Dental Health

Aug21

What to Know About Going to Urgent Care Dental During COVID-19

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

COVID-19 has resulted in a lot of changes in society and new rules especially when it comes to urgent care settings. Out of caution, anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms is asked to stay out of urgent care if the problem can be treated through telemedicine.

If you or someone you know has a tooth-related emergency and needs to go to an emergency care dental practice, it is okay to do so, just be sure to exercise caution.

What you need to know:

  • Most, if not all, states require individuals to wear a mask in public settings such as at an urgent care dental office.
  • Some urgent care facilities may also require individuals to wear gloves or at least wash their hands upon arrival.
  • Upon arrival, people will be asked if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or have exhibited symptoms in the last 14 days.
  • If the answer to either of these questions is yes, patients will likely be turned away if their presenting issue is not urgent. If the medical problem requires urgent care, the healthcare provider will isolate the patient and ensure that those who treat the patient have Personal Protective Equipment and follow special procedures.

Urgent care is there for a reason, so use it if you experience a serious dental issue that needs attending to. Dr. Kernagis is available to treat dental emergencies at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We have extended weekday hours and take weekend appointments. Rest assured that Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton has stringent sanitation and infection control protocols.

What constitutes a dental trauma?

  • Knocked-out teeth
  • A cracked or broken tooth
  • Severe infections
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Severe pain
  • Life-threatening emergencies

The bottom line:

Accidents happen and dental emergencies will arise that need to be treated by a dentist. Don’t worry about going to an urgent care dental office if you have a dental trauma that needs to be addressed, just remember to wear a mask and wash or sanitize your hands before and after your visit. Additionally, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have been exhibiting symptoms, call before you arrive and the urgent care dental office will give you instructions.

 

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 8388
Aug7

Urgent Care Dentists Extract Wisdom Teeth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

when should you get your wisdom teeth removed? Gibsonton

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we offer general, emergency, and cosmetic dental services. One of these services is wisdom teeth removal. We have learned through the years that when it comes to wisdom teeth, there are many common myths. Let’s clear up the confusion.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in the back of the mouth. It is frequently the case that there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to develop correctly.

When is the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed?

First off, it is vital to have semiannual check-ups. This way, your dentist can establish the right time to remove them.

Common misconceptions about wisdom teeth:

1. Everyone has to get their wisdom teeth removed.

Some people’s mouths have enough space that the presence of wisdom teeth does not compromise the space necessary for the other teeth to exist and remain healthy.

2. Getting your wisdom teeth removed means your cheeks will be swollen for a long time.

There are new, advanced drugs that help keep swelling under control. Swelling in the face after getting wisdom teeth removed is normal, but should only last two to three days given the appropriate medication.

3. You should consume beverages through a straw following the procedure instead of normal foods because it will be hard to chew.

While it is recommended that you avoid solid or hard foods following getting your wisdom teeth removed, you should not consume your food through a straw. Drinking through a straw can lead to dry sockets.

4. By looking at an X-ray, your dentist can predict exactly when your wisdom teeth will come in.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict how quickly wisdom teeth will move or emerge.

5. All wisdom teeth will eventually erupt.

Some never poke through the gums.

6. Dry sockets after wisdom teeth removal are inevitable.

A small percentage of patients develop dry sockets.

What are dry sockets? 

A dry socket is a dental condition that can occur within a few days after having an adult tooth removed. A dry socket is when nerves or bone are exposed rather than a blood clot forming over the site of a tooth that was removed. It can result in great pain and can be treated with painkillers and by flushing out the exposed area.

To recap:

More often than not, wisdom teeth will need to be removed because there is not enough space in the mouth for them to develop normally. Most individuals go under anesthesia to get their wisdom teeth pulled, and do not see any side effects after the procedure beyond swelling and pain for two to three days. However, dry sockets may take place if proper care is not taken following the procedure. Wisdom teeth often erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Some people need their wisdom teeth taken out even if they don’t erupt. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe procedure and there are generally few complications.

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 8373
Jul24

If My Tooth Gets Knocked Out, Can A Dentist Put It Back In?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

Accidents happen, and sometimes teeth get knocked out. Unlike other types of injuries–say a cut or a broken bone–a knocked out tooth doesn’t heal on its own.

Urgent care medical clinic or hospital emergency department? Neither.

If your tooth gets knocked out, your first thought may be to race to an urgent care medical clinic. Or you might go straight to a hospital ER.

If you go to the emergency department at any Florida hospital, you probably won’t find an oral surgeon. We are not aware of any Tampa area hospitals that keep an oral surgeon on staff. The same goes for urgent care medical clinics in the area.

Since it can be very painful you may have a hard time thinking straight. Therefore, it’s smart to have a plan beforehand in the unfortunate event that you find yourself with a knocked-out tooth.

Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care and we’ll talk you through what to do

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we specialize in dental traumas. We provide urgent care dental treatment for injuries such as a knocked-out tooth. In other words, we are your Gibsonton emergency room for dental traumas.

Can my dentist save a knocked-out tooth?

The simple answer to the question, “If my tooth gets knocked out, can a dentist put it back in?” is yes…possibly. A tooth can be put back in its socket if the conditions are favorable.

However, sometimes the more viable option after knocking out a tooth is replacing it with an artificial tooth. Your urgent care dentist will know whether to try to re-insert the tooth or not.

What you should know about getting to the dentist with a knocked-out tooth:

  • The safest way to bring the tooth is by safely and cleanly holding it in its place in the mouth with a napkin until you get to Your Time Dental Urgent Care.
  • If your child knocks their tooth out, clean it off gently, taking care not to strip off any tissue that is attached. If the child is so young that they might mistakenly swallow the tooth, put it in milk. The child can also spit in a cup and you can put the tooth in the saliva. (We know it’s gross, but it’s best for the tooth.)
  • We may be able to “splint” or temporarily attach the re-inserted tooth to the adjacent teeth to stabilize it while it is healing. When it has re-integrated, we will remove the splint.

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 8363
Jul17

Tooth Problem? Time is of the Essence.

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

Dental emergencies span the urgency spectrum from “Get me to an urgent care dentist now!” to “This toothache can wait until the Monday if I take enough Advil” to “I will fix that chipped tooth when I get dental insurance.”

It’s vital to understand, however, that just because a tooth problem can wait until next week, it doesn’t mean you should delay it for months.

A cautionary tale of a patient who delayed treatment for a cracked tooth

We’ll call her Diane. Diane chipped a tooth while trying to crack a shelled almond with her teeth. (Not recommended, for obvious reasons.) The tooth didn’t hurt so Diane didn’t make an appointment to get it corrected. She planned to have it looked at. But because she had a good measure of apprehension about dental treatment, she kept postponing making an appointment. It didn’t show when she looked in the mirror and she eventually forgot about it.

What you don’t know about CAN hurt you

As the months went by, a cavity formed down in the crack. It slowly and steadily drilled through the enamel. One day–bam!-it made it to the root.

This is where the nerves are located so Diane was rapidly and painfully reminded of the crack. Unfortunately, at this point, a root canal was the only treatment option.

What if Diane would have taken care of the crack right after it happened?

She could have gotten an inexpensive white filling in one visit at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. A minimally invasive filling at Your Time Dental Urgent Care leaves you with more of nature’s prime dental material—your own enamel and dentin. We can also replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings. This makes your teeth look a lot better every time you open your mouth.

If you have a crack or chip in a tooth, let’s talk about possible restoration procedures. Don’t wait another day.

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 8355
Jul10

If Only I Had Taken Care Of My Teeth…

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

caring dentist Gibsonton

Brush. Floss. Get regular checkups. Get prompt attention when you have a dental emergency.

It sounds simple, but it’s vitally important if you want to keep your teeth healthy.

How many times have you said, ‘If only!’ ‘If only I had changed my oil,’ ‘If only I had stayed in college,’ ‘If only I had worn sunscreen.’

We hope you don’t ever say, ‘If only I had taken care of that tooth problem!’

Perhaps you cracked a tooth a while back. Maybe an old filling fell out.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are enthusiastic about helping patients establish and maintain dental health. We help all of our patients feel relaxed and comfortable in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere.

We have treated countless Gibsonton area patients who avoided the dentist in years past but have recommitted themselves to healthy oral habits. We can promise you that your overall physical health and happiness will be enhanced if you start taking care of your teeth today.

We have a comprehensive menu of effective treatments for any dental dilemmas you currently have: decay, stained teeth, cracked teeth, gum disease, broken crowns, old unsightly fillings, and even missing teeth.

Professional dental treatment is a key investment in your most precious possession—your health.

If you are worried about the cost of dental treatment, speak with us about financing. If you need extensive dental work, we can design a treatment plan to get the work done over time and schedule it to fit your budget.

Whatever concerns have kept you from seeing a dentist—fear, finances, or the fact that you are just too busy—we hope you will recommit to your smile. We are here to help.

We make patients feel comfortable

 

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 6686
Jun26

Unexplained Pain and Swelling in Your Mouth?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health

swollen gums treatment Gibsonton

Some dental problems need prompt attention–a knocked-out tooth, for example. Other times, it’s not exactly clear if the condition is a dental emergency.

Is unexplained pain or swelling a dental emergency?

Such is the case with painful swelling in the gums. Should you ignore it? Will it go away?

Let’s review the possible causes of swollen gums.

It might be due to gingivitis.

Gingivitis can result in swollen gums. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. If your swollen gums are caused by gingivitis, they may bleed easily. If this oral ailment is not treated it can lead to periodontitis. With this condition, your gums become loose and separate from the teeth. If plaque builds up in the pockets, the gums can start loosening. It eventually becomes infected. The infection can spread to the bone supporting the tooth.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gingivitis to tooth loss goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums
  2. Irritated gums recede from the tooth
  3. Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth

What if the swelling is not due to gingivitis?

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate gums. When sinus tissues become swollen and infected, it can impact the teeth and gums.

Is a mouth sore causing the swelling?

A mouth sore can cause swelling and pain. Mouth sores have various causes including an infection or virus. White patches in the mouth can indicate thrush (an oral yeast infection). All of these conditions can be addressed—but you need to see your dentist. An urgent care dentist is a great choice for a painful mouth sore because they have extended hours. Some offer weekend appointments.

It could be an abscess.

Swollen gums can also be caused by an abscess. An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most common type of oral abscess initiates in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, this can actually destroy the bone around the tooth and cause serious discomfort.

Are these problems considered dental emergencies?

Early-stage gingivitis is not a dental emergency. A mouth sore may or may not be a dental emergency. A tooth abscess most definitely is a dental emergency.

Regardless of the issue, at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we can treat all of these conditions at your convenience. Give us a call.

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 8335
Jun12

3 Ways Mouthguards Prevent Kids’ Sports Injuries

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

sports mouthguards for kids

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we treat dental emergencies caused by sports injuries. These include knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and mouth lacerations.

Many of these injuries could have been prevented (or rendered less severe) with the proper protective gear.

All athletes who participate in contact sports are at risk of injuries to their mouths and teeth. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete or a 6-year-old playing youth soccer.

When it comes to protecting your mouth, a protective mouthguard is a vital piece of athletic gear that should be used from an early age.

What age group has the most injuries?

8- to 12-year-old kids who participate in basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse are typically most affected by lost or damaged teeth. But even those that participate in non-contact sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, or climbing can benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard.

Mouthguards are made of strong, flexible materials that are designed to protect your teeth, gum, and jaw in case of an impact. A mouthguard forms a protective layer between your teeth and the point of impact. The following are three critical ways a mouthguard can safeguard you while playing sports.

Absorb Force

Any impact to the face or jaw involves force or energy. A mouthguard absorbs some of the energy, ensuring that the potential harm caused by the impact is limited. The cushioning effect of a mouthguard can prevent your teeth from being slammed together. By absorbing force, mouthguards can also help prohibit jaw fractures and neck trauma.

Prevent Broken Teeth

Another benefit of using a mouthguard is that it disperses the energy directed at the teeth. For example, if you are hit in the mouth with a hockey stick, the mouthguard spreads out the energy that accompanies the impact. This can prevent broken teeth by minimizing the likelihood that a single tooth will take the complete brunt of the force.

Avoid Lip and Tongue Injuries

Mouthguards cover the upper teeth entirely. This creates a functional barrier between your teeth and the rest of your mouth. This decreases the chance of lip and tongue injuries by making it more difficult for your teeth to cut your lip or your tongue.

With a customized mouthguard, you will make sure you get an effective and comfortable fit. It makes playing sports safer for your smile.

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 8325
May29

A Root Canal Doesn’t Just Save a Tooth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

Do you have an aching tooth? Does it hurt to bite down? Does it throb and keep you up at night?

Don’t give up on it just yet

When a patient comes into Your Time Dental Urgent Care with long-time toothache, they are often desperate. “Just pull it!” They don’t want to withstand the pain any longer. They have written off the tooth and have recognized the reality that they will lose it.

Extraction isn’t the only option

When a tooth starts aching, we are reminded that there a nerves deep down in each tooth. When you feel pain, you know that something is wrong.

Veins, arteries, lymph vessels, and nerves live below the enamel and dentin in the pulp of the tooth. When the blood flow is diminished or cut off, the tooth eventually dies. Injury, trauma, or infection can cause this.

When the pulp of the tooth can’t be saved, there are generally two options; extraction or a root canal.

What is a root canal?

During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material.

The root canal procedure is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. The final steps are the core build-up and crown, which is the part you see above the gum line.

Why not just pull the tooth?

Now we will answer the question posed in the title. Even when a tooth is dead, the fact that the tooth is embedded in the jaw bone serves a purpose. Normal mouth function stimulates the jaw bone. When you talk, eat, and otherwise move your jaw, the tooth root puts pressure on the jaw bone. This helps keep the jaw bone healthy.

When a tooth is removed, the bone shrinks and recedes. As if it knows it isn’t needed at the site anymore. Jaw bone recession eventually alters the shape of the face. Multiple extractions cause a “sunk-in” look. If you’ve ever met a person that has had no teeth for many years, it may appear that their upper face and lower jaw are closing in together. This is because their jaw bone has receded and shrunk.

If you have a painful tooth, come see us at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. Root canal therapy may be a good option to end the pain and preserve the shape of your face.

 

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 8304
May1

What Have We Done For You Lately?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

family dentist Gibsonton

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, everything we do is for the welfare of our valued patients. We are passionate about offering quality, compassionate dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

We know that optimum oral health is an essential element of overall physical health and that dentists do more than just “drill and fill.”

As your primary care doctor, your dentist is a vital member of your family’s team of healthcare providers.

What Has Your Time Dental Urgent Care Done Lately?

An urgent care dentist treats dental issues you want to get taken care of immediately. This includes a cracked tooth, a severe toothache, a broken filling, or an abscess.

But we also offer quality general dentistry. And many specialty services as well.

  • Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease
  • Oral cancer checks
  • Diagnosis and treatment of chronic bad breath
  • Coordinated care with medical doctors for dental patients with cancer or other chronic conditions
  • Guidance on the oral health ramifications of medication side effects
  • Custom night guards for individuals who grind their teeth
  • Oral conscious sedation, patience, and compassion for patients with dental anxiety
  • Specialized care for expectant mothers
  • Pediatric dental guidance for new parents
  • Referrals to and coordination with trusted specialists for procedures we don’t perform at Your Time Dental Urgent Care
  • Custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages
  • The teaching of proper dental hygiene
  • Diagnosis of bite problems
  • Replacement of old amalgam fillings
  • Improved confidence for smile transformation recipients
  • In-office and at-home teeth whitening
  • Dental cleanings that include scaling and root planing for plaque and tartar removal

What Can We Do For You?

The friendly and experienced team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care would love to help you with any of your dental needs, but we can’t help you unless you come in.

 

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 7362
Apr24

Your Urgent Care Dentist Treats Cavities For Patients of All Ages

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

kids dental decay Gibsonton

Gibsonton parents work hard to keep their children healthy. Despite their best efforts, many children develop tooth decay at some point in their childhood.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we treat patients of all ages. Can a cavity be an urgent dental issue? Yes—if it isn’t addressed early.

Let’s talk about the five stages of a cavity.

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.

Reverse a cavity before it needs a filling

If you can prohibit cavities in children there’s a better chance that their teeth can stay healthy through adolescence and into adulthood.

This is because the rate of tooth decay declines as youngsters grow.

Let’s discuss the five stages of a cavity.

Stage 1: Attack of the Little White Spots

The tooth begins to show signs of damage. White spots appear. They are under the surface of the enamel, but you can see them from the outside.

Demineralization will lead to 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 crucial.

It this stage, it’s possible to halt a cavity before it needs a filling. Dental hygiene can stop erosion. 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 breaks down the enamel and hits the soft dentin layer that lies below. This is an advanced 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, your son or daughter will never suffer 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, childhood cavities are completely preventable.

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

Stage 5: Abscess Distress

The tooth 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 very painful.

It’s also grave 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 son or daughter from decay so they can have a healthy smile for life.

If you see little white dots, schedule an exam and dental cleaning at Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

We hope your son or daughter never has a cavity that destroys a tooth. But if they experience any type of dental emergency, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care. In fact, save our number to your phone contacts. Then you’ll be prepared for any dental emergency.

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 8273