Cosmetic Dentistry

Feb4

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

In today’s post, let’s examine some specifics about brushing. One key to activating the value of toothpastes is creating foam when correctly brushing.

Working up a good foam is achieved by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90-degree angle. The foaming helps with dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.

Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are perfect for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may see tooth pain, increased build-up, and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.

Moreover, remember that flossing is vital and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.

To recap:

  • Wet a soft bristle toothbrush
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste
  • Brush at 45-degree angle
  • Brush gently for 2-3 minutes
  • Cover every surface of every tooth
  • Swish around in the mouth before spitting out
  • Floss gently around each tooth and don’t overlook the back surface of the rear molars
  • Rinse out debris

This article is brought to you by Your Time Dental Urgent Care, a reputable dental practice in Gibsonton. We are passionate about dental education and confident smiles for all.

Dr. Richard Kernagis has been serving Gibsonton area families since 2001. We are located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. Contact us at 813-519-0128 or https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com.

Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic services we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!

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 6935
Jan28

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Patients Have A Choice In Dental Fillings

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

Tampa Dental Patients Want A Choice In Dental Fillings

With all the talk in Tampa of multi-procedure smile makeovers involving veneers, porcelain crowns, bridges, teeth whitening, dental implants, and invisible braces, sometimes the traditional dental filling is overlooked.

If a cavity progresses no further than a filling, Florida cosmetic dental patients can avoid more extensive and invasive treatments. Today, let’s talk about dental fillings.

Most dental patients in the Tampa and Gibsonton area have a few fillings in their mouths. When a tooth has been damaged through decay, a dental filling is the most common way Florida family dentists restore the tooth to its previous, intact condition.

Dental fillings have been used for over a hundred years, and they’ve come a long way from the silvery amalgam fillings many of us in the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia areas remember.

Tampa cosmetic dentists and dental labs have been working to formulate filling materials that are more cosmetically pleasing to their Florida patients.

Today, the filling material of choice in Gibsonton and around the country is a composite of plastic resin with glass or quartz filler. Referred to as composite fillings, Gibsonton dental patients love the fact that they can be matched to their natural tooth color, making them practically invisible. This is particularly important when the filling needs to be in a conspicuous part of the mouth, such as the front teeth.

Despite the popularity of tooth-colored fillings, many Tampa dentists still find amalgam fillings appropriate in some cases. Dental amalgam is made from a metal alloy, which gives it the ability to hold strong even when the chewing load is great.

I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis and I work hard to make sure each patient feels comfortable during their dental visit. I’ve practiced dentistry since 2001, and I find it especially rewarding when Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia residents experience renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

Whether you are interested in replacing metal fillings with composites, or if you want to discuss tooth whitening and veneers, our staff would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Call 813-519-0128 today to schedule an appointment with Your Time Dental Urgent Care!

 

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 3900
Jan21

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health

Periodontal Disease in Florida Though most Florida residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we see patients with gum disease every day. Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until Dr. Richard Kernagis diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be managed and, ultimately, cured. However, the best policy for Florida dental patients is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check-up at your local Gibsonton dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call at 813-519-0128 to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Don’t take the risk of allowing existing dental problems like gum disease to progress. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to the highest standard of dental care and patient satisfaction.

 

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 140
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
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
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
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