Guard Your Smile against Oral Cancer with Help from Dr. Carmen

April 26, 2013

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Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Here in Norman, OK, we’re constantly surprised to find that many of our patients aren’t familiar with this destructive disease. Oral cancer kills one American every hour, and only around half of those diagnosed with it will go on to survive more than five years. Even worse, while most cases are found in people who excessively use tobacco and/or alcohol, nearly a fourth of patients with oral cancer never participated in any risk factors whatsoever. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff take this threat very seriously; that’s why we thoroughly inspect your mouth for any signs of the disease every time you’re in our office. However, if you find yourself unable to come in to see us for a significant period of time, here are some common signs of oral cancer you can check for at home:

  • A sore that bleeds easily and doesn’t show signs of healing.
  • A sudden color change of the oral tissue.
  • A lump, thickening, or crust inside the mouth
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips

Of course, it’s important to remember that Dr. Carmen should be your first line of defense against all oral health diseases, including oral cancer. By scheduling regular check-ups for you and your family, you’ll give our team the perfect opportunity to keep an eye out for suspicious areas and treat them accordingly. At our Norman office, we have several techniques available to detect the presence of oral cancer, including brush biopsies, scalpel biopsies, and VELscope.

Contact our practice today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Carmen! Our team will be sure to keep your teeth happy and healthy with a variety of services and procedures. In addition to Norman, we also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over Central Oklahoma.

Give Your Teeth a Break with TMJ Therapy from Dr. Carmen

April 19, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:29 pm

When asked to name common health conditions that a dentist could treat, most potential patients would probably start with typical ailments of the teeth and gums, such as cavities, cracks, and periodontal disease. But did you know that some of the greatest pain you can experience as a result of an oral-health condition isn’t caused by areas that you brush and/or floss around at all? Located just in front of your ears are small joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, which are usually referred to as temporomandibular joints, or TMJ. While little, these joints are massively important; in fact, they contain a complex system of blood vessels, nerves, and bone. Worse, even a slight misalignment or problem can negatively impact both your dental health and your overall wellbeing. Here at Dr. Bobby Carmen’s Norman office, we don’t take problems with the TMJ (commonly called TMJ disorder) lightly. Our dedicated team will do everything in our power to help ease your pain and get you back to smiling sooner.

How can you help my TMJ disorder?

First, we’ll make sure to inspect your mouth and jaw for any possible signs of TMJ dysfunction during each regular check-up. If we detect any signs of the condition, we’ll work fast in order to prevent damage to your teeth, as well as relieve pain. In most cases, an oral appliance can help hold your jaw in a preferable position during sleep so as to relieve pressure. Additionally, there are several other methods that could help:

  • Stress management
  • New bite/chewing techniques
  • A new sleeping position
  • Light temple and jaw massage
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or analgesics

Don’t let pain from TMJ dysfunction ruin one more day – contact our Norman office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Carmen and his team are well-known for providing personalized, precise care that will put your comfort first. We’re also happy to see patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.

Find Personalized Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs in Norman, OK

April 8, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:29 pm

When you have a loved one who suffers from a serious mental or physical disability, making sure that they get the dental services they need can seem like an impossible task at times.  After all, a regular approach often won’t meet their unique needs, and it can even result in trauma or disaster. Here in Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his dedicated team are committed to providing excellent care to smiles of all shapes and sizes, no matter what the circumstances are. That’s why we’ve taken the time to learn the special needs that come with a variety of disabilities and adjust our services accordingly. We want you and every member of your family to feel welcome at our practice!

When caring for special needs patients, it’s crucial to understand their disabilities and the unique challenges that they pose. Here are a few examples:

Alzheimer’s

As this degenerative disease progresses, symptoms such as forgetfulness and dementia begin to affect every aspect of that person’s life, including their dental hygiene routine. Dr. Carmen recommends that patients with Alzheimer’s are brought in to his Norman office more frequently for check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, oral sedation and other measures that can induce relaxation may be necessary.

Parkinson’s

Tremors are usually associated with this condition, making it harder as time goes on to control even simple movements fully – a problem that can definitely affect brushing and flossing, which require fine motor skills. A large percentage of people with Parkinson’s also suffer from depression. Our team can ensure that these patients’ smiles stay full and functional, contributing to a higher quality of life.

Down syndrome

When it comes to people with Down syndrome, trust has to be a crucial aspect of their care. We’ll help you assure your loved one that they won’t be harmed or restrained in any way during their procedure. Because their immune systems may be compromised as well, we’ll take every precaution to prevent the spread of infection and keep a close eye on any possible signs of developing gum disease.

We’re here to give you and your family a reason to smile! Contact our Norman office today to learn more about our dental care for special needs patients, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you can find out additional information about other conditions at this page. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Protect Your Pearly Whites from Gum Disease in Norman, OK

March 5, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:18 pm

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? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, often begins mildly; sometimes, symptoms are even invisible. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to a myriad of destructive problems, including tooth loss. Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff believe strongly in catching and treating gum disease quickly and efficiently, saving you time, money, and frustration; that’s why we offer a variety of thorough, non-surgical treatments at our Norman office that can leave your smile healthier and happier.

How can you tell if you might be suffering from gum disease? Here are some common symptoms:

  • Tenderness and swelling in the gums
  • Gums that bleed during and/or after you brush and floss
  • Sudden pain that occurs when chewing
  • A shift in your bite, or teeth that feel loose or changed
  • Bad breath that persists even after brushing and mouthwash

Of course, it’s important to remember that in many cases of gum disease, none of these symptoms are noticeable or even present. That’s why it’s important to attend regular check-ups with Dr. Carmen at his Norman office so that our staff can closely monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease.

I have gum disease! What can you do for me?

Our practice offers several options for gum disease treatment so that we can ensure you get the care that bests fit your individual needs. These include scaling, root planing, antibiotics, and laser treatment. Dr. Carmen will be happy to discuss with you how each of these methods work. In severe cases of gum disease, we may need to recommend you to a trusted colleague who can provide your gums with the thorough care they need.

Don’t let gum disease steal your smile – treat it quickly and effectively with help from Dr. Carmen and his excellent staff! Our Norman practice is committed to providing you with comfortable dental care that is sure to put a smile on your face. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and Central Oklahoma.

Keep Little Smiles Safe with Children’s Dentistry Services from Dr. Carmen

February 26, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 6:18 pm

As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your children healthy and happy, including watching their diet, making sure they exercise, and kissing their boo-boos – but what about their dental care? Little smiles are very susceptible to problems like improper development, decay, or dental injuries, but you may be worried about how your little one will react at the dentist’s office. Dr. Bobby Carmen understands how crucial it is for young children to have a pleasant and comfortable experience when they first come to our office; after all, establishing good dental hygiene habits now can set them up on a path towards lifelong oral health! That’s why our Norman practice is happy to offer a host of gentle, personalized children’s dentistry services, all guaranteed to keep little smiles shining brightly.

Your Child’s First Visit

Children often become anxious or upset when faced with places, people, or situations that are completely unfamiliar to them. That’s why Dr. Carmen recommends that parents bring their child to an appointment when they’re around one year old. This gives us the chance to explain how you should approach your child’s dental care as they grow older; we can also check for any developmental problems regarding tooth growth. This early visit introduces your child to the sights and sounds of our Norman practice early on; this way, when they come in for their first regular check-up, they’ll be familiar with our team already!

Around the age of three, your son or daughter should begin attending regular check-ups or cleanings. Our team will be sure to provide gentle care that pays close attention to your child’s unique needs. We can also show them the correct techniques for brushing and flossing! As we move forward, we can also provide them with other effective children’s dentistry treatments, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, which are used to keep teeth strong and cavity-free.

Here at the practice of Dr. Carmen, our team is happy to provide comprehensive care to every member of your family. Call our Norman office today with any questions you may have about our children’s dentistry services, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We also serve patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

January 23, 2013

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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 sleep apnea. At its core, sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way you breathe while you’re sleeping, causing your air intake to lessen or even stop altogether for seconds at a time, up to hundreds of time a night. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to complications down the road if left untreated. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen is happy to help, here at his Norman office. Our team is committed to providing you with a comfortable and effective solution for your sleep apnea, letting you and your family get back to safe, peaceful slumber.

But first, how can you tell if you have sleep apnea? Here are some of the most common symptoms.

  • Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
  • Chronic sleepiness during the daytime, no matter how much sleep you got the night before
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat after sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Long periods of silence when sleeping – check with your spouse to see if this sounds familiar!
  • Morning headaches

Those sound familiar! What can you do to help me?

Never fear – Dr. Carmen takes sleep apnea very seriously, and he has an easy solution so that you can get the rest and peace of mind you deserve. We will have a mouthpiece custom-made to fit your unique features, commonly known as a snoreguard. As long as you wear the snoreguard during sleep, your airways will always be held open, getting rid of that pesky snoring as well as eliminating dangerous lapses in breathing.

Our team wants to give you a reason to smile! Call our Norman dental office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK

January 16, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:24 pm

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Treatment in Norman, OK

Out of all the dental procedures and treatments you can undergo, “root canal” always seems to be the phrase that scares potential patients the most. Maybe the amount of pain experienced during the procedure has been exaggerated over time, or the supposed invasiveness is simply unsettling to think about. When all is said and done, root canal treatment certainly isn’t as bad as it’s been built up to be; in fact, it’s a crucial procedure that can rescue heavily decayed or infected teeth from needing to be extracted. With the help of up-to-date tools and sedation dentistry herein Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby Carmen and his team can help your root canal treatment be as quick and comfortable as possible, getting you back to smiling sooner.

How can I tell if I need treatment for a root canal?

Here are some common symptoms:

  • Serious tooth pain when chewing
  • Swelling and tenderness in the gums
  • A dark discoloration of a tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

What happens during root canal treatment?

“Root canal” refers to the internal structure of the tooth that contains “the pulp” (the nerve). Treatment is necessary when a crack or decay exposes that inner area to bacteria and infection. Dr. Carmen will clean out all the bacteria and now-diseased pulp from the tooth then fill it with a biologically inert substance before sealing it shut again. He might also suggest other restorative measures, such as a crown, to fully restore the affected tooth to tip-top shape.

Okay, but it is going to hurt?

Root canal treatment is extremely effective, and many teeth that have undergone the procedure go on to last a lifetime. Dr. Carmen uses every tool and technique to minimize discomfort, and when all is said and done, most patients say that the pain is no worse than it is when receiving a common filling.

If you think you might be in need of root canal treatment, don’t wait any longer to seek out help! Dr. Carmen and his team are committed to providing you with excellent, personalized care that always puts your safety and comfort first. Call our Norman dental office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Carmen also serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Put a Stop to Bruxism Before the Stressful Holiday Season

September 21, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 7:01 am

We mentioned in our last post that the holiday season is coming up. The holidays are, of course, a time for getting together with friends and family and celebrating values like love and togetherness. But that doesn’t mean the holidays aren’t also a stressful time. And stress is often what causes an oral health condition known as bruxism.

The primary symptom of bruxism is teeth grinding. But there are other symptoms to watch out for in addition to this one. Those symptoms can include pain in the jaw, neck, back, and shoulders. Patients with bruxism may also experience frequent headaches or earaches.

Why is bruxism a serious issue?

Because the pressure of all that grinding can damage your teeth, as well as the muscles and tissues in and around the jaw.

You might think, then, that stopping bruxism is as simple as not grinding your teeth. That’s true, but many patients who struggle with bruxism grind their teeth unconsciously and often while asleep. That makes treating bruxism on your own much more difficult.

So how can you treat bruxism?

With a nightguard! By wearing a nightguard while you sleep, you can prevent the clenching and grinding associated with bruxism, preserving your oral health in the process.

Getting started with a nightguard is easy. The process starts with a complete oral exam at Dr. Carmen’s dental office in Norman. As part of that exam, Dr. Carmen will take an impression of your smile. A nightguard will then be made for you from that impression, and, once it’s ready, treating your symptoms  will be a simple as wearing your nightguard while you sleep at night.

To learn more about bruxism and how it can be treated, call our office today. Dr. Norman would be happy to answer your questions and talk to you more about how bruxism can be managed. Our office serves patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Have You Scheduled Your Fall Visit with Dr. Carmen?

September 7, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 6:00 pm

Another fall season is almost here. Starting on Saturday, September 22, we can look forward to the end of summer and the start of cooler weather. We can also look forward the upcoming holiday season, which will be here sooner than you think.

But until then, why not use the end of September or the beginning of October to schedule your last checkup and cleaning of the year.

A key part of enjoying the holidays—besides being with the ones you love—is enjoying the holiday goodies that come with it. When you know your smile is in good shape, you can feel less guilty about indulging (just a little bit!) in all that your end-of-the-year festivities will have to offer.

It’s hard to know how your smile is doing, though, without a dental checkup and professional cleaning. During a checkup at Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office, we’ll keep a sharp eye out for signs of common oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ dysfunction, and even oral cancer. If Dr. Carmen find anything at all, he can immediately suggest a service to help you while there’s still time left on your current dental benefits. If we had to do the same thing closer to the end of the year, it might be harder to give you the care you need before the New Year starts.

So, why wait any longer? Call Dr. Carmen’s Normal dental office to schedule your fall checkup. Our office serves patients from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

 

Creating Flawless Smiles with Porcelain Veneers

August 2, 2012

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 8:21 pm

Feeling confident about your smile is important, but two common problems can stand in your way: crooked or oddly spaced teeth and teeth stains. Thankfully, there’s a cosmetic dentistry service that makes it possible to overcome both of these in just two to three visit to Dr. Carmen’s Normal dental office—porcelain veneers.

Rejuvenate Your Smile without Braces

Do you wish you had a straighter smile, but you don’t want to spend months or years with braces? Porcelain veneers can help by covering imperfections to create a smile that looks naturally straight. Depending on your situation, though, hiding crooked, chipped, or misaligned teeth with porcelain veneers may not be your best option. That’s why we always recommend that patients dreaming of a straighter smile see us for a consultation visit before making up their minds. During a consultation visit, we can talk to you about the procedure, your smile, and your options. Then, if porcelain veneers really are right for you, we can begin working on your treatment plan immediately.

A Whiter Smile without Teeth Whitening

In addition to creating straighter-looking smiles, porcelain veneers can also help you overcome difficult teeth stains. After all, there are some stains that even the best professional whitening system can have trouble cutting through. But with porcelain veneers, you can enjoy a white smile without having to worry how effective your treatment will be or how long it will last.

Do you want to know more about how porcelain veneers can help you create a straighter, whiter smile? Call Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental office today to set up an appointment with us. Dr. Carmen serves patients from Moore, The University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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