Insurance plans are confusing, and it seems like they get a little bit more so every year. It can be hard to keep up with everything, including when your benefits are about to expire. That’s why your dentist in Norman, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, wants to remind you to use your 2015 dental benefits before they expire! It’s your money, and you deserve to use it. Keep reading to learn more about how to make the most of your dental insurance benefits in 2015.
Dentist in Norman Says Use Your 2015 Insurance Benefits!
November 13, 2015
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Choosing Cosmetic Bonding or Porcelain Veneers Norman, OK Loves
October 6, 2015
No matter how well we care for our teeth, natural wear and tear leaves its mark over time. The foods and drinks we consume daily, chewing and grinding teeth, and decreased bone density due to aging all contribute to minor cosmetic flaws like chips, cracks, and stains. When it comes to correcting smile irregularities, patients have numerous cosmetic and restorative dentistry options. Two of the most popular corrective solutions are cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. However, many patients are unsure which option is right for their smile, and Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his Norman, OK dental team help patients fully understand their options, and make a decision that leave them with beautiful smiles for years to come.
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When to Ditch an Over-the-counter Mouthguard (and Why)
September 24, 2015
Are you a nighttime tooth grinder? If so, it’s a condition we also call bruxism, and its side effects are serious. Many times, adults try to self-treat nighttime conditions like bruxism — and sleep apnea, which occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth block the airway — with over-the-counter solutions, like one-size-fits-all mouth trays, snoring prevention or boil and bite mouthguards. These can provide an acceptable solution for a short period of time, but if you’ve got a real problem, you need a real, professional solution. Read more to learn about professional mouthguards from your dentist in Norman.
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Follow These Tips to Help Keep Your Mouth Cavity-Free
August 10, 2015
Cavities can put a real damper on your oral health. It can leave your teeth in pain an overly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. It’s responsible for root canals and other dentistry services. All in all, cavities are your enemy. They’re like problem children that you can’t control. Once a cavity has formed itself on your tooth, the damage has been done. Cavities don’t have to be a problem you have to deal with, though. There are ways to avoid dealing with a cavity problem as well as keeping cavities from forming in the first place. Our office in Norman, OK wants you to know that we’re here with you every step of the way when it comes to battling cavities. There are simple steps you can take to prevent them from forming and enjoying awesome oral health. Whether you’ve dealt with a cavity problem in the past or are currently being affected by one, these helpful tips will ensure your mouth stays cavity-free. Dr. Bobby Carmen is the Norman dentist you can count on for helpful tips to keep your smile healthy!
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Rely on Dr. Bobby Carmen for Family Dentistry in Norman and Moore
December 30, 2014
Wouldn’t it be nice to find a dentist who provides a one-stop shop for all of your family’s dental needs? Yes. Well in that case, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Bobby Carmen practices all of the elements of family dentistry for patients in Norman, OK, as well as Moore.
As your family dentist, Dr. Carmen will want to see you and all the members of your family for dental checkups at least twice each year. At these checkups, he and our dental hygienists will clean your teeth and remove plaque, assess your gum health, examine for signs of tooth decay and take x-rays when necessary to reveal hidden spots of decay. If found, Dr. Carmen will fill these decaying spots with a tooth-colored composite resin that matches your natural tooth color.
Periodontal Therapy in Norman and Moore
Likewise, if we find an indication of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, we take the necessary steps to halt the progress of this all too common disease. Treatment may include root scaling and planing to remove plaque from below the gum line and smooth the surface of tooth roots; antibiotic therapy; laser treatment to remove bacteria and help gums reattach to your teeth; and oral surgery in advanced cases of gum disease. In this instance, we will refer you to a competent periodontist.
More Family Dentistry in Norman and Moore
Dr. Carmen also treats patients for sleep apnea and TMJ dysfunction. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes lapses in breathing during the night. There is one audible consequence—snoring—but the other consequences are far more life threatening and include high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Dr. Carmen treats sleep apnea with an oral appliance that shifts the position of the jaw in order to maintain an open airway.
TMJ dysfunction results from the malfunction of the temporomandibular joints, which move your jaw up and down. While there are a number of conditions that can cause TMJ, the most common is nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. Here too, Dr. Carmen can prescribe a custom-designed oral appliance.
Call Our Office Today
To schedule an appointment for family dentistry in Norman and Moore, call the office of Dr. Bobby Carmen. We’ll be glad to see you and your whole family. Our office serves 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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Anti-Snoring Devices for a Quieter, More Restful Night of Sleep
July 24, 2014
Does 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.
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The Role of Fluoride in Your Dental Health with Dr. Bobby J. Carmen
May 18, 2014
Fluoride 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!
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Hidden Dangers of Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know
February 8, 2014
You may already know that periodontal disease can cause a number of undesirable conditions in your mouth – red, swollen gums and bleeding, to name a few – but did you know that it can also affect other areas of your body as well? At the office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, we treat all stages of gum disease to help you avoid the potentially dangerous consequences associated with this common oral health condition.
The Unexpected Connection
While the detrimental effects of periodontal disease are bad enough, the complications that can arise when the condition is left untreated are far worse. Aside leading to oral inflammation, pain and an increased risk of tooth loss, the bacteria that causes advanced gum disease can spread throughout your body and wreak havoc on vital organs and tissues. Some of the most common complications associated with untreated periodontal disease are:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Low birth weight and preterm delivery (in mothers with periodontitis)
Fortunately, proper treatment of the infection can significantly reduce your risk of developing these often life-threatening conditions. Dr. Carmen’s preventative periodontal therapy can restore the health of your gums and teeth, protecting you from these and other diseases. Following treatment, you simply continue to brush and floss twice per day and visit the office every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
If you or a loved one suffers from untreated periodontal disease and you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier you, contact us at our Norman, OK office today to find out how Dr. Carmen can help you. We also serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Moore, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and beyond.
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