Restorative Dentistry

Jan14

A Fast Way To Brighten Your Smile

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

white fillings Gibsonton

Teeth bleaching is a fast smile brightener

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile. It is quick, cost-effective, and non-invasive. Though some cosmetic dentistry patients experience short-term sensitivity, most experience no tooth whitening pain at all.

If you have looked into teeth whitening systems, you probably already know the fundamentals. The one thing they have in common is that they use a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have settled in the natural microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

There are many DIY teeth bleaching products available and it seems like new brands appear every time you visit the toothpaste section at your grocery store.

Do tooth whitening strips and pens work?

These tooth whitening strips and tooth whitening pens can sometimes whiten your teeth a few shades, but the peroxide concentration is much lower than the whitening solutions used in cosmetic dental offices. It may not be effective enough for your tooth stains.

Tooth whitening offered at Tampa mall kiosks is risky, also. Most of these teeth whitening businesses have no professional oversight and the employees have little dental training. (Except instruction on how to take advantage of customer naivety.)

Dr. Kernagis recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home tooth whitener. If you have cavities, gum recession, crowns, or veneers, you definitely need professional guidance.

The area of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may react differently to tooth whiteners. Additionally, the peroxide solution does not noticeably whiten crowns and veneers. If you use a DIY tooth whitener on teeth with extensive porcelain restorations, you should probably hope it doesn’t whiten too much – you may end up with a two- or three-tone smile!

Consider the consequences of teeth whitening gone wrong…

Even though teeth whitening seems simple, your teeth deserve a professional opinion. After all, we are talking about teeth here. You can’t fix an uneven teeth whitening result like you can a bad hair-coloring job.

Schedule a tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your money on more white strips.

We make patients feel comfortable

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

813-863-9058

Locations; (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 W Busch Blvd Ste C
Tampa, Florida
33612

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

 

ArticleID 2992
Jan7

Repair Chipped Teeth With Bonding

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Gibsonton fix chipped tooth

A cosmetic dentist’s toolkit is filled with useful tools for fixing most types of cosmetic tooth problems. In the past few years, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and same-day teeth whitening have drawn a lot of publicity.

Dental Bonding

In today’s post, we are going to talk about an effective, yet relatively uncelebrated dental treatment that has been used successfully for decades. We’re talking about dental bonding.

The dental bonding procedure uses a resin material that is durable and natural looking. It is applied to the teeth while soft and putty-like, and then hardened (or cured) with a special light. The material bonds with the tooth and can then be shaped and polished.

Bonding Fixes a Variety of Problems

Dentists use bonding to repair tooth dilemmas caused by decay, chips, or cracks. Large spaces between healthy teeth can be filled with bonding material, and bonding can safeguard tooth roots if the gums have shrunk.

Discolored teeth can also be lightened with bonding. Since bonding material is easily molded, teeth can be lengthened or re-shaped to blend appropriately with the other teeth. Because of the versatility, bonding is generally used as part of a total smile transformation.

We Are Accepting New Patients

If you live in the Gibsonton area and are seeking quality cosmetic dental care or have cosmetic dentistry questions, please call my office at 813-519-0128.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we provide advanced general and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, we can help you avoid dental problems with preventative dentistry that includes twice-yearly exams and professional dental cleanings.

We have been serving your friends and neighbors in the Tampa area since 2001. If you are looking for an experienced and personable dental team, give us a call to schedule a visit. We are confident that you will like what you find.

 

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 7308
Dec10

Tooth Tips For Traveling

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Tooth Tips For Traveling

If you are planning to take a long vacation or business trip soon, I recommend you think about your dental needs.

It’s always a good idea to have a checkup with your dentist prior to leaving on long vacations, especially if your trip is taking you to develop areas without modern dental care. This quick check-up will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

Another important consideration; if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, consider it with your dentist. Many dental procedures are actually surgical procedures. This means that your body will need more time to heal than you may realize.

Also, if you’re leaving by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. In addition, make sure you are aware of any required follow-up appointments with your dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

If you are looking for general dental care or quality cosmetic dentistry in the Gibsonton area, please call us today and speak with our comfortable staff to schedule a consultation or examination.

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 3695
Dec3

A Facial or Filling?

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

A Facial Or Filling In Lithia?At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we know that we can’t completely fool you. When you receive treatment at our comfortable cosmetic dental practice, you won’t actually believe you are at a plush Tampa spa relaxing with cucumbers over your eyes.

Just because we can’t recreate an identical spa experience, that doesn’t stop us from trying.

We have a wonderful dental office amenities for our Gibsonton dentistry patients.

  • Oral conscious sedation: choose your level of sedation for confident relaxation
  • Topical analgesic
  • A variety of media choices
  • Soft bite blocks to rest your jaw during treatment
  • Personalized attention from our comfortable Your Time Dental Urgent Care team
  • Ergonomic reclining chairs for maximum back and neck comfort
  • Rigorous infection control protocols for peace of mind
  • The latest dental technology which helps expedite procedures and cleanings

What’s on your dental wish list?

Are you in need of tooth restorations, teeth whitening, orthodontic solutions, or just a thorough dental cleaning in Gibsonton? We offer the full spectrum of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services and have been pampering patients since 2001. Ask us about urgent dental care, emergency dental care and sedation dentistry. There have never been more ways to upgrade your smile whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth, close gaps or replace old dental work.

Relax in comfort at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Enjoy a luxurious dental spa experience at Your Time Dental Urgent Care without paying extra. We are committed to gentle dentistry and passionate about delighting our patients. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment.

We make patients feel comfortable

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

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

FishHawk – Lithia

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

 

ArticleID 3086
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: 813-710-9789

Nov19

Tell Your Dentist Which Prescription Meds You Are Taking

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

dental emergency walk-in clinic Gibsonton

It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. Our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental visit.

 

Here’s why:

Some meds—prescription or over-the-counter—can affect oral health or dental treatment.

 

Bleeding Issues

 

Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can lead to abnormal bleeding, because they affect your ability to clot. If you undergo oral surgery, it’s essential for your dentist to know if you are taking these meds.

Metallic Taste

Some cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and smoke deterrent drugs have been known to have a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. This doesn’t necessarily affect dental treatment, but overdoing sugary breath mints increases your risk of cavities.

 

Abnormal Gums

 

Do you feel as though your gums are significantly bigger in proportion to your teeth?

 

Enlarged gum tissue (in dental speak ‘gingival hyperplasia’) is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can make your gums appear more prominent than your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene or drugs. These include antiseizure drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem), or immunosuppressants. If you are taking these drugs, be certain you are paying close attention to your teeth and gum care.

Dry Mouth

 

Over 400 prescription medications can cause or complicate dry mouth. This long list includes, but is not limited to; antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medicines, and muscle relaxers. 

 

Chronic dry mouth can elevate the risk of cavities. Saliva contains minerals that help enamel stay strong. Saliva also plays a role in controlling plaque.

When you come into Your Time Dental Urgent Care for your dental visit, be prepared to let us know which prescription meds you are taking along with the dosage. This helps us provide the first-rate dental care you deserve.

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 8143
Nov12

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, many patients come in with a toothache. In some cases, the toothache is a secondary symptom of a sinus condition. Let’s discuss the relationship.

Your maxillary sinuses are very close upstairs neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that when there is pain in that general area, the distinct location can be hard to discover.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become inflamed and infected, it can influence the teeth.

In severe cases, swollen sinus tissues can actually move the teeth slightly, changing the bite. The reverse scenario can also occur. The infection surrounding an abscessed tooth can easily travel to the sinus cavity.

An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most frequent type of oral abscess initiates in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by tooth decay.

When an abscess is small, it may go unnoticed but it will eventually lead to pain.

An abscess can cause entire tooth loss and the infection can also destroy jawbone.

If an abscess damages the tooth until it is beyond saving and requires extraction, a dental implant is one replacement option – but only if there is enough bone to anchor the implant.

How can you tell an abscessed tooth from a sinus infection?
Sinus pain typically manifests itself as a dull, continuous pain while the pain from an abscessed tooth increases in intensity. If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp jolt of pain.

You have several sinus cavities, and pain can emanate from any or all of them, so if you have an infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to be in a world of hurt with both troubles—an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection.

Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care if you have pain in your upper jaw and lower sinus area. An abscessed tooth should never be ignored. If it’s a sinus infection, your doctor can help you. This is a situation where you need guidance from both your dental and medical care provider.

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: 813-710-9789

 

ArticleID 7288
Nov5

How Dental Assistants Ensure Quality Dental Care

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Gibsonton Dental Team

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, each dental professional on our team helps us operate smoothly and provide a high standard of care.

Today’s post focuses on the role of a dental assistant.

Dental Assistants Play An Important Role at Our Practice

You most likely think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who puts the bib around my neck,” and you are correct.

However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. They assist Drs. Richard Kernagis during dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep, and cavity filling.

They work tirelessly and patiently during lengthy smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our skilled assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

The Dental Assistant Makes Sure The Room is Ready For You

When a dental patient arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for your specific procedure. Before you are escorted to a chair in one of our pleasant patient rooms, the assistant has prepared the room.

Dental Assistants Help Keep Our Practice Clean and Sterile

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, infection control is always a fundamental duty. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take X-rays, and maintain patient records. They must have a sharp eye for detail and a first-rate memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

We hope today’s post has given you a greater appreciation for these indispensable members of our dental team.

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 2248
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
Sep24

Can I Get a Metal-Free Tooth Implant?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

are metal-free tooth implants better? Gibsonton

Many Gibsonton dental patients are turning to metal-free dentistry. Instead of amalgam fillings, they choose composite and porcelain restorations. Non-metal fillings and crowns can be matched perfectly to your natural tooth color. Some people are sensitive to the metals used in standard fillings. Non-metal materials can prevent potential tooth sensitivity.

Controversy Over Whether Dental Amalgam is Toxic

Another one of the issues with dental amalgam is that it contains a small amount of mercury. Some dental patients are worried that mercury is toxic or dangerous to one’s health.

Both the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reviewed volumes of research and concluded that dental amalgam does not pose a health risk.

“FDA has reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor associated with dental amalgam fillings are a cause for concern. Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. The weight of credible scientific evidence reviewed by FDA does not establish an association between dental amalgam use and adverse health effects in the general population.” (FDA)

Is There a Metal-Free Dental Implant?

That said, many patients do not want any metal in their mouth, regardless of what the FDA and ADA says. This leads to the question “Is there a metal-free alternative to titanium for dental implants?”

Some implant dentists offer Zirconia implants.

What Are Zirconia Implants?

Zirconia tooth implants are routinely touted as a non-metal alternative to titanium posts.

Is Zirconia Actually Metal-Free?

As it turns out, the answer to this question is complex. And you will get different answers depending on whether you consult a manufacturer of Zirconia tooth implants, an implant dentist who prefers titanium, or a scientist who has no ties to the dental industry.

Consider the following:

“Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable type of metal that’s related to titanium, although it’s categorized as a type of ceramic crown.” (Healthline.com)

“Is it misleading when we call zirconium restorations “metal-free”? We all are agreed that titanium is a metal. Zirconium is chemically a metal and has been used in alloys. Its atomic number is 40. To say that Titanium is metal and that Zirconium is not is showing a poor knowledge of chemistry. Zirconium dioxide, an oxidized form of Zirconium that is used for restorations, is a metal. We would not call rust — iron oxide — anything but metal. Now we have a new generation of zirconium dioxide implant fixtures and they are advertised as “metal-free” and calling them ceramic.” (Osseonews.com)

“Zirconium is a silver-gray transition metal, a type of element that is malleable and ductile and easily forms stable compounds.” (LiveScience.com)

How are Zirconia and Titanium Implants Similar?

Both materials are FDA approved, biocompatible and safe to use for dental implants.

Why Don’t all Dental Implant Dentists offer Zirconia Implants?

There are many reasons.

  • Some dental implant dentists don’t believe they are as durable as titanium dental implants.
  • Some dental implant dentists don’t offer them because they can’t be used in a variety of configurations. For example, they are not suited for complete mouth restorations and implant-anchored dentures.
  • Some dental implant dentists don’t perform them because they believe they have a slight risk of fracture–especially narrow diameter Zirconia dental implants.
  • Some dental implant dentists believe they haven’t proven to provide long-term success.

“A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, concluded, “Survival rates and marginal bone loss of zirconia implants are promising, but more evidence on long-term outcomes is needed.” (JADA)

So what do you do if you are interested in getting a dental implant but you don’t want titanium in your mouth? Talk to Dr. Kernagis.

Don’t count on marketing hype to make important decisions about dental implant procedures. Consult a doctor who has been placing tooth implants successfully since 2001 and has a legacy of satisfied patients.

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 8333