Have Healthy Gums with Gum Disease Therapy

August 29, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_carmen @ 3:29 pm

472315273Though 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.

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.