Dental Health

Jul8

Yes! You Can Replace Old Fillings

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

white fillings Gibsonton

Superficial cuts in the skin subside without a trace, infections are eradicated with antibiotics, broken bones mend, and inflamed tissues recede. Our teeth, unfortunately, can’t regenerate. Decay can be halted in its progress, but scientists are still years away from actual enamel regeneration. That’s why the team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care strongly emphasizes preventative dentistry.

Few People Avoid Cavities

The healthiest mouths have all teeth intact and free of current or former cavities. But how many smiles can boast such an admirable record? Very few.

The stark reality is that most individuals get one or more cavities over the course of their lifetime.

In fact, most individuals in Florida probably don’t even know someone who has never had a cavity. Tooth decay is second only to the common cold as the most frequent health dilemma in childhood. When we reach middle age, many of us have even had a root canal or two.

Depending on the size of the cavity, after cleaning and preparing the tooth, your dentist can fill it, place a crown, or complete a root canal (usually followed by a crown).

Restorations Have Come a Long Way

Modern restorations have many advantages over those in years past. There are stronger and more natural-looking materials. Many of our patients at Your Time Dental Urgent Care who have not had a filling for a while, are not aware that white fillings are available. You can even replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings and give your mouth a makeover!

As we said before, when a tooth is compromised by injury or decay, it is never exactly the way it was before. But now, with modern fillings and crowns, it can regain strength and beauty.

 

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 8479
Jun17

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Tampa Oral Dentistry I’m Richard Kernagis DMD of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. My patients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates cavities. It also lessens plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For my patients that cope with frequent dry mouth, I recommend xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production while protecting against cavities.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental issues before they start. If you postpone dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the dilemma was caught earlier.

Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at 813-519-0128 to book an appointment. Our comfortable team is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.

 

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 1368
Jun10

Teeth Look Too Short? Lengthen Them!

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

fix gummy smile Gibsonton

Most Gibsonton people who are considering cosmetic dentistry are aware of the cosmetic dental procedures that are frequently advertised in the Tampa area.

There are porcelain veneers: a custom made wafer-thin covering permanently attached to the front of a tooth to make it stain-free and perfectly shaped. Veneers can repair small chips and crack in teeth that are free of decay. Many Your Time Dental Urgent Care patients get minimally invasive veneers on their top six teeth for a dramatic improvement.

Orthodontia has received a lot of attention in Florida in the past twenty years with the introduction of invisible and short-term braces. And braces are not only for ‘tweens and teenagers. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we have seen more adults straighten their teeth to achieve stunning smiles with discrete orthodontic treatment.

Porcelain crowns have been around for generations but continue to restore decayed or damaged teeth while providing beauty, strength, and natural function. Porcelain crowns are also used with innovative dental implants to restore missing teeth.

A cosmetic dental procedure that is lesser-known in the Gibsonton area is crown lengthening. If you feel that your teeth appear too short or that your smile exposes more gum than you would like (a ‘gummy smile’), you may be interested in crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening surgery is a safe and effective procedure that exposes more of the visible part of the tooth while minimizing the vertical length of exposed gum tissue.

When a gummy smile is corrected, our Gibsonton crown lengthening patients are often surprised at how it positively affects their whole face. They love their new smile which reveals pleasing, symmetrical portions of their upper teeth that have been hidden under gum tissue their whole life.

Sometimes, crown lengthening is used when a tooth is fractured at the gumline. The surgery makes tooth structure accessible for the required restoration.

Digital imaging helps Tampa dental professionals perform crown lengthening with exactness. A highly-detailed, 3-D image of tooth and bone structure allows the cosmetic dentist to contour a gumline to the patient’s exact specifications.

If you would like to find out if crown lengthening is right for you, schedule a consultation by calling Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128. We are located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. We look forward to showing you photos of crown lengthening patients who are enjoying their new look.

 

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 6900
Jun3

Why Is Dry Mouth Risky For Your Teeth?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Gibsonton Dental Patients?Hello, welcome to the Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually impact oral health.

Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common dilemma, especially among older adults. However, individuals of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Sometimes dry mouth is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth is prescription medications.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Gibsonton) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.

It is common for allergy-prone Your Time Dental Urgent Care dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.

Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage. Adequate saliva is needed to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Kernagis.

 

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 3085
May6

Should Teens See a General or Pediatric Dentist?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

when should my child transition from a pediatric to general dentist? Tampa

Some moms and dads in the Tampa area bring their child to a pediatric dentist. Others use a general or family dentist for every member of their household.

What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to treat infants, young children and adolescents. They use special dental tools created for smaller mouths. Some pediatric dentists have training in child psychology which can help make children feel comfortable during dental treatment.

When should my child transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist? Some parents transition their youngsters to a general dentist as soon as all their child’s permanent teeth come in. Other parents have their children see a pediatric dentist until their late teens.

Does your teen feel comfortable at a pediatric dental practice?

Sometimes, when a child hits their early teen years, they feel uncomfortable at a pediatric dental practice. This is especially true if the office is furnished and geared toward toddlers and pre-teens. In this case, the teen may choose the right time to transition.

Above all, it’s important that your child feels comfortable at the dentist. If your child starts feeling like they are too old to see a pediatric dentist, it’s time to switch to a general dentist.

We understand the oral health needs of your son or daughter.

Remember that the team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is willing and able to address adolescent dental needs. We are happy to treat your teen through their adolescent years.

What dental issues should I be watching for during adolescence?

First off, pay attention to your teenager’s nutrition. As children become more independent, they start making more of their own food choices. If you visit any Gibsonton-area middle school or high school during lunch, you will notice that some teens drink soda and energy drinks. Most of those teens most likely drank milk during elementary school. Make sure you get enough calcium to keep your teeth strong. Vaping and smoking take a toll on physical and dental health. Unfortunately, they are too common among the teen group in the Tampa area.

Your dentist is an essential member of your teen’s healthcare team.

Your dentist can help you understand how their diet and lifestyle influence their oral health. If your son or daughter struggles with an eating disorder, a dentist can address any related dental issues. If your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist can monitor their teeth closely during a time when it’s more difficult to keep teeth clean and free of cavities

Regardless of when you transition your teen to a general dentist, make sure they see a dentist at least twice a year. Continue to monitor their oral hygiene practices and set a good example. Watch out for destructive habits. Furthermore, make sure they wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.

The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has been serving families in the Tampa area since 2001. We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and their families. If you are looking for an experienced, caring family and general dentist in the Gibsonton area, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

 

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 8616
Feb4

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

In today’s post, let’s examine some specifics about brushing. One key to activating the value of toothpastes is creating foam when correctly brushing.

Working up a good foam is achieved by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90-degree angle. The foaming helps with dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.

Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are perfect for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may see tooth pain, increased build-up, and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.

Moreover, remember that flossing is vital and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.

To recap:

  • Wet a soft bristle toothbrush
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste
  • Brush at 45-degree angle
  • Brush gently for 2-3 minutes
  • Cover every surface of every tooth
  • Swish around in the mouth before spitting out
  • Floss gently around each tooth and don’t overlook the back surface of the rear molars
  • Rinse out debris

This article is brought to you by Your Time Dental Urgent Care, a reputable dental practice in Gibsonton. We are passionate about dental education and confident smiles for all.

Dr. Richard Kernagis has been serving Gibsonton area families since 2001. We are located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. Contact us at 813-519-0128 or https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com.

Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic services we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!

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: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B
Lithia, FL 33547
Call: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 6935
Jan21

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health

Periodontal Disease in Florida Though most Florida residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we see patients with gum disease every day. Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until Dr. Richard Kernagis diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be managed and, ultimately, cured. However, the best policy for Florida dental patients is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check-up at your local Gibsonton dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call at 813-519-0128 to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Don’t take the risk of allowing existing dental problems like gum disease to progress. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to the highest standard of dental care and patient satisfaction.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 140
Dec31

Smart Brushing is Better Than Aggressive Brushing

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

cost of dental crowns Tampa

Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush inadequately but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems.

They may pride themselves on their daily dental hygiene, but frequency does not make up for incorrect methods. One of the most common errors—especially for adolescents—is rapid, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.

There is a certain logic to this method; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The problem is that teeth and gums have special characteristics that require finesse. While enamel is sturdy, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.

If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of tooth surface and spit everything out in less than a minute, this article is for you.

Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:

The friendly dental hygienists at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton teach patients the proper way to brush teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lower the risk of future problems.

Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing:

  • Plaque is soft enough to scratch off with a fingernail, so brush accordingly with soft bristles
  • Holding the toothbrush at the correct angle achieves a thorough cleaning
  • Proper tooth brushing can prolong that marvelous professional-cleaning feel
  • Flossing is easier without sore, bleeding gums

If you have already damaged your teeth or gums through aggressive or haphazard brushing, it’s critical to fix those dilemmas and get back on track. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

813-519-0128

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 6562
Dec24

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Tampa

Today’s post discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are in the Tampa area and are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, call us today at 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and sedation dentistry. We accept most Florida dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. Talk to our office about cash prices for exams and cleanings and financing for more extensive services.

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: 813-519-0128

 

ArticleID 4110
Dec17

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Apollo Beach

Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

Which is better, a floss pick or regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Kernagis recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that crucial area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more nimble than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are vigilant floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a guide to appropriate flossing:

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to deliver a clean segment for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
5. Some people find it easier to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you decide on, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding commonly stops within a week or two.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 7340