or lower arch. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are designed to fit between and among your remaining teeth. Full dentures and partials contain artificial teeth on a pink, gum-colored base, and both look completely natural. With wear, they will feel natural, too. Dr. Carmen takes great care to design dentures that are comfortable and appropriately sized for your unique mouth and facial features.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, then please call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen. Our Norman, OK office happily offers this service to our neighbors in Noble, Goldsby, Newcastle, Moore and beyond.
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Air Abrasion for Cavity Repair from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK
April 15, 2015
You are so conscientious about your dental health. You brush and floss your teeth every day, twice a day. You schedule regular checkups with Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, every six months. Usually, you get a clean bill of dental health and are on your way. But today, a digital x-ray reveals a small cavity. Ugh, you think, now I have to deal with the anesthetic and the drill. Not necessarily. With air abrasion, Dr. Carmen can quickly repair that cavity and have you on your way—as usual—with a tooth that’s as good as new.
What is Air Abrasion?
Think of air abrasion like sandblasting. Just as sandblasting uses sand that is powerfully forced by air to clean a surface, air abrasion uses tiny particles of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture to blast away particles of decay. The particles are propelled toward the tooth by compressed air or a gas, and a suction tube draws away the debris. More often than not, a local anesthetic is not necessary when Dr. Carmen uses air abrasion, so you don’t have that numb feeling even after the procedure is finished. Once the decay is completely cleared, Dr. Carmen will be able to fill the cavity with a tooth-colored composite resin material that blends seamlessly with the natural color of your tooth.
Other Advantages of Air Abrasion
Besides reducing the need for anesthesia, air abrasion has other advantages, too. First, air abrasion preserves more of a tooth’s natural structure, making for a stronger tooth when the cavity is filled. Air abrasion does not generate heat, vibration, or pressure and greatly reduces the risk of a tooth cracking or chipping during the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you would like to know more about air abrasion or any other restorative dental procedure offered by Dr. Bobby Carmen, then call the office today. We serve patients in Norman, OK, as well as from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.
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Save a Tooth and Save Your Smile with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK
January 30, 2015
Root 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.
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Restorative Dentistry from Norman Dentist Dr. Bobby Carmen
December 15, 2014
The 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.
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Choosing Between Dentures and Dental Implants
September 29, 2014
If 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.
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The Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy
September 15, 2014
It’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.
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Have Healthy Gums with Gum Disease Therapy
August 29, 2014
Though 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.
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How Dental Implants Work: Rebuilding Your Smile with Dr. Bobby Carmen
June 9, 2014
The 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.
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Restorations in a Single Visit with CEREC Crowns from Dr. Bobby J. Carmen
April 7, 2014
CEREC technology (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) offers an entirely new – and considerably more convenient – way of meeting our patients’ needs, producing flawless dental crowns in less time than ever before. Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his team in Norman, OK deliver only the latest in dental technology to our patients, ensuring continued oral health and wellness for the future with CEREC one-day crowns.
CEREC One-Day Crowns in Norman, OK
Typically, receiving an essential restoration like a dental crown requires multiple visits to your dentist, putting a strain on your already busy schedule. First, you have to have an impression of your tooth or teeth made, a process that may involve the use of messy, uncomfortable impression materials. Then your measurements are sent off to a separate lab facility where a crown will be made over the course of a few weeks or more. The crown is sent back to your dentist, where you’ll attend another appointment to have the restoration placed. In the meantime, you may wear a temporary crown that requires you to alter your diet to avoid losing or damaging it.
At the office of Dr. Carmen in Norman, OK, we believe that this process is antiquated and inconvenient at best, as well as uncomfortable and often more expensive for the patient. Our practice has opted for a more modern approach to restorative dentistry, choosing instead to utilize the revolutionary technology of CEREC one-day crowns. In the span of about one hour, our CEREC machine produces beautifully customized, lifelike, and durable crowns that can be fabricated and permanently placed in just one visit. Though you may enter our office with a considerable dental problem, we’ll make sure you leave with a complete smile that’s as healthy as it is radiant.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
In addition to fabricating custom crowns in just about an hour, Dr. Carmen’s CEREC machine can quickly and efficiently mill porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays as well. Contact our office in Norman, OK today to learn more about how CEREC one-day crowns can help you rebuild a beautiful, healthy smile. We happily serve patients from communities in Norman, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, Moore, and beyond. We look forward to showing you what a difference our practice’s cutting-edge technology can make in your next dental experience.
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