Are You Watching For Cavities?

prevent cavities Gibsonton

Did you know a cavity may be reversed? These small holes in our teeth caused by acidic tooth erosion can be prevented from getting worse and require filling. Currently, around 90% of adults have cavities and almost 30% have untreated cavities. However, by taking a few required precautions advised by Your Time Dental, we can stave off tooth decay.

What causes a cavity?

Every time we eat or drink, plaque bacteria break down sugar which leads to the release of certain acids in our mouths. This acidic solution will slowly wear away the enamel on our teeth and eventually lead to a cavity. The more sugar we consume the more likely we are to get cavities since there is more of this solution in our mouths.

Can I prevent cavities from getting worse?

Yes! It’s possible to prohibit cavities from getting worse. We can all lower the number of cavities that form if we’re aware of the early signs of formation. If you ever observe small white dots on your teeth, it’s time to up the amount of time you spend brushing and flossing. You can reverse the cavity at this stage since the fluoride will re-mineralize the surface of your enamel. If you neglect your oral care, however, tooth decay will persist and result in a tiny hole. The cavity is no longer reversible and you may need a filling soon. If you continue to ignore the cavities at this stage, the hole might progress through the enamel and reach the softer layer of yellow dentin beneath and require a root canal.

4 Ways to Prevent Cavities From Forming

Avoid Refined Sugar

This one is probably obvious, but avoiding sugar should be your number one purpose in preventing cavities. Sugar breaks down our enamel and only weakens our teeth more and more when the enamel has completely worn away. Reducing the amount of sugar we take in will also provide a healthier lifestyle and make us feel better overall. We may give in to our favorite sugary drink at times, but our teeth will thank us later if we minimize these temptations.

Xylitol mints

Xylitol is a type of alcohol that comes in the form of mints or gum. This unique breath freshener not only tastes good but also cleans the inside of your mouth. By using just one mint after eating and drinking, studies show you can reduce your chance of cavities by 53%. However, you don’t have to stock up on gum and mints to prohibit cavities, and usually, brushing is the most effective measure.

Brushing

Remember that routinely brushing and flossing not only keeps your breath fresh but also prohibits cavities from forming and worsening. The fluoride will re-mineralize your teeth and also harden the enamel. This helps the enamel stay strong and makes it harder for cavities to form. If you ever see a cavity forming, focus on brushing this tooth with extra focus to clean away the bacteria. Cavities will hold bacteria longer since they let food sink deeper into the tooth.

Salt Water Rinses

Occasionally, rinsing your mouth with salt water can help slow the expansion of a cavity. Saltwater has antiseptic properties that kill bacteria on our teeth leaving them cleaner and better safeguarded. Try adding this to your oral health routine after brushing and flossing.

Going Forward

Always keep an eye out for cavities forming and stay disciplined in scheduling your semi-annual dentist appointments. Anytime you observe tooth decay appearing, use some of the techniques mentioned, but seek help if you experience any pain. This could be a sign the cavity has worked its way beyond the layer of dentin and reached the pulp where our nerves reside. If this transpires, your dentist will need to perform a root canal or possibly extract the tooth entirely. Never let a cavity advance to this stage and always maintain a healthy mouth. Keep on brushing and flossing routinely, but if you notice small white spots forming on your teeth, stay on alert to slow the onset of a cavity.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

CEREC and E4D One Visit Dental Crowns

same day dental crowns Gibsonton

If you’re like most individuals in Gibsonton, you appreciate convenience in every aspect of life. In other words, straightforward processes with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Multiple Appointments Can Be a Hassle

When it comes to medical or dental services, convenience means the fewest visits possible. Our team aims to make that happen.

Let’s discuss dental crowns, for example. Most men and women need a restoration like a dental crown at some point in their life. A dental crown is one of the most versatile dental restorations. It covers the complete visible portion of a tooth and can correct a damaged tooth, a tooth with a large cavity, or a tooth that has undergone a root canal. This protects what’s left of the tooth and allows normal function

Dental Crowns Used to Take at Least Two Appointments

The traditional dental crown procedure involves at least two visits. (Sometimes three or four depending on the situation.) On the first visit, the dentist would prepare the tooth and create an impression for the crown. To make impressions, the patient had to bite into a U-shaped tray filled with a thick, gooey substance (alginate or polyvinylsiloxane).

Then the dentist would send the impression to a dental lab to have the crown constructed. This could take a couple of weeks. When the crown was finished, the patient would have to come back to the dental practice to have it placed and cemented.

CEREC and E4D Same Day Crowns

Now, there are two visit systems. The brand names are CEREC and E4D. Both systems use CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) to design and engineer a perfectly fitting crown.

CAD uses 3-D software that photographs teeth to create a precise model. In some dental practices, the patient can see the 3-D digital models on a screen during their visit.

CEREC uses an infrared camera to transmit the tooth’s exact shape to the CAD software. E4D accomplishes the same thing with laser technology. As mentioned previously, CAD is the modeling software. Once there is a precise 3-D rendering, it’s time to create the restoration. That is what the CAM machine does. CAM is the milling process, in which a small bit-like device operates at extremely high speeds to precisely chisel a custom-fitting crown out of a block of ceramic.

Steps For a One-Visit Dental Crown

Here is a recap of the entire process:

  1. Tooth Preparation. Your dentist will prepare the site for your crown by clearing away cavities or portions of the damaged tooth.
  2. Intraoral Scanning. Next, your dental professional will use an optical scanner to create a 3-D digital model of the damaged tooth and surrounding teeth.
  3. Restoration Design. With the 3-D images, the dentist will use CAD software to design the final restoration.
  4. Milling. A milling machine uses a 3-D scan and precisely chisels the crown from a single small brick of ceramic.
  5. Sintering and Polishing. The dentist then stains or glazes to make the surface of the dental crown look like a natural tooth. Following that, the dentist polishes the restoration to perfection.
  6. Cementation. Finally, the restoration is permanently affixed to your mouth.

Need a dental crown? Call us today to request an appointment.

 

No Dental Insurance? Prioritize Spending For Dental Care

dental financing Gibsonton

Millions of Americans don’t have dental insurance, and many Florida employer plans have limited benefits. Some men and women who fail to get adequate dental care say “It’s too costly.”

This excuse may be valid if you live below the poverty level. But if you have an average income, you can probably shift your priorities to find money in your budget to invest in a healthy smile.

You have probably heard of the “Latte Factor” which refers to the surprising amount of dollars that adds up if you buy a significant caffeinated beverage every morning. Even if you don’t drink coffee, you probably have a personal habit that costs a few dollars daily but adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. Soda pop, beer, an eight-dollar deli sandwich, and a game of golf. How about personal grooming—manis, pedis, facials, and professional hair coloring? What about the dollars you spend for convenience—pizza delivery, ATM fees, heat-and-eat meals? How much do you spend on premium cable, video game rentals, full-price movies, and season tickets to sporting events?

If you have foregone dental exams, cleanings, and treatments because you think it’s too costly, I hope this Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog post has opened your eyes to purchases that may be far less vital than a healthy smile. Remember, if you ignore dental problems, eventually they will require more extensive treatments. Filling a cavity is relatively inexpensive, a root canal costs more, and a dental implant is a major investment. What is a tooth worth? Every single one is priceless. And don’t forget that dental dilemmas impact the health of your entire body.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides competitively priced first-rate dental care including veneers, crowns, bonding, orthodontia, and teeth whitening. We also provide same-day emergency care. Ask us about dental financing options.

 

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: 813-710-9789

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789

What Can Your Time Dental Urgent Care Do For You?

take out silver fillings Fish Hawk

Hello, and welcome to the Tampa dental health blog. My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis and I want to tell you about our Gibsonton practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some men and women, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental problems–whether it’s decay, gum disease, or discolored teeth–we want to treat these problems and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

We Respect Your Time

Our team is here to serve you. We know you have many choices in Gibsonton-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to make your wait as short as possible. We will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We provide general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Gibsonton office. We serve the entire Tampa area including Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

weekend dental care
sedation dentistry
root canals
dental implants
tooth extractions

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

Along with healthy teeth, many of our Apollo Beach and Fish Hawk patients want to know more about popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, and more! A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your dazzling smile!

If you live in the Tampa area and would like to see what Your Time Dental Urgent Care has to offer, give us a call at 813-519-0128. We are currently accepting new dental patients!

 

Remake Your Smile With Bonding And Shaping

Remake Your Gibsonton Smile With Bonding And Shaping

Hello Gibsonton friends of Your Time Dental Urgent Care!

When you think about getting into shape, your teeth are probably not the first body parts that come to mind. But your Gibsonton dentist may be able to improve your smile with bonding and enamel shaping, and you won’t even have to join a gym!

I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis, an experienced Gibsonton dentist, and today on my dental blog I want to explain a little more about these relatively conservative cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your smile without major remodeling.

Benefits of Bonding 

Bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of teeth that are cracked, stained, broken, chipped, or have large spaces between them. When teeth are bonded, your Tampa dentist applies tooth-colored materials, and “bonds” them to the tooth surface.

Usually used in conjunction with bonding, enamel shaping is the process of modifying teeth by contouring or removing enamel. Something my Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia patients love about enamel shaping is that it’s quick and painless, and the often dramatic results are immediate.

If you are looking for quality, affordable Gibsonton dental care, give us a call at 813-519-0128. Our comfortable dental team would be happy to answer any questions you have about any of our cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and tooth whitening. We would love to explain the latest advances in root canals, dental implants, and tooth extractions and let you see our gallery of before and after photos of smile makeovers.

If it has been a while since you have treated your teeth to deep cleaning, call today to book an appointment with the most gentle yet thorough dental hygienists in Gibsonton!

 

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

How Your Lifestyle Changes Your Tooth Color

teeth whitening GibsontonAs a dental professional, I am always reminded of how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums. Not only do they help us to speak and eat, but they can also make a big impact on our overall health. One of the most common cosmetic concerns that patients come to me for is tooth discoloration. Whether it’s from aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits, everyone wants to have a bright, white smile. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing how your lifestyle choices can affect the color of your teeth, and what you can do to maintain a healthy, white smile.

1. Food and Drink: The types of food and drink that you consume can have a major effect on the color of your teeth. Certain foods such as berries, beets, and tomato sauce contain pigments that can stain your teeth. Drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can also cause discoloration. If you enjoy consuming these types of foods and drinks, try to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking. This can help to prevent the pigments from settling on your teeth. Additionally, consider using a straw when drinking certain beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.

2. Tobacco Use: Whether you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products, this habit can lead to yellowing of the teeth. Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, which can cause discoloration over time. Not only that, but tobacco use can also contribute to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Quitting tobacco use is the best way to avoid these negative effects on your teeth and gums. If you’re struggling to quit, talk to your dentist for advice on resources and strategies that can help.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and white. Brushing and flossing daily can remove surface stains and plaque buildup, which can lead to discoloration. Additionally, regular professional cleanings can help to remove more stubborn stains and tartar buildup. If you’re looking to brighten your smile even further, consider using a whitening toothpaste or getting an in-office whitening treatment from your dentist.

4. Medications: Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. This includes antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline, as well as antipsychotic and antihistamine medications. If you’re taking a medication that you think may be causing discoloration, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. Additionally, be sure to let your dentist know about any medications that you’re taking during your appointment.

5. Aging: As we age, our teeth naturally become more yellow or gray in color. This is because the outer layer of enamel on our teeth wears away over time, exposing the darker layer of dentin underneath. While this process cannot be stopped, there are steps that you can take to slow down the discoloration process. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco use are two key ways to keep your teeth looking their best as you age.

In conclusion, there are many lifestyle factors that can affect the color of your teeth. By taking steps to maintain good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and being mindful of the foods and drinks that you consume, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and white. As a dental professional, I encourage you to speak with your dentist about any concerns that you may have regarding tooth discoloration. They can offer advice and guidance on the best strategies for maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

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

Versatile Veneers For A Vivid Smile

porcelain veneers Gibsonton

Have you ever wished you could quickly attach perfectly shaped, dazzling white front surfaces to your teeth? Guess what? You can! With porcelain veneers, you can eliminate smile imperfections in just one visit to your outstanding Gibsonton cosmetic dental office.

Simple procedure, dramatic results

The innovative porcelain veneer is one of the most versatile items in a cosmetic dentist’s toolbox. Veneers turn unattractive smiles into beautiful smiles with minimal disruption to existing tooth structures. They are quicker and usually less pricey than complete crowns but are made with the same durable, translucent porcelain.

A celebrity smile secret

It’s no wonder that a very large percentage of people in the public eye have porcelain veneers. An actress can receive a perfect smile in the morning and appear on a talk show that evening. A supermodel can permanently remedy a discolored tooth speedy and pose for photos right after leaving her dental office. A local television news anchor can have his teeth perfectly aligned in a couple of hours and report Florida news that same day.

Trust an experienced cosmetic dentist in Gibsonton

I am Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, Florida. I have performed hundreds of veneer placements—alone and in combination with crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth implants for dramatic smile makeovers. Perhaps you should consider veneers as the best way to attain your brilliant smile.

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

Relax. Your Teeth Will Thank You.

Lithia cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Most men and women have been warned about the physical effects of stress. Our doctors remind us to protect ourselves from the dangers of unmanaged stress by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

We know that we shouldn’t try to relieve stress with overeating, unhealthy alcohol consumption, smoking, or uncontrolled spending. (Even though many of us are guilty!)

Stress that is not properly managed can affect the heart, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. It can also affect—you guessed it—your teeth.

The obvious oral health hazards are teeth grinding, jaw clenching, smoking, and the overconsumption of sugary foods. But did you know that stress can also exacerbate plaque production, trigger canker sores and increase the risk of periodontitis? Another problem is that when individuals are under excessive stress, they often neglect basic oral hygiene.

If you’re concerned about the effects stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment with Richard Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care today. We offer a broad scope of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including weekend dental care, sedation dentistry, root canals, and dental implants.

It’s ironic, but for some Gibsonton residents, dental visits cause major anxiety. What if the thought of visiting a dentist sends your blood pressure through the roof? Talk to us about sedation dentistry.

Relax. We can help you get the dental treatment you need.

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

Bridging The Gap

cosmetic dental Gibsonton

Hello Gibsonton smiles! Do you have a missing tooth that is detracting from your otherwise attractive teeth? Let Your Time Dental Urgent Care fill the gap for you and help you get your sensational smile back! A dental bridge could be the perfect answer for your missing tooth and help you chew and speak properly.

A bridge incorporates two or more crowns on either side of the gap created by your missing tooth. These two anchoring teeth allow a false tooth to be held in place where the missing tooth should be. The false tooth that is placed in the gap is called a pontic. Bridges can contain one or more pontics. A pontic can be matched to the surrounding teeth if you choose a porcelain material. If you’d like, a pontic can also be fabricated using gold or an alloy.

Dr. Kernagis will work closely with you to make certain that your bridge has an exact fit. Then one of our skilled hygienists will show you how to clean under and around the bridge to ensure that no decay occurs in the nooks and crannies.

Dr. Kernagis has been successfully restoring smiles since 2001. Thousands of patients have trusted Your Time Dental Urgent Care with their dental health.

Come see us at Your Time Dental Urgent Care and you can bridge the gap and love your smile again!

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

An Ugly Duckling In Your Mouth?

Cosmetic Denistry in Tampa Do you have a damaged tooth that causes you embarrassment? Even if all of your other teeth are nicely shaped and pearly white, guess what other people notice? Yep, the ugly duckling. You have probably experienced that yourself when you have looked at a smile that contains one discolored tooth. No matter how hard you try, the unsightly one is impossible to ignore.

A beautiful smile is an important component of your overall appearance. Unattractive teeth draw the eye away from other pleasing features such as thick shiny hair, gorgeous eyes, or a peaches and cream complexion.

Fortunately, there are several cosmetic dental procedures to restore or repair one or more teeth. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, we can complete most of them in one short visit. Think about it; you could achieve a stunning smile in less than an afternoon!

Veneers, Bonding, and Cosmetic Implant Dentistry
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure available in Gibsonton at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We use dental bonding in a variety of applications. In addition to repairing damage, dental bonding can close gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are another minimally invasive cosmetic remedy. Like cosmetic dental bonding, veneers correct chips, cracks and improve tooth shape.

What if your problem is not an unattractive tooth but a missing tooth? Don’t despair, a beautiful smile is still possible with dental implants.

For more information about veneers, bonding, implants, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128. We are conveniently located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. We provide advanced dentistry for patients in Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and the surrounding areas.

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