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: 813-519-0128

 

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
Oct29

Patient Education Improves Dental Outcomes

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Fishhawk family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we enjoy providing guidance on oral health.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

We also help patients understand how to improve their smile cosmetically. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Gibsonton area and are seeking an experienced dentist with excellent communication skills, give us a call.

We can answer any questions you have about emergency dentistry, dental implants or general dentistry.

We perform tooth extractions, treat dental decay, and whiten smiles with in-office teeth whitening.

As a provider of emergency dental services, we offer extended hours to serve our patients. But we are a full-service general and cosmetic dental practice as well. Your Time Dental Urgent Care can serve all of your family’s dental needs. We’ve been serving Gibsonton families since 2001.

We make patients feel comfortable.

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 8203
Oct15

Patient-Centered Dental Care

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing patient-focused dental care of the highest standard.

We are here to help you. You could be our next success story!

What is patient-focused care?

A check-up with no cavities? A brilliant smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities. Learning proper dental hygiene. Plus gaining an understanding of why it’s important.

What about a local Gibsonton adolescent who is hesitant to smile because of crooked teeth? The solution is a successful course of orthodontic treatment. The result is a beautiful smile that boosts morale.

What about the Gibsonton man who suffered dental trauma in an accident? Patient-focused care could be dental implants that restore oral health and tooth function.

For a woman with tetracycline stains but otherwise healthy teeth, patient-centered care may be as simple as quick in-office same-day tooth whitening.

Consider someone with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods. Patient-focused care could mean natural-looking implant-anchored dentures that allow the patient to eat steak for the first time in years.

We serve your specific dental needs

What are your goals for your smile? What is the current state of your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Richard Kernagis.

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 8205
Oct8

Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Gibsonton

While dissatisfactory oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of halitosis, many conditions can contribute to or exacerbate the condition. One of these is the lack of saliva or xerostomia.

Saliva and Oral Health
Saliva moistens the teeth and gums and removes odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks, and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel durability. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against decay and infections.

Many men and women suffer from dry mouth infrequently; perhaps when they are perceiving anxiety or stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can bring about additional oral and physical health dilemmas.

I am Dr. Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care. I have been treating xerostomia and bad breath since 2001. If you suffer from either condition, we recommend that you book an exam and consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will help you discover the source and guide you on treatment.

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 7334
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
Sep17

How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Tampa

Tampa endodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists use dental crowns (sometimes called caps) in many restorative treatments. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, a crown can correct bite misalignments, and a crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.

Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems: yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and teeth that are misshapen.

Dental crowns are fabricated from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:

1. All ceramic (porcelain-based)
2. Porcelain fused to metal
3. Gold alloys
4. Base metal alloys

Your dentist can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are: the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any allergies to metal.

When many Gibsonton dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? Dental crowns can last for many years, but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer urgent dental care, dental implants, and emergency dental care

1Bader JD1, Shugars DA., “Summary review of the survival of single crowns,” PubMed.gov, 2009, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146146, accessed June 16, 2014

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 6517
Sep10

Do You Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Healthy Teeth and Your Tampa Diet Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Tampa dental patients. As your Dr., I’m devoted to helping you care for your teeth and keep them healthy. Everyone in Tampa knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires thorough daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Tampa dental practice are also necessary for preventing cavities and maintaining proper dental hygiene.

We typically forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial to your teeth. A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Tampa foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as bread and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

Saliva is critical to healthy teeth because it assists with maintaining the pH balance in your mouth. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum.

Just as certain diet choices in the Tampa area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be dangerous. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars – especially soda and energy drinks – are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between-meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums. If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Gibsonton area, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Kernagis

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 349