Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties in the Gibsonton Area?

Lithia Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

Most Gibsonton area residents probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. Some Fish Hawk dental patients may even know the unique focus of endodontists. However, few Florida residents probably know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Today’s post from Your Time Dental looks at the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA. (If you want a challenge, see if you can name all nine before you continue reading this post.)

Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp.”1 If you need a root canal in Gibsonton, you may require the services of an endodontist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.

Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Lithia pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children, and teenagers.

Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”1 Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.

Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”1

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
(2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.

Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”1

General and cosmetic dentists in the Gibsonton area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes your Tampa general dentist will refer you to a local Tampa specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

1Specialty Definitions, The American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/495.aspx, accessed May 22, 2013

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

Affordable Teeth Whitening in Gibsonton?

Affordable Tampa Tooth Whitening If you are like most Your Time Dental patients, you have probably observed the multitude of ads for ‘free teeth whitening kits’.

Some show a ‘real Apollo Beach mom’ who discovered a ‘tooth-whitening secret’. Others assure you that their system is the one that ‘Fish Hawk dentists don’t want you to know about’. Many contain a link to a page that contains a convincing tooth-whitening testimonial. They bolster their legitimacy by aligning themselves with respected companies such as CNN, USA Today, and Forbes.

Unfortunately, most of these are fraudulent. In a recent article, the Better Business Bureau explains the scam:

The countless websites for various teeth whitening products claim to offer a no-risk, money-back guarantee, and free trial of the product. To sign up, customers must provide a credit or debit card number to cover shipping. Complainants to BBB state that they are billed before their trial ends and continue to be billed after they have told the company they want to cancel.

Complainants also may find mystery charges for other companies and services that they didn’t realize they were signing up for with their ‘free’ trial.

The BBB has received complaints about the following company/product names:

  • Dazzle White
  • White Smile
  • Teeth Smile
  • Dazzle Smile
  • Ivory White
  • Max White
  • My Whitening
  • Gleaming White Smile
  • Advanced Wellness Research

Don’t trust your smile to an internet fraudster. Your tooth whitening dental office is the only place for safe teeth bleaching. You don’t want to take a chance with your credit card number or your tooth enamel! Call us at Your Time Dental Urgent Care for advanced cosmetic dentistry and worry-free tooth whitening. You can reach us at 813-519-0128

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

Dental Problem? There Is Always A Solution!

smile makeover cost Gibsonton

There is no doubt that a healthy, pleasing smile positively affects one’s life. It lets us convey confidence and friendliness in business and social settings. A beautiful healthy smile also affects our relationships. When we smile, we appear (and feel!) younger and more attractive. Your Time Dental can ensure you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Research has shown that smiling also helps reduce stress, increase productivity, and express empathy.

But if you are troubled by dental problems, then you may feel insecure about your smile. A smile makeover is the solution to your problems.

When you visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care, you will find Dr. Kernagis to be very empathetic about how you feel about your teeth. Together the two of you make a plan to help you gain the sensational smile that you have been missing in your life.

One question to consider before going in is: What changes do you want to see in your smile?

There is no need to feel helpless. There is always a solution. Straightening teeth, fixing chips, replacing missing teeth, re-shaping teeth, and whitening teeth are only some of the changes that Dr. Kernagis can perform. If you have a problem, your dentist will help you find the solution.

If you are worrying about the cost of a smile makeover, remember there is a way to make it happen. When you and your dentist decide on your cosmetic dental smile makeover plan, budgeting becomes part of it. Together, you will figure out how to perform your smile makeover in a timely, cost-effective manner.

If you feel that a smile makeover can improve your life, book an appointment with Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton by calling 813-519-0128. We will give you a dazzling smile that you can be proud of.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

General and Family Dentistry in Gibsonton

general and family dentistry Gibsonton

Are you looking for a general and family dental practice in the Gibsonton area? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We are always taking new patients at Your Time Dental.

11 Reasons to Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton

Let’s discuss some reasons to call today to schedule an exam and consultation at Your Time Dental:

  1. Dental Exam: This is the best way to prevent dental problems. Perhaps you already have some problems. Address them as early as possible. Then you can avoid more extensive (and expensive) treatments in the future.
  2. Cleaning: Our dental hygienists are ready to give you a super clean smile. A professional dental cleaning makes your mouth look and feel amazing!
  3. Brush Up: It’s a good idea to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene if it’s been a while.
  4. Toothache: If you have dental pain–from a cavity, abscess, or other reason–call now to book an appointment. Don’t live with pain another day.
  5. Cavities: We can fill any dental cavities quickly. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas later. Plus, we can replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
  6. Tooth Sensitivity: Let’s figure out what is making your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
  7. Keep Gums Healthy: Let’s check the health of your gums and discuss treatments to help you improve them or reverse gum disease.
  8. Brighten Up: If your smile is yellow, gray, or has stains, we can help. There are several tooth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile.
  9. Replace a Missing Tooth: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  10. Cosmetic Dentistry: We can help you analyze the options for achieving a stunning smile.
  11. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy, remarkable smile.

If you are new to our practice, I want to discuss anything that will help you feel confident in me and my team:

  • My education and experience, including specialties and certifications
  • My philosophy of preventative dentistry
  • My recommendations about your dental needs
  • Before and after photos of my cosmetic dental smile makeover patients
  • My office atmosphere and the attentiveness of my cheerful professional dental team
  • All the extras and amenities at Your Time Dental Urgent Care that make dental visits pleasant and comfortable
  • My ability to explain the technical details of procedures and characteristics of restorative materials

Thanks for visiting the Your Time Dental blog. We look forward to meeting you!

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

Are You Watching For Cavities?

prevent cavities Gibsonton

Did you know a cavity may be reversed? These small holes in our teeth caused by acidic tooth erosion can be prevented from getting worse and require filling. Currently, around 90% of adults have cavities and almost 30% have untreated cavities. However, by taking a few required precautions advised by Your Time Dental, we can stave off tooth decay.

What causes a cavity?

Every time we eat or drink, plaque bacteria break down sugar which leads to the release of certain acids in our mouths. This acidic solution will slowly wear away the enamel on our teeth and eventually lead to a cavity. The more sugar we consume the more likely we are to get cavities since there is more of this solution in our mouths.

Can I prevent cavities from getting worse?

Yes! It’s possible to prohibit cavities from getting worse. We can all lower the number of cavities that form if we’re aware of the early signs of formation. If you ever observe small white dots on your teeth, it’s time to up the amount of time you spend brushing and flossing. You can reverse the cavity at this stage since the fluoride will re-mineralize the surface of your enamel. If you neglect your oral care, however, tooth decay will persist and result in a tiny hole. The cavity is no longer reversible and you may need a filling soon. If you continue to ignore the cavities at this stage, the hole might progress through the enamel and reach the softer layer of yellow dentin beneath and require a root canal.

4 Ways to Prevent Cavities From Forming

Avoid Refined Sugar

This one is probably obvious, but avoiding sugar should be your number one purpose in preventing cavities. Sugar breaks down our enamel and only weakens our teeth more and more when the enamel has completely worn away. Reducing the amount of sugar we take in will also provide a healthier lifestyle and make us feel better overall. We may give in to our favorite sugary drink at times, but our teeth will thank us later if we minimize these temptations.

Xylitol mints

Xylitol is a type of alcohol that comes in the form of mints or gum. This unique breath freshener not only tastes good but also cleans the inside of your mouth. By using just one mint after eating and drinking, studies show you can reduce your chance of cavities by 53%. However, you don’t have to stock up on gum and mints to prohibit cavities, and usually, brushing is the most effective measure.

Brushing

Remember that routinely brushing and flossing not only keeps your breath fresh but also prohibits cavities from forming and worsening. The fluoride will re-mineralize your teeth and also harden the enamel. This helps the enamel stay strong and makes it harder for cavities to form. If you ever see a cavity forming, focus on brushing this tooth with extra focus to clean away the bacteria. Cavities will hold bacteria longer since they let food sink deeper into the tooth.

Salt Water Rinses

Occasionally, rinsing your mouth with salt water can help slow the expansion of a cavity. Saltwater has antiseptic properties that kill bacteria on our teeth leaving them cleaner and better safeguarded. Try adding this to your oral health routine after brushing and flossing.

Going Forward

Always keep an eye out for cavities forming and stay disciplined in scheduling your semi-annual dentist appointments. Anytime you observe tooth decay appearing, use some of the techniques mentioned, but seek help if you experience any pain. This could be a sign the cavity has worked its way beyond the layer of dentin and reached the pulp where our nerves reside. If this transpires, your dentist will need to perform a root canal or possibly extract the tooth entirely. Never let a cavity advance to this stage and always maintain a healthy mouth. Keep on brushing and flossing routinely, but if you notice small white spots forming on your teeth, stay on alert to slow the onset of a cavity.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

Missing Teeth? Don’t Miss Out On A Beautiful Smile

Gibsonton cosmetic dentistry

If you have missing spaces in your smile due to decay, injury, or any other reason, there is hope. If your existing teeth are stained, decayed, or broken, there is hope. If your teeth have always been misshapen, or crooked, there is hope. Cosmetic Dentistry by Your Time Dental can fix all of those problems.

Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has the ability handle the toughest cosmetic dental problems. Since 2001, Dr. Kernagis has restored and improved smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry.

Regardless of the problem, it is usually preferable to retain your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, and you have already lost teeth, we offer several ways for you to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.

Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be the best answer. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a relatively economical approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They upgrade unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a tooth replacement that includes an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture.

Dentures
Most Gibsonton residents have heard of dentures: plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed for cleaning. These are individually constructed and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

There is no need to miss out on an attractive smile. Schedule your initial consultation at 813-519-0128 to visit us at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton, Florida. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Gibsonton area.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

Tools For Tooth Transformations

porcelain veneers price Tampa

Too-small teeth. Misshapen teeth. Cracked teeth. Chipped teeth. Spacing irregularities. These problems are all too common. But you don’t have to live with them! With the advances in cosmetic dentistry at Your Time Dental, there are fixes for these vexing tooth problems!

1. Veneers. (Also called dental laminates or porcelain veneers). These fragile shells are custom-made so the size, shape, and color perfectly match your surrounding teeth. The veneers are securely cemented to the front of the teeth to dramatically enhance your smile.

2. Bonding. This procedure uses a strong tooth-colored resin to close spaces, repair chips, and cracks, or change the shape. The resin is molded into place and then a light is applied to harden the material for secure adherence to the tooth.

3. Crowns. Most people are familiar with this durable multi-purpose restoration. Natural-looking dental crowns are fabricated in the shape and color of the tooth and cemented into place to fully cover the part of the tooth visible above the gumline.

4. Braces. Patients of all ages are transforming their smiles with advanced orthodontia. Before you dismiss this option as too time-consuming or costly, learn about the new braces now available. Braces are more convenient and discrete than ever before.

Countless Tampa dental patients have achieved dazzling smiles with a smile transformation from Your Time Dental Urgent Care!

My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. I am passionate about to helping my patients have optimum oral health and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about veneers, bonding, recontouring, or crowns, I invite you to call us at 813-519-0128 to make an appointment today. We make patients feel comfortable!

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

CEREC and E4D One Visit Dental Crowns

same day dental crowns Gibsonton

If you’re like most individuals in Gibsonton, you appreciate convenience in every aspect of life. In other words, straightforward processes with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Multiple Appointments Can Be a Hassle

When it comes to medical or dental services, convenience means the fewest visits possible. Our team aims to make that happen.

Let’s discuss dental crowns, for example. Most men and women need a restoration like a dental crown at some point in their life. A dental crown is one of the most versatile dental restorations. It covers the complete visible portion of a tooth and can correct a damaged tooth, a tooth with a large cavity, or a tooth that has undergone a root canal. This protects what’s left of the tooth and allows normal function

Dental Crowns Used to Take at Least Two Appointments

The traditional dental crown procedure involves at least two visits. (Sometimes three or four depending on the situation.) On the first visit, the dentist would prepare the tooth and create an impression for the crown. To make impressions, the patient had to bite into a U-shaped tray filled with a thick, gooey substance (alginate or polyvinylsiloxane).

Then the dentist would send the impression to a dental lab to have the crown constructed. This could take a couple of weeks. When the crown was finished, the patient would have to come back to the dental practice to have it placed and cemented.

CEREC and E4D Same Day Crowns

Now, there are two visit systems. The brand names are CEREC and E4D. Both systems use CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) to design and engineer a perfectly fitting crown.

CAD uses 3-D software that photographs teeth to create a precise model. In some dental practices, the patient can see the 3-D digital models on a screen during their visit.

CEREC uses an infrared camera to transmit the tooth’s exact shape to the CAD software. E4D accomplishes the same thing with laser technology. As mentioned previously, CAD is the modeling software. Once there is a precise 3-D rendering, it’s time to create the restoration. That is what the CAM machine does. CAM is the milling process, in which a small bit-like device operates at extremely high speeds to precisely chisel a custom-fitting crown out of a block of ceramic.

Steps For a One-Visit Dental Crown

Here is a recap of the entire process:

  1. Tooth Preparation. Your dentist will prepare the site for your crown by clearing away cavities or portions of the damaged tooth.
  2. Intraoral Scanning. Next, your dental professional will use an optical scanner to create a 3-D digital model of the damaged tooth and surrounding teeth.
  3. Restoration Design. With the 3-D images, the dentist will use CAD software to design the final restoration.
  4. Milling. A milling machine uses a 3-D scan and precisely chisels the crown from a single small brick of ceramic.
  5. Sintering and Polishing. The dentist then stains or glazes to make the surface of the dental crown look like a natural tooth. Following that, the dentist polishes the restoration to perfection.
  6. Cementation. Finally, the restoration is permanently affixed to your mouth.

Need a dental crown? Call us today to request an appointment.

 

No Dental Insurance? Prioritize Spending For Dental Care

dental financing Gibsonton

Millions of Americans don’t have dental insurance, and many Florida employer plans have limited benefits. Some men and women who fail to get adequate dental care say “It’s too costly.”

This excuse may be valid if you live below the poverty level. But if you have an average income, you can probably shift your priorities to find money in your budget to invest in a healthy smile.

You have probably heard of the “Latte Factor” which refers to the surprising amount of dollars that adds up if you buy a significant caffeinated beverage every morning. Even if you don’t drink coffee, you probably have a personal habit that costs a few dollars daily but adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. Soda pop, beer, an eight-dollar deli sandwich, and a game of golf. How about personal grooming—manis, pedis, facials, and professional hair coloring? What about the dollars you spend for convenience—pizza delivery, ATM fees, heat-and-eat meals? How much do you spend on premium cable, video game rentals, full-price movies, and season tickets to sporting events?

If you have foregone dental exams, cleanings, and treatments because you think it’s too costly, I hope this Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog post has opened your eyes to purchases that may be far less vital than a healthy smile. Remember, if you ignore dental problems, eventually they will require more extensive treatments. Filling a cavity is relatively inexpensive, a root canal costs more, and a dental implant is a major investment. What is a tooth worth? Every single one is priceless. And don’t forget that dental dilemmas impact the health of your entire body.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides competitively priced first-rate dental care including veneers, crowns, bonding, orthodontia, and teeth whitening. We also provide same-day emergency care. Ask us about dental financing options.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

What Can Your Time Dental Urgent Care Do For You?

take out silver fillings Fish Hawk

Hello, and welcome to the Tampa dental health blog. My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis and I want to tell you about our Gibsonton practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some men and women, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental problems–whether it’s decay, gum disease, or discolored teeth–we want to treat these problems and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

We Respect Your Time

Our team is here to serve you. We know you have many choices in Gibsonton-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to make your wait as short as possible. We will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We provide general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Gibsonton office. We serve the entire Tampa area including Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

weekend dental care
sedation dentistry
root canals
dental implants
tooth extractions

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

Along with healthy teeth, many of our Apollo Beach and Fish Hawk patients want to know more about popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, and more! A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your dazzling smile!

If you live in the Tampa area and would like to see what Your Time Dental Urgent Care has to offer, give us a call at 813-519-0128. We are currently accepting new dental patients!