emergency dentist

Sep27

5 Critical Oral Cancer Facts

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

young man checking his mouth for signs of oral cancer in Gibsonton, FL

Dental Checkups Are Not Just About Cavities

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we encourage people to come in twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning.  If you abstain from biannual dental checkups because you don’t believe you have any cavities, perhaps getting an oral cancer screening is a more compelling reason to see your dentist regularly. (While your dentist is checking for oral cancer, we urge you to have a thorough dental examination as well!)

Oral Cancers Don’t Get as Much Attention

In the last few decades, lung and breast cancer have attracted a lot of public attention. There is relatively less awareness of oral cancer even though it claims almost 10,000 lives every year in the United States. If you smoke or have contracted HPV, you have a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Early Diagnosis is Critical

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we work to elevate awareness of oral cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Courtesy of the CDC, Oral Cancer Foundation, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are 5 vital things to know about oral (mouth) and oropharyngeal (back of mouth and throat) cancers.

1. About 80% of individuals with oral cancer use some kind of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).

2. 40% of people who receive a late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer pass away within five years. The survival rate for early-stage diagnosis is 90%.

3. In many cases, it is practically impossible for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce indistinct symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be checked out by a dentist or doctor.

4. HPV (the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the U.S.) is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the copious strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most regularly linked to oropharyngeal cancer.

5. Black males have a substantially higher risk of dying from oral cancer than whites.

An oral cancer check is easy!

A visual oral cancer exam is relatively quick and convenient, especially as compared to other cancer screening tests such as colonoscopies and mammograms. If an abnormality is discovered during an exam, the patient is referred to an appropriate specialist for further testing and diagnosis.

Sources:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/oral_health/oral_cancer_and_tobacco_85,P00900/

HPV / Oral Cancer Facts


https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

 

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: 813-710-9789

Sep20

Your Gibsonton Dentist Does a Lot More Than Fill Cavities

Categories: Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Bad Breath Treatment Tampa

Most people know that they can go to their dentist for toothaches, cleanings, and bleeding gums (not to mention cosmetic dentistry procedures such as a smile makeover), but there are some lesser-known oral concerns that your Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help you with.

Dry mouth treatment

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. It also predisposes dental patients to a host of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of men and women experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Bad breath treatment

Bad breath is usually a result of bacteria build-up in the mouth, and regular trips to your dentist can help you keep your mouth clean and the bacteria count within a sweet-smelling range. Do you have good oral hygiene and still have bad breath? Then your dentist can help you discover the source of your halitosis.

Jaw issues

Jaw clicking and jaw discomfort are symptoms you should have checked immediately. They can be signs of serious oral issues.

Treatment for snoring

Did you know that some dentists can help with chronic snoring? Some types of sleep apnea can be treated with a dental appliance.

Oral cancer checks

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer is much harder to treat if it is not detected early.

Teeth grinding treatment

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches.. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—make an appointment for an examination.

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, you may need fast emergency dentistry at some point.

Your dentist does a whole lot more than fill cavities. Dental professionals are essential members of your healthcare team.

 

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: 813-710-9789

May24

Signs Of Oral Cancer: What Not To Ignore

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

oral cancer signs Gibsonton

Today’s message from Your Time Dental focuses on a very serious topic—oral (oropharyngeal) cancers. The medical community distinguishes oral cancers as a subset of head and neck cancers.

Oral cancers can develop in the following locations:

  • The tongue
  • The roof of the mouth and under the tongue
  • The inside of the cheeks
  • The oropharynx (the part behind the soft palate)
  • The salivary glands
  • The lips

Oral Cancers Are Particularly Deadly

Over 50,000 men and women annually are diagnosed with a type of oral cancer. They are more than twice as prevalent in men. There is no disparity when it comes to blacks or whites. Oral cancers claim over 10,000 victims per year.

The statistics reveal that only 57 percent of those diagnosed this year will be alive in five years. Talk about a grim outlook.

Let’s address the common—and the not-so-common—warning signs of oral cancer.

Any sore or lump in the mouth or throat should be taken seriously. Any white or red patch could also be a symptom.

Receiving an oral cancer screening is another reason to visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care twice a year for an exam. Healthcare providers who don’t have the specific training for early onset oral cancer may confuse or fail to recognize early indications.

Here, at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, Dr. Kernagis can tell you if you should be worried or not.

The Cold Sore Connection

Firstly, we know cold sores are not dinner-talk for most individuals. However, did you know that if you have a history of cold sores, you are at an increased risk of receiving oropharyngeal (oral) cancer?

Don’t Ignore These Signs!

You will want to get checked out if you:

  1. Have a lump or thickening in your throat
  2. Have white or red patches on your tongue, tonsils, or lining of your cheeks and gums
  3. Notice numbness of any oral feature
  4. Have any type of lesion, cut, or canker-type sore that doesn’t heal within 14 days

Less common symptoms include tongue pain and loose teeth. A hoarse voice that doesn’t go away should be a concern. Unexplained tooth discoloration is rare but not unheard of.

It’s a misconception to think any of these signs can’t lead to problems.

Early Diagnosis Can Save Your Life

Getting checked for oral (or any) cancer regularly is indispensable for multiple reasons, but it is ultimately necessary because you want to catch it early. So you have the highest chance of survival. While it typically does not start to show symptoms until around age 40, it occurs in younger patients as well.

Smokeless Tobacco

It is also more widespread for those who use smokeless, (chewing or spit) tobacco to get oral cancer. Many individuals argue that these are safer than smoking conventional cigarettes. This may be true when it comes to lung cancer. But you need to think about the of contracting other problems like oral cancer(s), pancreatic cancer, and/or chronic infections that can lead to heart issues later on.

Also, don’t assume vaping is less harmful. Though there is less research on the health risks of vaping, it certainly hasn’t been proven to be risk-free.

Smoking + Alcohol = A Dangerous Combination

While we are referring to tobacco and vaping, we also need to mention alcohol. For many men and women, they go together. Those who both smoke and drink have a 15 times greater chance of developing oral cancer than those who do neither.

Exposure to UV Rays Increases Risk of Lip Cancer

Lip cancer can be considered both an oral cancer and a skin cancer. Most of us have been warned that unprotected sun exposure is detrimental. But many of us forget about the lips when applying sunscreen. Pick up some SPF balm when you buy sunscreen. Don’t forget that eating, drinking and licking your lips can wipe it away. Reapply often. Wear wide-brim hats as protection. Be especially careful between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Sources:

https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.htm

 

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: 813-710-9789

Mar22

Unmasking the Threat of Gum Disease and At-Risk Individuals in Tampa

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Unmasking the Threat of Gum Disease and At-Risk Individuals in Tampa

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a stealthy adversary that can creep into our mouths with little warning.

For some individuals, the risk of developing gum disease is significantly higher due to various factors. Your Time Dental Urgent Care, located near Tampa, is dedicated to shedding light on the importance of understanding gum disease risk factors and providing tailored care for those who need it most.

The Hidden Menace: Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and bone. It typically begins with gingivitis, which can manifest as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health.

At-Risk Individuals: Who is Vulnerable?

Smokers: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease. It weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Diabetics: Diabetes can compromise the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making those with the condition more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.

Hormonal Changes: Women experiencing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, may be at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal fluctuations that affect gum health.

Family History: A genetic predisposition to gum disease can make individuals more vulnerable, as it can affect the body’s immune response to oral bacteria.

Medications: Certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and antipsychotics, can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of gum disease.

Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fend off infections, including those in the gums.

Prevention and Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to treating gum disease and educating our patients about their risk factors and how to prevent its onset. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

Comprehensive Assessments: Our team conducts thorough oral examinations to assess the health of your gums and identify any signs of gum disease.

Personalized Treatment Plans: If gum disease is detected, we create customized treatment plans that may include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or other appropriate interventions.

Education and Prevention: We empower our patients with knowledge about proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of gum disease.

Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of gum disease. We recommend regular visits to monitor your oral health.

Gum disease can be a silent threat, especially for at-risk individuals. Understanding the risk factors and seeking timely care is crucial to maintaining not only a healthy smile but also overall well-being. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we support you in your journey to gum health. Don’t let gum disease remain hidden; take proactive steps to protect your oral and overall health.

Schedule an appointment with us today and let us be your partners in a lifetime of healthy smiles.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Mar15

Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties in the Gibsonton Area?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Lithia Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

Most Gibsonton area residents probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. Some Fish Hawk dental patients may even know the unique focus of endodontists. However, few Florida residents probably know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Today’s post from Your Time Dental looks at the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA. (If you want a challenge, see if you can name all nine before you continue reading this post.)

Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp.”1 If you need a root canal in Gibsonton, you may require the services of an endodontist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.

Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Lithia pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children, and teenagers.

Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”1 Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.

Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”1

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.

Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”1

General and cosmetic dentists in the Gibsonton area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes your Tampa general dentist will refer you to a local Tampa specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

1Specialty Definitions, The American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/495.aspx, accessed May 22, 2013

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: 813-710-9789

Feb23

General and Family Dentistry in Gibsonton

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

general and family dentistry Gibsonton

Are you looking for a general and family dental practice in the Gibsonton area? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We are always taking new patients at Your Time Dental.

11 Reasons to Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton

Let’s discuss some reasons to call today to schedule an exam and consultation at Your Time Dental:

  1. Dental Exam: This is the best way to prevent dental problems. Perhaps you already have some problems. Address them as early as possible. Then you can avoid more extensive (and expensive) treatments in the future.
  2. Cleaning: Our dental hygienists are ready to give you a super clean smile. A professional dental cleaning makes your mouth look and feel amazing!
  3. Brush Up: It’s a good idea to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene if it’s been a while.
  4. Toothache: If you have dental pain–from a cavity, abscess, or other reason–call now to book an appointment. Don’t live with pain another day.
  5. Cavities: We can fill any dental cavities quickly. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas later. Plus, we can replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
  6. Tooth Sensitivity: Let’s figure out what is making your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
  7. Keep Gums Healthy: Let’s check the health of your gums and discuss treatments to help you improve them or reverse gum disease.
  8. Brighten Up: If your smile is yellow, gray, or has stains, we can help. There are several tooth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile.
  9. Replace a Missing Tooth: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  10. Cosmetic Dentistry: We can help you analyze the options for achieving a stunning smile.
  11. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy, remarkable smile.

If you are new to our practice, I want to discuss anything that will help you feel confident in me and my team:

  • My education and experience, including specialties and certifications
  • My philosophy of preventative dentistry
  • My recommendations about your dental needs
  • Before and after photos of my cosmetic dental smile makeover patients
  • My office atmosphere and the attentiveness of my cheerful professional dental team
  • All the extras and amenities at Your Time Dental Urgent Care that make dental visits pleasant and comfortable
  • My ability to explain the technical details of procedures and characteristics of restorative materials

Thanks for visiting the Your Time Dental blog. We look forward to meeting you!

 

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: 813-710-9789

Feb16

Are You Watching For Cavities?

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

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

Feb9

Missing Teeth? Don’t Miss Out On A Beautiful Smile

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implant, General Dentistry

Gibsonton cosmetic dentistry

If you have missing spaces in your smile due to decay, injury, or any other reason, there is hope. If your existing teeth are stained, decayed, or broken, there is hope. If your teeth have always been misshapen, or crooked, there is hope. Cosmetic Dentistry by Your Time Dental can fix all of those problems.

Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has the ability handle the toughest cosmetic dental problems. Since 2001, Dr. Kernagis has restored and improved smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry.

Regardless of the problem, it is usually preferable to retain your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, and you have already lost teeth, we offer several ways for you to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.

Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be the best answer. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a relatively economical approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They upgrade unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a tooth replacement that includes an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture.

Dentures
Most Gibsonton residents have heard of dentures: plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed for cleaning. These are individually constructed and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

There is no need to miss out on an attractive smile. Schedule your initial consultation at 813-519-0128 to visit us at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton, Florida. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Gibsonton area.

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

Aug7

Urgent Care Dentists Extract Wisdom Teeth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

when should you get your wisdom teeth removed? Gibsonton

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we offer general, emergency, and cosmetic dental services. One of these services is wisdom teeth removal. We have learned through the years that when it comes to wisdom teeth, there are many common myths. Let’s clear up the confusion.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in the back of the mouth. It is frequently the case that there is not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to develop correctly.

When is the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed?

First off, it is vital to have semiannual check-ups. This way, your dentist can establish the right time to remove them.

Common misconceptions about wisdom teeth:

1. Everyone has to get their wisdom teeth removed.

Some people’s mouths have enough space that the presence of wisdom teeth does not compromise the space necessary for the other teeth to exist and remain healthy.

2. Getting your wisdom teeth removed means your cheeks will be swollen for a long time.

There are new, advanced drugs that help keep swelling under control. Swelling in the face after getting wisdom teeth removed is normal, but should only last two to three days given the appropriate medication.

3. You should consume beverages through a straw following the procedure instead of normal foods because it will be hard to chew.

While it is recommended that you avoid solid or hard foods following getting your wisdom teeth removed, you should not consume your food through a straw. Drinking through a straw can lead to dry sockets.

4. By looking at an X-ray, your dentist can predict exactly when your wisdom teeth will come in.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict how quickly wisdom teeth will move or emerge.

5. All wisdom teeth will eventually erupt.

Some never poke through the gums.

6. Dry sockets after wisdom teeth removal are inevitable.

A small percentage of patients develop dry sockets.

What are dry sockets? 

A dry socket is a dental condition that can occur within a few days after having an adult tooth removed. A dry socket is when nerves or bone are exposed rather than a blood clot forming over the site of a tooth that was removed. It can result in great pain and can be treated with painkillers and by flushing out the exposed area.

To recap:

More often than not, wisdom teeth will need to be removed because there is not enough space in the mouth for them to develop normally. Most individuals go under anesthesia to get their wisdom teeth pulled, and do not see any side effects after the procedure beyond swelling and pain for two to three days. However, dry sockets may take place if proper care is not taken following the procedure. Wisdom teeth often erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Some people need their wisdom teeth taken out even if they don’t erupt. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe procedure and there are generally few 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

 

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