Why Sleep Apnea Treatment Is So Important

January 30, 2014

Do you find that you regularly feel tired during the day even after you’ve slept all night? Have you ever been told that you snore loudly or that you seem to have trouble breathing while you sleep? These may be signs of sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. If you’ve been dealing with sleep apnea and its many undesirable side effects, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his caring staff in Norman, OK want to help you find the rest and rejuvenation you deserve from your sleep.

Complications of Sleep Apnea

As if excessive snoring and feeling exhausted as soon as you wake up isn’t bad enough, sleep apnea can actually lead to a whole host of other potentially dangerous problems if left untreated. Because instances of apnea throughout the night deprive the brain and body of vital oxygen, treatment should begin as soon as possible following diagnosis. Complications of untreated sleep apnea include the following:

  • High blood pressure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart attack
  • Greater risk of stroke
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Respiratory failure
  • Atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart beat

Fortunately for people suffering from sleep apnea, Dr. Carmen treats this condition with specialized oral devices called mouth guards, night guards or snore guards. The comfortable oral appliance is custom-fitted to your mouth for optimal results. It keeps your airways open while you sleep to prevent lapses in breathing and loud snoring.

If you or your spouse is affected by sleep apnea, don’t suffer for one more night. Contact our Norman, OK office today and see how we can help you get the peaceful, restful sleep you want and need. We proudly serve patients from throughout Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Moore and beyond.

 

Get a Perfect Smile Now with Dental Veneers from Dr. Carmen in Norman, OK

January 15, 2014

If your smile is less than perfect – whether it be due to staining, crooked teeth or chips in the enamel – it can make you feel self-conscious in your daily interactions. You may even avoid smiling or laughing with others, hiding the condition of your teeth because you’re embarrassed of their condition. In our office in Norman, OK, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his team are dedicated to rejuvenating your smile, keeping it healthy and restoring your self-confidence in a way that suits your lifestyle. Porcelain veneers and Lumineers can perfect your teeth in as little as two visits.

How do Veneers and Lumineers Work?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, stain-resistant sheaths of durable tooth-colored material that are affixed to the front surfaces of your existing teeth. They retain the natural look of teeth, correcting a variety of common dental problems. Undesirable issues resolved with the application of veneers and Lumineers include:

  • Yellowing and discoloration from coffee, red wine, tea and tobacco
  • Visible cracks in tooth enamel
  • Chips in front teeth
  • Misaligned or overly crowded teeth
  • Teeth that are too small or misshapen

The end result is a beautiful new set of perfectly aligned, brilliantly white front teeth. You can smile freely with the knowledge that you look fantastic all the time.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are a simple and long-lasting solution to a flawed smile and may prove just what you need to reclaim yours. Contact our office in Norman, OK to schedule your consultation and see the difference that Dr. Carmen and this revolutionary procedure can make in your life. We happily serve patients in Central Oklahoma, Norman, Moore, the University of Oklahoma and more.

 

 

Achieve A Natural Look With Tooth-Colored Fillings

December 30, 2013

There is no doubt people are very meticulous about what they want their smile to look like. After all, a smile is a first impression, and you want to make the as memorable as possible. Dr. Bobby Carmen is here to make sure your smile looks exactly the way you want it to, which is why we offer tooth-colored fillings for our patients. We know this will be a great way for you to feel confident in your smile again and have you smiling day and night!

There are many advantages to choosing tooth-colored fillings. One of the more popular reasons is because tooth-colored fillings help you not have the mouth full of metal look. Many people want a more innate look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to give you just that. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth from further harm. When there is a cavity or decay, Dr. Carmen removes the decay and fills the space with the tooth-colored filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading to bone loss.

If you aren’t proud of your smile, it can entirely modify the way you interact with people and how you envision yourself. There is no doubt our experienced team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you on your path of dental health!

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.

 

TMJ Therapy with Dr. Carmen Can Help With Pain

December 20, 2013

TMJ pain affects millions of people, forcing them to live with piercing pain and constant uneasiness. Although you may think nothing can alleviate you of your pain, as part of our family dentistry practice, Dr. Bobby Carmen is able to help. We will make sure you will be able to live your life pain-free and happier!

The TMJ, temporomandibular joint, is a small joint located where the lower jaw meets the skull. There are many things that can cause TMJ pain such as grinding teeth, arthritis, and the joint itself. The side effects of TMJ pain include not being able to open your mouth all the way, hearing a popping or clicking noise when you open your mouth, and much more. One way to help with your TMJ pain may involve wearing a mouthguard. The mouthguard prevents your teeth from grinding as well as clenching your jaw. Because every person is different, the mouthguards should be different as well. The mouthguard will be custom made specifically for you, and is a wonderful step in relieving you of your TMJ pain.

You can also do jaw massages to help with TMJ pain. If you massage your temple and jaw, it increases blood circulation, helping with the pain. Also, good posture helps! A straight back and a relaxed neck can really make a difference!

If you feel as though Dr. Carmen is able to help you with you TMJ pain, or you have any questions about treatment options, make an appointment at our office, and our experienced and knowledgeable team will be ready to help you with anything you need!

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.

 

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.

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.

Finally Relax During Oral Health Care in Norman, OK with Sedation Dentistry

November 5, 2013

If you suffer from fear or anxiety when faced with an upcoming dentist’s appointment, don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. In fact, a majority of the population reports experiencing some level of dental phobia throughout their life. Here in Norman, OK, the last thing our team wants to do is make you feel uncomfortable or frightened when undergoing care. However, it’s important that you pursue the dental treatments you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful; after all, putting off visits indefinitely could result in severe problems that require even more time and money to fix. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby Carmen offers a solution: sedation dentistry. With the help of several sedation options, we can ensure that you’ll feel completely comfortable and at ease during treatment!

Sedation dentistry best benefits patients who:

  • experience severe fear when faced with visiting the dentist
  • have serious time constraints and need to undergo several lengthy procedures in as little time as possible
  • have a sensitive gag reflex
  • find it difficult to become numb with local anesthetic
  • is unable to rest comfortably in our chair due to neck and/or back pain

Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, the nation’s leading associated dedicated to this field, so you can be sure to trust him when it comes to your sedation needs. Our team can provide nitrous oxide for patients who experience mild fear; the dosage you’ve given can be easily altered, and the effects wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities instantly. If your sense of fear is much more severe or debilitating, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation is also available. We’ll be happy to sit down with you and discuss your needs before your treatment begins so that we can be sure to pick the sedation dentistry choice that best suits you.

Contact our Norman, OK office today to schedule an appointment! Dr. Carmen can’t wait to give you and your loved ones new reasons to smile. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Keep Your Loved Ones Safe and Smiling with Special Needs Dental Care from Dr. Bobby Carmen

October 22, 2013

Caring for the needs of someone who is disabled can often be a challenge. After all, there’s so much to account for and arrange that sometimes, tasks simply can’t help but fall to the wayside. Oral health, for instance, may be difficult to keep up with for a number of reasons, resulting in decayed or damaged teeth and diminished structure. Here at the Norman practice of Dr. Carmen, we understand how complex and varied the needs of people with debilitating conditions can be – that’s why we’re here to take some of the burden off of you, their caretaker, by providing gentle dental services that take into account their unique needs and concerns. We’re well-versed in a number of conditions and are ready to pass on the benefits of our valuable expertise to you!

Dr. Carmen has experience treating patients with a number of illnesses, including:

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease tends to lead increased forgetfulness and dementia as it progresses, which can take a heavy toll on one’s daily hygiene. Additionally, they may become confused in the dentist’s office or even frightened. We suggest that they be brought in for more frequent check-ups and cleanings in order to ensure optimal oral health, and our team can provide oral sedation or other comforts if deemed necessary.

Parkinson’s

Tremors are usually associated with Parkinson’s, making it hard for patients to control even simple movements. This can negatively impact their skill at brushing and flossing. Studies have found that many people with this condition also experience depression. We’ll be sure to take good care of these patients’ smiles, ensuring that they stay full and functional for years to come.

Down Syndrome

Trust is crucial when it comes to patients with Down Syndrome. We’ll help you assure your loved one that they’ll be perfectly safe under our care; additionally, because of the threat to their immune system, we’ll be sure to avoid any possible spread of infection.

Contact our Norman office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmen! Our team is committed to providing patients with personalized dental care that gives them a reason to smile brighter than ever before. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Dr. Bobby Carmen Can Help You Banish Bad Breath

October 11, 2013

Out of all the oral health problems a person can endure during their lifetime, bad breath is often considered both the simplest and the most embarrassing. After all, many of us have experienced the humiliation that comes when someone discreetly mentions you might need a breath mint. Even worse is the fact that bad breath can often be an indication of more serious problems, such as gum disease or cavities. If this condition is a common, frustrating element in your everyday life, contact your local dentist Dr. Carmen! Our team here in Norman will be happy to help you discover the source of this pesky problem with a check-up and offer you tips for how to effectively combat its presence in the future. These include:

  • Bad breath (also referred to as halitosis) is often caused by foul-smelling bacteria. While most of these can be banished with the help of diligent brushing and flossing, some tend to stick to the back of the tongue, which can be tough to reach. Invest in a tongue scraper! This device will go a long way in banishing bad breath and keeping your mouth fresh.
  • Likewise, using an anti-bacterial mouthwash every day can add a valuable extra layer of protection too.
  • Do you constantly suffer from dry mouth? Smelly food particles may be getting lodged in your smile and left to fester. Chewing in sugarless gum is a great way to facilitate saliva production and cleanse your mouth.
  • Experiencing bad breath every once in a while is nothing to worry about, but if it seems like a chronic condition, something serious may be at work. Come in to see Dr. Carmen as soon as possible so that we can get to the bottom of the problem.

Contact our Norman office today to schedule an appointment! We also welcome patients from Moore, the University of Oklahoma, central Oklahoma, and beyond.

Revitalize Your Smile and Make it Shine with Cosmetic Dentistry in Norman, OK

October 4, 2013

While keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a must, of course, Dr. Carmen also understands that for many patients, it’s important to have a smile that’s visually beautiful as well. After all, your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you when first meeting, and if your teeth appear white and straight, it can imply all sorts of positive attributes, including youth, confidence, success, and much more. Sadly, though, many of us aren’t born with naturally perfect smiles. Whether you’ve experienced oral flaws due to genetics, an injury, or simply that extra cup of coffee in the morning, Dr. Carmen is here to help with multiple cosmetic dentistry services at his Norman office. We’ll work closely with you, making sure to find the solution that best fits your unique needs and leaves you with a smile that’s simply stunning!

Our available cosmetic dentistry services include:

What if you’re not sure what cosmetic dentistry treatment would be right for you? Don’t worry – with the help of a personalized smile makeover plan, Dr. Carmen will be happy to create a personalized treatment plan with your valuable input, saving you both time and possible frustration.

Don’t settle for a lackluster smile that leaves you embarrassed to look in the mirror – instead, pursue the look of your dreams with help from Dr. Carmen! Contact our Norman, OK office today to schedule an appointment. Our team strongly believes in providing personalized dental services that gives our patient something to smile about. We also serve the areas of Moore, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, and beyond.

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