When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Most men and women need a dental check-up from Your Time Dental every six months. If you have an increased risk for oral diseases, we advise you to receive an examination every four months.
Welcome to Your Time Dental Urgent Care
Richard Kernagis, DMD, of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, is accepting new patients. If you do not currently have a dentist or are not satisfied with your provider, we invite you to learn about our practice and meet our team. We are convinced that you will like what you find. Many patients entrust us with their dental health and we appreciate the relationships we have with them.
Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems
Most men and women are in a medium-to-low-risk category for dental dilemmas. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, have poor oral hygiene habits, or are plagued with medical conditions that influence your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category. It is important to your dental and physical health to have your teeth checked immediately.
Dentists assess many factors to determine the state of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. The philosophy ‘”Ignore it and it will go away,” does not apply to a tooth or gum problem.
Life is hectic for many Gibsonton residents. At times, it’s impossible to get all the “gotta do’s” done, and many are postponed or dropped altogether.
Sometimes your car has to wait another 500 miles for an oil change. Or you are a month late replacing your furnace filter. Or you realize that you’ve had a leaky faucet for as long as you can remember.
Many important things get put on the back burner, but Your Time Dental urges you not to disregard essential dental care.
Here are some typical dental care shortcuts. Are you guilty of any of them?
Rushing Through Brushing
Your teeth deserve a conscientious two minutes or more. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Use a system to make sure you get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.
Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Have a Toothache
We hope none of our patients put off examinations and cleanings. When you feel tooth pain, it may be way too late to prevent a filling or even a root canal.
Neglecting Professional Cleanings
When softer plaque turns to calculus, you can’t clean it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of the calculus or tartar before it can hurt your enamel or irritate your gums.
Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss
While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to understand that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval.
A straight piece of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss. When you wrap a string of floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more thoroughly clean that vital area around and just below the gumline. We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay in a very small crack the floss pick missed day after day.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we urge our patients to practice preventative dentistry to safeguard their smiles for life.
1. Look and feel younger. 2. Improve your oral health. 3. Increase your confidence. 4. Smile all the time!
Hello, I am Dr. Kernagis. Welcome to my dental blog. I serve my patients at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, which is located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton, Florida. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 2001.
There are exciting developments in the field of cosmetic dentistry. During my career, I have become proficient in a wide variety of advanced dental treatments aided by breakthroughs in techniques and tooth restoration materials. My passion is providing the highest standard of dental care for my Gibsonton area patients and creating the healthiest and most beautiful smiles possible.
If you are not familiar with the latest innovative dental procedures, you might not realize what cosmetic and restorative dentistry can achieve. A total smile transformation involves a combination of cosmetic dental procedures which may include dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth implants, inlays and onlays, gum contouring, teeth whitening and, in some cases, orthodontia.
If you have dental anxiety, we can help. Sleep dentistry, sometimes called conscious sedation, will calm your nerves and help you relax while you undergo your smile transformation.
If you are in the Gibsonton Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, or Lithia area and have cosmetic dentistry questions, schedule a consultation by calling us at 813-519-0128.
Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental. If you are one of my patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.
My comfortable team and I love taking care of our valued patients in the Gibsonton area.
During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply.
Schedule a Professional Cleaning Today
We are enthusiastic about preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you are due for a cleaning, schedule today.
An Exam is Not Just to Check for Cavities
After one of our skilled hygienists cleans your teeth, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of decay, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.
You Could Have a Dental Problem Without Knowing It
Some men and women mistakenly believe that they can skip dental visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental problems advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.
No Dental Insurance? No Problem!
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It is far less pricey to prevent dental problems than to treat them after they have become severe.
If you perform regular auto maintenance, you understand the wisdom of prevention. Don’t you value your smile far more than your auto? Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care today to schedule preventative maintenance for your irreplaceable smile.
Why should everyone brush at least twice a day? Let’s consider why this is essential.
Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent decay.
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and prevents the build-up of plaque.
If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid that immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.
Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the important job of protecting teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also protects tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.
Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly amazing. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care encourages our patients to shield their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.
This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is helpful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.
Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protect your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water frequently can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.
Additionally, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Gibsonton residents who grind their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard immediately. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the tooth decay that can follow. Athletes should also use a mouthguard to safeguard their teeth on the playing field. For more specifics, communicate with Dr. Richard Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care about custom mouthguards.
If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already occurred. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.
Using teeth as tools can weaken enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance to chip a tooth just to open a lunchmeat package?
Chewing ice and hard candy can also weaken enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for a long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can bring about cavities which erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.
If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Dr. Richard Kernagis can help you shield what is left. To schedule a comprehensive examination, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton at 813-519-0128!
Most individuals know that they can go to their dentist if they have a tooth or have a toothache. Because of this, they may not realize how many other health problems your dentist can help you with.
Bad breath is usually due to bacteria build-up in the mouth. Perhaps, however, you have offensive breath even though you brush and floss daily. If that’s the case, speak with your dentist. She or he can help you discover the cause of your problem. It could be an infection or a side effect of prescription medications. You need a professional diagnosis and we are here for you.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. Reduction of saliva flow is a common dilemma, especially among older individuals. However, people 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.
Unfortunately, it can bring about a multitude of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of men and women experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have pain or clicking in your jaw, you may have TMD. But the first step is diagnosing the cause of the malady. For example, teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep. The condition can also be caused or aggravated by injury or arthritis. Some men and women who experience TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing habits can help you prevent it or decrease the severity.
Snoring
Your dentist may treat snoring and OSA. Many dentists in the Gibsonton area provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). With OAT, a custom-made mouthpiece helps keep your airway open throughout the night. If your bed partner tells you that you snore, do him or her a favor and get professional help!
Oral Cancer
Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. This amounts to 53,000 new cases annually. That means thousands of Florida residents receive the grim news every year. Early detection is critical for all types of cancer, but especially so for cancers of the mouth and throat.
Teeth Grinding
Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—schedule a consultation and evaluation at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. It’s not just an annoyance, teeth grinding can cause headaches, restricted sleep, and put you at risk of serious cavities and gum recession.
Sports Protection
Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, talk to your dentist about a quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.
If you have questions about any of these issues or want to schedule an exam, give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you.
It’s a relatively new branch of dentistry that treats sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.
Don’t confuse dental sleep medicine with dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Dental sleep medicine treats sleep apnea. At Your Time Dental, we can determine if dental sleep medicine is right for you.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a malady where you have frequent, intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for up to 60 seconds. They are caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and obstructs the airway. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen it interferes with important physical processes.
There are three different forms of sleep apnea. They are categorized by the cause of the cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing. The final type is called complex sleep apnea syndrome. This type occurs when someone has a combination of the two previously listed.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have several of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Insomnia
Sleep Deprivation
Excessive Snoring
Episodes of Not Breathing
Mouth Breathing
Dry Mouth/Throat
Fatigue
Frequent Headaches
Irritability
How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?
Dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear a custom-fitted removable oral appliance at night. The appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard.
How does an oral appliance work?
An oral appliance prevents your airway from collapsing. It either holds the tongue or jaw in a forward position.
Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?
It depends on the severity of the condition and other considerations specific to the patient. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from OAT.
What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?
Some people find the device more comfortable. It’s smaller and easier to clean than a CPAP system. Patients who suffer from claustrophobia often choose OAT. Patients who move around a lot when they sleep can get twisted up in the CPAP tube. And a small, portable device is easier to travel with.
Many residents in our Gibsonton community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems.
Your saliva plays a key role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task your body may not be getting vital nutrients needed to stay healthy. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Gibsonton residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.
I am Richard Kernagis. I recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, but the caffeine can also contribute to a dry mouth. I also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.
Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth. A dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call your dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older.
It’s no secret that many Gibsonton residents dread going to the dentist. Whether they associate dental visits with shame, pain, or financial drain, they avoid it at all costs. At Your Time Dental, we make it easy for our patients.
See Your Dentist Regularly to Avoid Painful Oral Problems
However, consider the fact that by seeing your dentist regularly, you can abstain from dental procedures like fillings and root canals.
Though it sounds backwards, the truth is that you protect against dental pain by seeing your dentist regularly–even if you hate dental visits.
Oral Health Improves Your Quality of Life
In today’s post, let’s concentrate on the big picture. We want to make the case that twice-yearly dental visits and following your dentist’s counsel are essential for a high quality of life.
If you have naturally healthy teeth, you may not appreciate your amazing good fortune. After all, you can eat whatever you want. You aren’t uncomfortable with stained, chipped, or missing teeth. Tooth pain doesn’t interrupt your sleep.
Lucky people with great teeth may do fine with very little dental treatment in their twenties and thirties. What we’ve observed, though, is that eventually avoiding exams and cleanings catches up with you.
Do You Have Risk Factors for Oral Problems?
This is especially true for individuals with dental risk factors. These include smoking, recreational drug use, extensive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, poor eating habits or crooked teeth. Notice that some of these things are a conscious choice, and others, like crooked teeth or teeth grinding may be unavoidable. Regardless, most men and women who forego dental exams and cleanings eventually experience oral conditions.
Gum Disease is The #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in U.S. Adults
The first thing that may come to your mind is tooth decay. While this is an issue for some middle-aged people, it’s actually not the most frequent dental malady. Gum disease earns the dubious honor as the top cause of tooth loss in U.S. adults.
We Welcome Nervous Dental Patients
If you have neglected your dental needs, we invite you to make an appointment at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. After all, our specialty is making dental treatment comfortable for nervous patients or those who are self-conscious about the status of their oral health. If you are looking for compassionate dental care, Your Time Dental Urgent Care is here for you. Oral conscious sedation is perfectly safe and there are several levels of sedation, so you don’t have to be out cold if you don’t want to be.
Let’s Restore Your Dental Health
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care we have so many advanced materials at our disposal to make your smile as beautiful and healthy as it can be. Dental crowns, veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and short-term braces are some of the most popular dentistry procedures in and around Gibsonton.
Dental Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Convenient and Affordable
Many Tampa residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.
Meet Dr. Kernagis
I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care and I want to help you love dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 2001, and I find it especially rewarding when patients find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.
At my Gibsonton practice, we offer emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, and root canals. If you have any questions, the comfortable staff here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see how we can improve your life by improving your dental health.
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