Restorative Dentistry

Oct23

Tooth Grinding Can Lead To A Dental Emergency

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

how to kick a tooth grinding habit Gibsonton

Plenty of men and women all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some individuals grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some people grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can occur consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be harmful to both your oral health and overall physical health.

It can also cause a broken or cracked tooth.

Let’s talk about it.

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

  • Caffeine consumption
  • Sleep apnea
  • Acid reflux
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Certain medications

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Broken or cracked tooth
  • Jaw pain
  • Loss of tooth enamel or worn down teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Earaches
  • Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most common and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. Most of the time, people with a tooth grinding habit are able to use some of the following methods to kick their teeth grinding habit on their own. However, it is possible that you will have to seek further care from your dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental impairment that can cause or complicate your grinding.

Ways to kick a tooth grinding habit:

  • Use a protective mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
  • Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
  • Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
  • Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
  • Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is a good idea to consult a professional. Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is available for consultations about tooth grinding. We also provide comprehensive urgent dental care and general dental services.

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 8443
Sep25

Isn’t a Dental Bridge as Good as an Implant for a Knocked-out Tooth?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

Attention Gibsonton Replace Your Dental Bridge Before You Lose Teeth

 

 

 

 

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we treat dental emergencies such as a knocked-out tooth. Patients who have suffered an injury that either knocks out a tooth or severely damages the tooth have a couple options for tooth replacement.

In today’s message, we will discuss a tooth replacement option prevalent in Tampa: dental bridges.

Dental bridges aren’t ideal

Dental bridges have provided a passable tooth replacement for many individuals, but they are not problem free.

Dental bridges are difficult to clean

Many Florida people with dental bridges find it challenging to keep the small areas around the bridge clean. It’s hard to get toothbrush bristles or dental floss under the bridge. If you have limited mobility, it’s extremely challenging.

Without proper cleaning, detrimental bacteria has no trouble moving in and taking over. When the decay reaches the roots of the surrounding teeth, ouch! It’s not only painful, the person is at risk of losing those teeth.

A dental implant is superior to a dental bridge

That is one reason why a dental implant is superior to a dental bridge. Most Tampa people with missing teeth are great candidates for dental implants.

A dental implant looks just like the beautiful tooth restoration on a high-quality dental bridge, but the vital part is what you don’t see.

A permanent dental implant is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to teeth like the dental bridges traditionally used in Tampa.

A tooth implant is a more conservative replacement

In a way, an implant is a more conservative tooth replacement because it leaves the adjacent teeth intact. The bone and gum tissue mesh permanently with the titanium post that serves as the replacement tooth root.

Dental implants do not have the same risk of decay as the teeth that anchor dental bridges. Of course, individuals with dental implants need to brush and floss, but cleaning a dental implant is usually no more difficult than cleaning a normal tooth.

Tooth implants have a better track record in Florida than dental bridges. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime for smile-smart dental patients.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, dental implants can replace one or more teeth providing stability, beauty, and natural function.

If you have a missing tooth, don’t settle for a dental bridge. Your smile deserves the best tooth-replacement option.

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 3088
Sep18

Can I Get My Dental Emergency Addressed Without Insurance?

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

It is safe to assume that you or someone you know will suffer a dental emergency at some point in life. Having a dental emergency treated is a lot easier if you have dental insurance. However, what if you experience a dental emergency and you do not have insurance? Can you still have your dental emergency addressed?

The answer is yes, although it is often more complex than that. Dental care without insurance can be expensive, so it is important to know what options are available. It is also important to know what is considered a dental emergency and what is not.

Options for emergency dental care without dental insurance:

  • Payment plans (most dental practices offer low-interest financing)
  • Dental schools
  • Free or government-subsidized dental care clinics

What counts as a dental emergency:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • A loose or knocked out an adult tooth
  • Unmanageable pain
  • An abscess

Preventative measures:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Wear a sports mouthguard when participating in sports
  • Don’t smoke or vape
  • Don’t use your teeth as a tool
  • Avoid acidic or sugary foods and beverages
  • Don’t delay care or a consultation if you begin to feel symptoms

If you do have dental insurance, make sure you understand what your plan covers. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our team is experienced with working with dental insurance providers. However, it’s the patient’s responsibility to understand their benefits before seeking treatment.

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 8407
Aug28

Can I Go To An Urgent Care Dental Office While I’m Pregnant?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

emergency dental clinic Gibsonton

Experiencing any kind of emergency while pregnant can be scary. However, emergencies are sometimes inevitable and it is possible that a woman, while pregnant, might have to go into an urgent dental care practice to be treated.

If there is truly an emergency, it does not matter how far along a woman’s pregnancy is, she should go to urgent care. However, it is good to keep in mind that can potentially be riskier to perform emergency surgeries in the last trimester of a woman’s pregnancy.

There are a number of reasons pregnant women might need to go to an urgent care dental office for a dental emergency. Some instances that constitute a dental emergency include:

  • Knocked out or lost adult teeth
  • Severe tooth or mouth pain
  • Severe infections
  • Emergency root canals
  • Any instances involving excessive bleeding

Conditions that do not constitute a dental emergency include:

Dental complications that can be managed on one’s own should not require pregnant mothers to go to an emergency care dental practice. Additionally, any issues that require an X-ray should be avoided or postponed during pregnancy, unless it is required for the diagnosis and treatment. The main point is that it is okay to go to urgent care during any point in a woman’s pregnancy, however, the later a woman is in her pregnancy the more dangerous it becomes to perform surgeries and undergo certain treatments.

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 8403
Aug14

How to Know if You Need an Urgent Care Dental Clinic

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Gibsonton

What constitutes a dental emergency?

When you need a dentist to repair damage to the teeth or mouth ASAP, or if the oral issue is threatening your health in any way, it is considered a dental emergency.

Dental emergencies can include:

  • Knocked-out teeth or adult teeth that have fallen out
  • Severe infections
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Severe pain

These dental ailments don’t need same-day attention but should be checked by a dentist soon:

  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Dry sockets
  • Loose teeth
  • Tooth or mouth pain that is manageable

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, we treat all the oral dilemmas listed above. PLUS, we offer general and cosmetic dental services.

What you don’t know may hurt you

Oftentimes, individuals leave injuries unattended to or fail to have them examined by a dentist. This may take place if an individual does not know whether their dental issue is an emergency. It can be dangerous to leave an injury or infection to heal itself because they can get worse without an individual’s knowledge. What you do not know, or what you fail to seek care for, can hurt you in the long-term.

For example, leaving dry sockets untreated can lead to an infection and other complications. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to a tooth abscess which can be extremely painful and possibly result in loss of the tooth.

What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pus pocket that forms as a result of a bacterial infection. Treatment can involve draining the abscess, a root canal, or pulling the tooth. If ignored, this can destroy the bone and eventually cause a lot of pain.

In conclusion

When it comes to dental complications, there are plenty that can develop if a dental ailment is not addressed in a timely manner. It is critical to know what is a dental emergency and what is not, and to seek the correct care when you need it.

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 8383
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
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
Jul3

My Tooth is Bleeding or Chipped! What Do I Do?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

broken tooth treatment Gibsonton

Unfortunately, a broken or fractured tooth is not something that will simply heal on its own. As soon as you notice a broken tooth, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care promptly.

Things you can do at home for a broken tooth

There are a couple of things you can do in preparation for a dental procedure for a broken tooth:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
  2. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen.
  3. A broken tooth can have sharp edges. To safeguard your mouth from the sharp edges of your tooth, cover the broken tooth with something soft like wax or chewing gum.
  4. While nursing your mouth, eat softer foods, and try to avoid chewing on your broken tooth.

Call us and explain your situation if you continue to withstand:

  • erratic pain when chewing;
  • pain when exposed to extreme temperatures;
  • or intense pain that comes and goes with pressure;

Don’t ignore broken dental work

What if you experience a broken dental crown, bridge, or veneer?  Without the restoration, the tooth is vulnerable to additional damage. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we administer beautiful same-day restorations. A broken artificial tooth shouldn’t be ignored.

Urgent care dental practices accommodate nervous patients

If you need treatment but hesitate because of dental anxiety, talk to us about sedation dentistry. We have several methods to help you through the treatment.

Our mouth and teeth work hard day after day. It’s no surprise that a tooth is occasionally damaged. Don’t let a cracked or broken tooth get worse and cause additional oral 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 8348
Jun19

Need to Fix a Tooth? Your Time Dental Urgent Care Gives You Options

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants Gibsonton

There is more than one way to fix a tooth. If you are the fortunate owner of perfectly healthy teeth, you may never need any of these procedures. However, if you are like most Gibsonton residents, you will need to restore a tooth eventually.

If your tooth issue is due to a dental emergency, our team will provide prompt care.

Today’s post looks at six restoration procedures that are used routinely to repair a damaged tooth:

1. Dental Bonding

Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to fix chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill cavities. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies the pliable composite resin and molds it to the exact shape required. The resin is then hardened with a special curing light.

2. A Porcelain Veneer

These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or repair the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked.

3. A Filling (Inlay or Onlay)

A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are typically called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are often smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth. If you have old silver amalgam fillings, you can replace them with white fillings.

4. A Dental Crown

A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. Crowns are used for teeth that have had a root canal, teeth with extensive decay, the replacement tooth in a dental bridge, and the visible portion of a tooth implant. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

5. Dental Implants

A dental implant is often an optimal restoration for a tooth that has been extracted. It restores the entire tooth—both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.

 

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 8323
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