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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Choosing Cosmetic Bonding or Porcelain Veneers Norman, OK Loves
October 6, 2015
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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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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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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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Cosmetic Gum Lift: Transform Your Smile with Dr. Bobby J. Carmen
July 10, 2014
When you look at your smile in the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you feel confident in the appearance of your teeth and gums, as well as the way your smile impacts your overall appearance? For some patients, excessive gum tissue can make teeth appear short and stubby, negatively affecting the symmetry and balance of their smile. At Bobby J. Carmen, DDS in Norman, OK, Dr. Carmen and his team help patients with all kinds of cosmetic woes finally achieve the confident, gorgeous smiles they’ve always dreamed of. One of the ways we do this is with a procedure called a cosmetic gum lift.
Can a Cosmetic Gum Lift Help Me?
Many people who think that their teeth look too short (or that their smile is filled with too much gum in general) believe the problem to reside with the actual length of their teeth. Fortunately, this is not typically the case. The teeth are merely covered by too much gum tissue, hiding the healthy crowns of the teeth beneath. Using only the most advanced soft tissue laser technology, Dr. Carmen can effectively and carefully remove this excess gum tissue, revealing more of the tooth in a way that is completely safe. After a brief period of healing, you’ll see a completely transformed new smile emerge.
In order to determine if a cosmetic gum lift procedure is the right choice for you, Dr. Carmen will first assess the health and status of your gum tissue and teeth. If you are a good candidate for this solution, we will formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your individual needs. You’ll love your results, finally feeling fantastic about the way your teeth and smile look.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’d like to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you enjoy a bold, confident smile you’ll truly be proud to show off to the world, Dr. Carmen is here to help. Contact our office in Norman, OK today to schedule your appointment with our caring, experienced team. Our family-friendly, state-of-the-art practice also happily serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Del City, the University of Oklahoma, Midwest City, Central Oklahoma, Moore, and beyond.
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Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth from Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK
March 18, 2014
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that has been notoriously connected to extreme pain and inconvenience, but this often necessary surgery needn’t be so daunting or dreaded. In fact, with a dentist who is as caring as he is experienced and skilled, the management of impacted wisdom teeth can be quite a simple process. At the Norman, OK office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, our team performs comprehensive general dentistry – including impacted wisdom tooth extraction – in a way that ensures your comfort and oral health from the moment you walk into our practice.
The Importance of Managing Wisdom Tooth Impaction
It is possible for wisdom teeth to develop normally, but in most individuals, this is not the case. When these extraneous molars are misaligned in any way, their development can begin to negatively affect surrounding teeth, gums, jaw bone, and other tissues in the oral cavity. Other teeth in the mouth may begin to crowd as the growing wisdom teeth place an inordinate amount of pressure on otherwise healthy teeth. Excessive crowding not only mars the aesthetic appeal of your smile, but can contribute to severe periodontal disease, tooth decay, and the need for orthodontic intervention.
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it may remain locked beneath the gums or partially break through the tissue around it. A break in the gum tissue is approximately equal to an invitation for bacteria to accumulate there, potentially leading to infection and severe discomfort. The patient may suffer extreme headaches due to the pressure this applies to delicate nerves in the area. Fortunately, surgical removal of the offending teeth instantly halts this process, offering relief from pain and preventing further damage to other oral structures.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you or someone in your family is experiencing wisdom tooth impaction, contact our office in Norman, OK today and reserve your appointment with Dr. Bobby J. Carmen. Our caring, experienced staff will ensure that every step of your wisdom tooth extraction goes smoothly and that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. From our conveniently located dental practice, we also serve families from nearby areas in Central Oklahoma, Moore, the University of Oklahoma and more. We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile!
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Escape the Daily Grind with Bruxism Treatment from Dr. Carmen in Norman, OK
February 28, 2014
The unconscious act of clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth is called bruxism and it can have a number of detrimental effects on your mouth and in your daily life. At the Norman, OK office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, we offer customized oral appliances that help keep your teeth and jaw muscles safe from bruxism so you can sleep comfortably and get the rest you deserve.
Causes and Treatment
Though most people with bruxism clench their jaws and grind their teeth at night while they’re asleep, some tend to find themselves engaging in this subconscious behavior during the day as well. The cause of this behavior is generally stress, anxiety or frustration. At night, the constant movements and pressure applied to the teeth and muscles can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, often leading to temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.
Fortunately, treatment for bruxism is typically relatively simple and affordable for the majority of patients. First, Dr. Carmen will assess your teeth, your bite and the muscles of your jaw. A mouthguard will be custom-fitted to your mouth and you’ll be instructed to wear it at night to prevent further damage to your teeth. The mouthguard serves as a buffer while you sleep, preventing the grinding of tooth surfaces against one another. Patients who start wearing a mouthguard regularly tend to find that they feel noticeably better in the mornings after just a few days of using the device.
Rest Easy with a Mouthguard for Bruxism
If you think that you may be suffering from bruxism and you’re tired of all of its side effects, contact our Norman, OK office today to find out how simple it can be to rid yourself of nighttime teeth grinding. We happily serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Moore, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and beyond.
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Rejuvenate Your Smile and Erase Unsightly Gaps with Dental Implants in Norman, OK
November 30, 2013
For patients with one or more missing teeth, dental implants are a revolutionary new tooth replacement method that’s truly transformative. They provide a prosthetic that’s so lifelike and durable that it will be difficult to even remember that you lost the original pearly white; even better, they help prevent jawbone deterioration with the help of a small, titanium post – a problem that patients who rely on dentures or bridges have no solid solution for. While several dentists are able to place restorations, Dr. Bobby Carmen has taken several advanced courses in implant dentistry, qualifying him to be able to take you through every step of the implants process in one convenient location.
How does the dental implant process work?
While it takes longer to receive a full dental implant than a bridge or denture, the dental implants process is considered ultimately more rewarding. First, Dr. Carmen will determine whether you’re a viable candidate for the procedure with a thorough examination. Then, you’ll undergo a brief oral surgery, in which we’ll place a small, titanium post into the empty socket. You will require some time to heal from this event; once you have, you’ll return to our Norman office so that Dr. Carmen can place a customized crown atop the post and complete the procedure.
What are the benefits?
Benefits of having dental implants include:
- Function – dental implants closely mimic natural teeth, providing patients with much-needed comfort and stability in their new smile.
- Success – the success rate for dental implant placement is an impressive 98%!
- Longevity – if cared for properly, dental implants can last for a lifetime, unlike bridges and dentures, which need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
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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Restore Your Smile Seamlessly in Norman, OK with the Help of a CEREC Crown
May 30, 2013
Whether it’s needed due to decay or an injury, having a crown placed is a common staple of dental care that countless patients have experienced over the years. However, the process can be a major inconvenience, especially if you have a tight schedule – one appointment for preparation and the placement of clunky temporary crown, and then a second appointment for the permanent crown to be placed. In the meantime, your temporary crown might even break or come loose, resulting in another impromptu trip to your local dental office. Dr. Bobby Carmen and his staff in Norman, OK have experienced first-hand how vexing and inconvenient this process can be – that’s why they provide CEREC crowns for damaged smiles of all shapes and sizes!
How does CEREC work?
The process is simple! After taking a detailed, 3D image of your tooth, the CEREC machine goes to work on creating a beautiful, custom-made restoration for you. Better yet, the process only takes a single hour – no inconvenience or temporary pieces required! Dr. Carmen will then permanently place the new crown for you once it’s completed and ensure that you’re happy with it before you leave our office with a fuller, healthier smile.
Our CEREC machine can also create inlays, onlays, and veneers, allowing us to quickly and thoroughly provide you with the perfect restorative solution to your dental woes.
Contact our Norman, OK office today if you any questions about our available CEREC technology, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmen. Our team is committed to providing patients with comprehensive, personalized oral health care that leaves teeth happier and healthier than ever before. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond!
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Dr. Bobby Carmen Can Use Dental Implants to Revitalize Your Smile and Self-Confidence
May 23, 2013
A relatively new restorative dentistry tool, dental implants are a modern alternative to bridges and dentures, and they’ve helped countless patients recover from tooth loss and experience a smile that’s beautiful and fully functional again. Having unsightly gaps isn’t only embarrassing – it can also lead to additional oral health problems, such as periodontal disease. At Dr. Carmen’s Norman dental practice, we’ll keep that from happening by seeing you through every step of the treatment, as well as answering common questions about dental implants here!
What exactly are dental implants?
They’re comprised of the same parts as a natural tooth: the crown and the root. The root, a small titanium post, is surgically placed in jawbone in order to provide a secure foundation for the custom-made crown, which will be set atop it after an appropriate amount of time has passed for the area to heal.
What happens during the dental implant process?
First, Dr. Carmen will thoroughly examine your mouth for any possible signs of decay or damage. Once he’s determined that you’re a viable candidate for dental implants, you’ll undergo a surgical procedure to have one or more dental implants placed in your jaw. While many dentists have to send their patients elsewhere to undergo this part of the treatment, Dr. Carmen has taken advanced courses in implant dentistry and is highly qualified to carry out every stage himself.
Once the surgery is complete and some time has passed for the implant to successfully fuse with the bone tissue, you’ll return to our Norman, OK office so that Dr. Carmen can attach your new restoration.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are notable for being the only tooth replacement option that replicates the entire structure of the tooth instead of just the crown. This helps keep the jawbone from deteriorating over time and provides better support and stability for the patient. Additionally, dental implants have a very high success rate, closely mimic natural teeth, and can potentially last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Contact our Norman, OK today to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Carmen. We can’t wait to give you a reason to smile! We also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.
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