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Your Time Dental Urgent Care » Dental Health

Apr19

Floss Pick Facts For Gibsonton

Health-conscious people want to keep their teeth as clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience. That’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of traditional dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are affordable and can be used more discretely than floss. At Your Time Dental, we highly recommend staying on top of your oral health in the Gibsonton area.

While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss when it comes to effectiveness.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to talk to your dentist. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient. But try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We have been serving the Tampa area since 2001 from our Gibsonton office.

Our comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns. We also welcome questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

Call 813-519-0128 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Apr12

Unexpected Stress? Don’t Forget Your Smile

When you suddenly have to juggle extra balls, some are bound to get dropped. Perhaps you are going through a divorce or became the caregiver for an ailing parent. Perhaps you took on a second job or started night school to earn an advanced degree.

Not every stressor is negative. A new baby, marriage, career, or move can be exciting but overwhelming. It’s okay – and sometimes helpful – to drop some of the balls. You can probably let another parent take over room mother duties for a few weeks, forego a haircut, or skip poker night until things calm down.

When life hands you extra challenges it is easy to get lax about oral hygiene, but Your Time Dental urges you not to. Sometimes you feel too exhausted to brush or floss and skip regular check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Richard Kernagis wants to remind you to think about the possible consequences of neglecting your smile.
1. Tooth decay
2. Gum disease
2. Tooth and gum pain
3. Bad breath
4. Infection
5. Tooth loss

Your plate is already full – you don’t want to add poor oral health and the associated expense and inconvenience required to treat advanced issues.

Let the car go unwashed for a few weeks. Record your favorite show to watch later when things slow down. Postpone that kitchen remodel. But keep your smile healthy – it really will make your life easier, healthier, and happier.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides gentle, comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Our services include:
root canals
tooth extractions
weekend dental care
dental implants

Dr. Kernagis is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about the American Dental Association at https://www.ama-assn.org. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, we invite you to call us at 813-519-0128 and schedule an exam and cleaning. Our cheerful team will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. There is no need to feel ashamed about plaque build-up or a cavity. We completely understand how stressful life can get and love helping our Gibsonton area patients get back on track.

We make patients feel comfortable!

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Apr5

Your Time Dental Urgent Care: A Reason to Smile

Hello, friends of Your Time Dental Urgent Care! If you haven’t visited our blog in a while, we welcome you back. It has been a terrific month at our practice.

We continue to achieve amazing results with our precision smile makeovers.

We Provide Modern Smile Solutions

Dr. Kernagis uses the all the tools of cosmetic dentistry: veneers, porcelain crowns, aligners, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, and dental bonding to create brilliant smiles. If you are not happy with your smile, call us at 813-519-0128 today to set up a smile design consultation.

With a Smile Makeover, There is Never Buyer’s Remorse

The vast majority of cosmetic dental smile makeover patients have absolutely no regrets about their investment in a stunning smile. There is no physical feature as eye-catching as an attractive smile. When your smile is stunning, you smile all the time!

We are Passionate About Changing Lives

We are dedicated to changing lives, one beautiful smile at a time. Our patients who have transformed their smiles with cosmetic dentistry report feeling more confident at work and in social situations.

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Dental Health

We are thrilled when our patients step up their oral hygiene to reverse gum disease or have had us remedy decay. They say renewed efforts to overcome dental problems improve their outlook on life and give them motivation to keep their smile healthy.

If you need a reason to smile, then think about a smile makeover from one of the top dentists in Florida. See for more specifics and photos. We look forward to making your smile the best it can be!

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Mar22

Unmasking the Threat of Gum Disease and At-Risk Individuals in Tampa

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a stealthy adversary that can creep into our mouths with little warning.

For some individuals, the risk of developing gum disease is significantly higher due to various factors. Your Time Dental Urgent Care, located near Tampa, is dedicated to shedding light on the importance of understanding gum disease risk factors and providing tailored care for those who need it most.

The Hidden Menace: Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and bone. It typically begins with gingivitis, which can manifest as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health.

At-Risk Individuals: Who is Vulnerable?

Smokers: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease. It weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Diabetics: Diabetes can compromise the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making those with the condition more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.

Hormonal Changes: Women experiencing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, may be at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal fluctuations that affect gum health.

Family History: A genetic predisposition to gum disease can make individuals more vulnerable, as it can affect the body’s immune response to oral bacteria.

Medications: Certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and antipsychotics, can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of gum disease.

Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fend off infections, including those in the gums.

Prevention and Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to treating gum disease and educating our patients about their risk factors and how to prevent its onset. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

Comprehensive Assessments: Our team conducts thorough oral examinations to assess the health of your gums and identify any signs of gum disease.

Personalized Treatment Plans: If gum disease is detected, we create customized treatment plans that may include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or other appropriate interventions.

Education and Prevention: We empower our patients with knowledge about proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of gum disease.

Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of gum disease. We recommend regular visits to monitor your oral health.

Gum disease can be a silent threat, especially for at-risk individuals. Understanding the risk factors and seeking timely care is crucial to maintaining not only a healthy smile but also overall well-being. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we support you in your journey to gum health. Don’t let gum disease remain hidden; take proactive steps to protect your oral and overall health.

Schedule an appointment with us today and let us be your partners in a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Mar15

Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties in the Gibsonton Area?

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

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Mar8

Affordable Teeth Whitening in Gibsonton?

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:

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

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Mar1

Dental Problem? There Is Always A Solution!

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.

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Feb23

General and Family Dentistry in 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:

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.
Cleaning: Our dental hygienists are ready to give you a super clean smile. A professional dental cleaning makes your mouth look and feel amazing!
Brush Up: It’s a good idea to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene if it’s been a while.
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.
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.
Tooth Sensitivity: Let’s figure out what is making your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
Keep Gums Healthy: Let’s check the health of your gums and discuss treatments to help you improve them or reverse gum disease.
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.
Replace a Missing Tooth: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
Cosmetic Dentistry: We can help you analyze the options for achieving a stunning smile.
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!

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Feb16

Are You Watching For Cavities?

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:

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Feb2

Tools For Tooth Transformations

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.

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):

Mon:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Tue:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Wed:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Thu:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Fri:	7:00am - 7:00pm
Sat:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Sun:	8:00am - 6:00pm

Mon:	8:00am - 5:00pm
Tue:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Wed:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Thu:	8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Sat:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Sun:	8:00am - 6:00pm

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

We Provide Modern Smile Solutions

With a Smile Makeover, There is Never Buyer’s Remorse

We are Passionate About Changing Lives

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Dental Health

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

11 Reasons to Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

What causes a cavity?

Can I prevent cavities from getting worse?

4 Ways to Prevent Cavities From Forming

Avoid Refined Sugar

Xylitol mints

Brushing

Salt Water Rinses

Going Forward

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

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