Quell your dental fear, and receive the treatment you need with safe, state-of-the-art sedation dentistry from your Norman dentist, Dr. Bobby Carmen. Read about your options for a pain-free, calm experience. (more…)
Norman dentist talks about the right sedation for you
June 6, 2016
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No Worries! Dr. Bobby Carmen Offers Sedation Dentistry in Norman, OK
March 15, 2015
If you haven’t been to the dentist in months—okay, maybe years—because everything in a dental office frightens you, then you are in good company. Millions of Americans are afraid to go to the dentist and are letting their oral and maybe even their general health suffer as a consequence. But you don’t have to be one of the millions. With sedation dentistry from Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, you can calmly and comfortably reclaim your healthy smile.
Research shows that there is a direct correlation between your oral health and your general health. No surprise, considering your mouth is the main entryway into your body. For example, the bacteria associated with gum disease has been found to be connected to other ailments including high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis and low birth weight in newborns. So, seeing the dentist regularly is more than just a way to have a pretty smile—it’s an important way you take care of yourself.
Three Types of Sedation Dentistry
Regardless of your level of anxiety, Dr. Carmen offers the type of sedation dentistry you need. For mild sedation, there is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. With this, you will simply inhale a measured combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nose mask during your procedure. You’ll feel relaxed, and when the mask is removed the effects of the gas will wear off almost immediately, so you can go about your day.
If your level of anxiety necessitates moderate sedation, then Dr. Carmen will recommend oral conscious sedation. With this method, you’ll take an anti-anxiety medication before your appointment. Because you’ve taken an oral sedative, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. Our sedation dentistry team will monitor your vital signs during your procedure. The effects of the medication should wear by the following day.
Finally, IV sedation can alleviate severe anxiety. We work with an anesthesiologist who administers the sedative and monitors your vital signs. You may be able to communicate during this sedation, but many patients do fall asleep. In either case, you’ll wake up without remembering the procedure.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, then call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK. We also serve patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma and beyond.
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Relax! Sedation Dentistry is Available in Norman, OK
October 30, 2014
Are you willing to admit that the thought of going to the dentist makes you a little nervous? Or actually, are you just plain fearful of the dentist and have consequently delayed and avoided a long overdue dental check-up? Well, with sedation dentistry, Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, can ease your nerves and calm your fears.
Sedation Dentistry for All Types of Dental Procedures
Whether you are coming to see Dr. Carmen for a teeth cleaning and check-up or a more involved procedure, sedation dentistry can relieve your anxiety. The degree of sedation will depend on how invasive the procedure is and your level of fear. Dr. Carmen uses three types of sedation.
Oral conscious sedation combines oral medication with nitrous oxide to achieve the appropriate level of relaxation. In this case, you will usually take an anti-anxiety medicine the night before your dental appointment. The next morning, a friend or relative will accompany you to the dentist. Depending on whether or not you’re still feeling somewhat anxious, Dr. Carmen may decide to administer nitrous oxide to further calm you.
Another option is to use only nitrous oxide (many people know this as laughing gas). Once you are comfortable in the dental chair, Dr. Carmen will position a mask over your nose. You’ll then inhale the combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen until you are sufficiently relaxed for your dental work to begin. Once the mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide quickly wear off, so you’ll be able to drive after your appointment.
Finally, if necessary, Dr. Carmen works with an anesthesiologist who can administer IV sedation. This type of sedation can relieve severe anxiety and help patients with sensitive gag reflexes, TMJ or other neuromuscular disorders that may make keeping their mouths open for a long time difficult.
Call Our Office Today
Don’t let fear of dentistry stand in the way of your best oral health. Call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen in Norman, OK, for an appointment made easier with sedation dentistry. Dr. Carmen conveniently serves patients throughout Central Oklahoma, Moore, Del City, and the University of 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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Find Peace and Calm at the Dentist’s Office with Sedation Dentistry in Norman, OK
May 2, 2014
If 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.
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Finally Relax During Oral Health Care in Norman, OK with Sedation Dentistry
November 5, 2013
If you suffer from fear or anxiety when faced with an upcoming dentist’s appointment, don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. In fact, a majority of the population reports experiencing some level of dental phobia throughout their life. Here in Norman, OK, the last thing our team wants to do is make you feel uncomfortable or frightened when undergoing care. However, it’s important that you pursue the dental treatments you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful; after all, putting off visits indefinitely could result in severe problems that require even more time and money to fix. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen offers a solution: sedation dentistry. With the help of several sedation options, we can ensure that you’ll feel completely comfortable and at ease during treatment!
Sedation dentistry best benefits patients who:
- experience severe fear when faced with visiting the dentist
- have serious time constraints and need to undergo several lengthy procedures in as little time as possible
- have a sensitive gag reflex
- find it difficult to become numb with local anesthetic
- is unable to rest comfortably in our chair due to neck and/or back pain
Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, the nation’s leading associated dedicated to this field, so you can be sure to trust him when it comes to your sedation needs. Our team can provide nitrous oxide for patients who experience mild fear; the dosage you’ve given can be easily altered, and the effects wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities instantly. If your sense of fear is much more severe or debilitating, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation is also available. We’ll be happy to sit down with you and discuss your needs before your treatment begins so that we can be sure to pick the sedation dentistry choice that best suits you.
Contact our Norman, OK office today to schedule an appointment! Dr. Carmen can’t wait to give you and your loved ones new reasons to smile. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.
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Have a Fear-Free Oral Heath Care Experience in Norman, OK with the Help of Sedation Dentistry
May 8, 2013
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, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff have you covered at their Norman, OK office. With the help of several sedation dentistry options, we can ensure that you feel safe and comfortable as we transform your teeth!
Sedation dentistry might be the right choice for you if:
- Are often anxious or afraid when visiting the dentist
- Have as sensitive gag reflex
- Have difficulty becoming numb with the help of local anesthetic
- Have a hard time sitting still for a long period of time or suffer from neck or back pain
- Need to have several lengthy procedures done in as few appointments as possible
Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, which is the nation’s leading association dedicated to helping people overcome dental fear. Because of you, our patients know that they can put their wellbeing in the hands of our accomplished staff. We can provide nitrous oxide for patients who only need to take the edge off and would like to feel more relaxed. For patients who suffer from more severe dental fear, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation can produce the effects you’re looking for, placing you in such a deep stage of comfort that once the procedure’s finished, you’ll remember very little about it.
Contact our Norman, OK office today to learn which sedation dentistry option would best fit your unique needs, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about! We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.
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Sedation Dentistry – What It Is, and What It Isn’t
November 28, 2012
It’s easy to think that sedation dentistry is the same thing as sleep dentistry. Yes, you’re put under, but there’s a major difference: you don’t completely fall asleep during sedation dentistry.
Dubbed as being in a “twilight state,” you don’t necessarily stay awake or go to sleep. You’re relaxed, but not dreaming exciting dreams about being out of the dentist chair. Thankfully, the work gets done while you’re between states of consciousness. You can be easily aroused during the procedure, but don’t worry: you’ll be able to respond to what your doctor asks of you.
Know that there are different levels of sedation:
- Minimal (awake, yet relaxed)
- Moderate (partially awake)
- Deep (almost asleep but still awake)
If your anxiety of going to the dentist is high, seriously consider sedation dentistry. Anxiety isn’t an only factor. You should also consider this approach if you have a gag reflex, trouble with a local anesthetic, or experience neck or lower back pain while in a dentist’s chair. It’s important that you’re not embarrassed by thinking about this procedure. What might be only for children is completely understandable and acceptable for adults too. It’s OK to be afraid, but Dr. Carmen can calm those fears.
Consider your options and feel free to ask all of your questions with Dr. Carmen and his staff. Dr. Carmen received holds his certification with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He provides nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, and he works closely with an anesthesiologist who administers IV sedation. Dr. Carmen will be with you the whole way through: from consultation to the day of treatment to your recovery. That’s certainly something to keep in mind.
Call our office to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.
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What Type of Sedation Dentistry Does Dr. Carmen Offer?
June 28, 2012
There’s more than one type of sedation dentistry out there to help patients, but not every dental office offers every kind. Some offices may only offer nitrous oxides, while others may favor IV sedation dentistry. But at Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office, you’ll find that in addition to nitrous oxide we also offer an effective option called oral conscious sedation.
Oral conscious sedation uses a common prescription sedative to help patients enjoy more comfortable, stress-free dental visits. As a result, patients who have put off essential dental care because of anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or neck or shoulder pain can reclaim their oral health again. Oral conscious sedation also makes it possible for patients to undergo more work in a single appointment, reducing the number of visits a patient might need.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
If you’ll be taking advantage of oral conscious sedation on your next visit, here’s what you can expect. First, during your welcome visit with Dr. Carmen, we can talk about any treatment questions you might have. Then, Dr. Carmen will finish your visit by explaining how oral conscious sedation works and writing your prescription.
On the night before your appointment, you’ll take one of your prescribed pills. This will help you to get a full night’s rest before your appointment. Then, on the day of your appointment, you’ll take another pill in preparation for your appointment. As this pill goes to work, you’ll feel relaxed, almost like you could fall asleep. But the best part is you won’t recognize pain or remember anything from your appointment afterwards.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to learn more about sedation dentistry and oral conscious sedation? Visit our page for sedation dentistry or call our Norman office to learn more. Dr. Carmen gladly serves patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.
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Sedation Dentistry Is Not Just For Anxiety
October 6, 2011
What comes to mind when you think of sedation dentistry? Typically, it’s dental anxiety, which is the number one reason millions of Americans avoid the dentist each year.
But dental anxiety isn’t the only reason patients may want to consider sedation dentistry from Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office. For some patients, a sensitive gag reflex could be what’s standing in the way of a healthier, stronger smile. With sedation dentistry, though, patients can look forward to enjoying comfortable care at last.
Likewise, for patients who may suffer from neck or back pain and have trouble sitting for long periods of time, sedation dentistry can help. But with IV sedation, we can make it possible for you to sleep comfortably through your appointment, allowing Dr. Carmen to finish more work in less time than it would ordinarily take without sedation dentistry.
It’s also possible for sedation dentistry to help patients who may not be affected by local anesthetics, easing anxieties about pain. You’ll feel so relaxed that your appointment will feel like it only took a few moments.
Still Have Questions? Call Us Today!
Dr. Carmen would be happy to answer any questions you might have about sedation dentistry. Call our Norman office today to schedule your consultation visit. Dr. Carmen serves patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.
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