Dental Health

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
Nov26

The 5 Stages of a Cavity

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

You may have heard that once tooth enamel is eroded, it’s gone forever. This is partially true, but in the earliest stage of enamel erosion, a cavity can be reversed. Let’s discuss the five stages of a cavity. Remember, at stage one, it can be reversed.

Stage 1: Attack of the Little White Spots

At this stage, the tooth begins to show signs that something’s going on. The first evidence is little white spots. Though they are under the surface of the enamel, you can see them from the outside.

Demineralization will bring about these spots. When they occur in children’s molars, it can be easy for parents to miss them. That’s why daily dental hygiene and regular dental exams are essential. If you have children, make sure you bring them for regular dental exams.

At this stage, it’s possible to stop a cavity before it needs a filling. Dental hygiene can stop the erosion and fluoride can remineralize the enamel.

Can Stage 1 be reversed? Yes!

Stage 2: Enamel Decay

Did you know that tooth decay begins under the surface of the enamel?

The visible enamel is intact for the first part of Stage 2. Then the hole busts through the surface.

Can Stage 2 be reversed? No…but the tooth can probably be saved.

Stage 3: Going Deeper Into the Dentin

The decay drills into the enamel and hits the soft dentin layer that lies below. This is a severe cavity. 

The good news?

The decay hasn’t yet reached the pulp. It will, however, start to cause pain.

Can Stage 3 be reversed? No…but maybe the tooth won’t need a root canal.

Stage 4: Ouch! The Decay Hits the Pulp 

Hopefully, you will never withstand stage 4. This is very painful. The infection has reached the pulp where the nerves are located. Unfortunately, a root canal is the only treatment option. Unless, of course, the tooth is taken out.

Remember, cavities are completely preventable.

Can Stage 4 be reversed? No…and it must be treated with a root canal.

Stage 5: Abscess Distress

The decay (and infection) has traveled through the pulp and out the end. In the final stage, it drills through the tip. Now the infection is in the tissue and bone surrounding the tooth root. The area swells up and it’s exceptionally painful.

It’s also dangerous for anyone’s health. This is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body. Abscesses originating in a tooth can be fatal.

Can Stage 5 be reversed? No…and it’s life-threatening.

Protect your teeth from decay so you can have a healthy smile for life.

If you see little white dots, schedule an exam and dental cleaning.

https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com/root-canal-gibsonton-fl/

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

Oct29

Patient Education Improves Dental Outcomes

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Fishhawk family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we enjoy providing guidance on oral health.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

We also help patients understand how to improve their smile cosmetically. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Gibsonton area and are seeking an experienced dentist with excellent communication skills, give us a call.

We can answer any questions you have about emergency dentistry, dental implants or general dentistry.

We perform tooth extractions, treat dental decay, and whiten smiles with in-office teeth whitening.

As a provider of emergency dental services, we offer extended hours to serve our patients. But we are a full-service general and cosmetic dental practice as well. Your Time Dental Urgent Care can serve all of your family’s dental needs. We’ve been serving Gibsonton families since 2001.

We make patients feel comfortable.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

 

ArticleID 8203
Oct15

Patient-Centered Dental Care

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing patient-focused dental care of the highest standard.

We are here to help you. You could be our next success story!

What is patient-focused care?

A check-up with no cavities? A brilliant smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities. Learning proper dental hygiene. Plus gaining an understanding of why it’s important.

What about a local Gibsonton adolescent who is hesitant to smile because of crooked teeth? The solution is a successful course of orthodontic treatment. The result is a beautiful smile that boosts morale.

What about the Gibsonton man who suffered dental trauma in an accident? Patient-focused care could be dental implants that restore oral health and tooth function.

For a woman with tetracycline stains but otherwise healthy teeth, patient-centered care may be as simple as quick in-office same-day tooth whitening.

Consider someone with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods. Patient-focused care could mean natural-looking implant-anchored dentures that allow the patient to eat steak for the first time in years.

We serve your specific dental needs

What are your goals for your smile? What is the current state of your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Richard Kernagis.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

ArticleID 8205
Oct8

Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Gibsonton

While dissatisfactory oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of halitosis, many conditions can contribute to or exacerbate the condition. One of these is the lack of saliva or xerostomia.

Saliva and Oral Health
Saliva moistens the teeth and gums and removes odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks, and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel durability. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against decay and infections.

Many men and women suffer from dry mouth infrequently; perhaps when they are perceiving anxiety or stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can bring about additional oral and physical health dilemmas.

I am Dr. Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care. I have been treating xerostomia and bad breath since 2001. If you suffer from either condition, we recommend that you book an exam and consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will help you discover the source and guide you on treatment.

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

 

ArticleID 7334
Oct1

Fluoride Treatments: Not Just For Kids

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

fluoride treatment Gibsonton

You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.

Fluoride is a critical mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpaste more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Richard Kernagis may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.

The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a fairly simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.

While many Your Time Dental Urgent Care patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or tooth decay.

If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, communicate with Dr. Kernagis about fluoride supplements. Dr. Kernagis will let you know if they are required and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to decay.

A factor that impacts the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Florida municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to think about supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Tampa area do not contain fluoride.

If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, speak with Dr. Kernagis about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from tooth decay.

Dr. Kernagis is committed to preventative dentistry with vital twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 813-519-0128 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, attractive smile!

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. We provide trusted dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and urgent dental care.

Richard Kernagis is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about American Dental Association at https://www.ama-assn.org.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

ArticleID 7073
Sep10

Do You Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Healthy Teeth and Your Tampa Diet Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Tampa dental patients. As your Dr., I’m devoted to helping you care for your teeth and keep them healthy. Everyone in Tampa knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires thorough daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Tampa dental practice are also necessary for preventing cavities and maintaining proper dental hygiene.

We typically forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial to your teeth. A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Tampa foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as bread and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

Saliva is critical to healthy teeth because it assists with maintaining the pH balance in your mouth. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum.

Just as certain diet choices in the Tampa area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be dangerous. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars – especially soda and energy drinks – are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between-meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums. If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Gibsonton area, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Kernagis

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

 

ArticleID 349