When asked what they remember most about a person, your peers report that it’s not what they said, or how they dressed — above anything else, it’s their smile. So in the spirit of renewal and fresh starts the New Year brings, the team at Bobby J. Carmen, DDS would like to ask: what kind of impression does your smile leave? If it’s anything less than wonderful, now is the perfect time for you to learn about powerful smile makeovers from your Moore cosmetic dentist.
Moore Cosmetic Dentist Suggests New Year Makeover
January 6, 2016
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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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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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Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease with Help from Dr. Bobby Carmen
November 18, 2013
Many dental patients are surprised to learn that the most common oral health ailment isn’t something simple like cavities or teeth grinding – it’s gum disease. In fact, a staggering 80% of the population is projected to suffer from a stage of this ailment. Also commonly referred to as a periodontal disease, gum disease is relatively harmless in its earliest stages, but if left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences, including bone deterioration and tooth loss. That’s why it’s so important to attend regular check-ups here in Norman with Dr. Carmen! Our dedicated staff can thoroughly inspect your gums and provide customized therapy promptly if needed. If you’re between check-ups, here are some common symptoms that you can keep an eye out for in the comfort of your own home:
- Gums that bleed during brushing and/or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that isn’t alleviated by oral hygiene or mouthwash
- Any tenderness, swelling, or discoloration concerning your oral tissues
- Pain when chewing
- Teeth that appear longer (it means your gums are receding)
- A bite that feels different suddenly, or teeth that seem looser
In addition, here are some factors that indicate a higher risk of gum disease than normal:
- If you smoke and/or use tobacco
- If you have diabetes
- If you take steroids
- If you’ve undergone therapy for cancer
We have several methods available for treating gum disease, including scaling, root planing, antibiotic therapy, and laser treatment. If your case is advanced, we may recommend you to a trusted colleague who can provide periodontal surgery. We’ll be sure to select the treatment that best fits your unique needs and concerns!
Contact our Norman office today to schedule an appointment! Dr. Carmen and his staff are happy to welcome new patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, and all over the state.
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Protect Your Pearly Whites from Gum Disease in Norman, OK
March 5, 2013
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.
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