Dental Health

Jun16

Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton Cosmetic Dental Artistry Gibsonton cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art.

I’m Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care and enjoy using my extensive dental training and artistic skills to design treatment plans unique to each of my Gibsonton cosmetic dental patients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural-looking result, I do much more than recommend specific procedures. I consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth. In order to create a balanced look, the facial shape and coloring is taken into account. The Tampa dentistry patient’s age, health condition and lifestyle all influence the plan.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

My artistic abilities have been perfected over several years of creating smile transformations for my Apollo Beach and Fish Hawk cosmetic dentistry patients. Even fairly recent cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have advanced considerably. Dental implants are a truly remarkable solution for our Florida dental patients who have lost one or more teeth.

I would love to perform a personalized smile makeover for you. When the work has been completed and you are enjoying your new look, it will only be obvious to those who see you all the time. Others will assume you have always been blessed with a naturally beautiful and healthy smile.

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

May19

Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

bad breath treatment Tampa

Many individuals mistakenly believe that all bad breath is linked to poor brushing. The truth is that there are myriad causes of halitosis. Your dentist can help you discover the cause of your problem and discuss how to cure bad breath.

Your diet considerably influences your breath. Because foods begin to be digested the second they enter your mouth, and because they are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, you probably will be able to smell strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic long after you’ve eaten them.

Therefore, using mouthwash will only mask the smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not a smart move. This may bring additional oral problems—especially if the mints have sugar. If you want real relief, you may need to avoid strong foods altogether.

Moreover, many dieters find that their diet regimen is making it harder to keep their mouths fresh and clean. Low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning, but the side effect of bad breath can be caused by the chemicals released during this process. Increasing water intake can help alleviate this.

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath. Many people don’t realize how much food can be stuck between their teeth, and this food can cause halitosis if it isn’t removed. More importantly, the food particles turn into plaque which can cause cavities and gum disease.

I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. My practice provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to residents in the Tampa area. I am passionate about prime oral health for all of my patients, and that includes fresh breath. I also want them to love their smile, so if you have any questions about smile redesigns or other cosmetic dental services, give us a call at 813-519-0128.

We make patients feel comfortable -Dr. Kernagis

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 693
May12

3-Point Checklist Before Your Dental Consultation

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

family dentist Gibsonton

Looking for a dentist because you’re losing the battle with plaque build-up, chipped teeth, tooth pain, stains, or decay? I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis with Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

Today’s post offers 3 steps to take before you arrive at our office for a consultation.

The state of your mouth is vital to your well-being both emotionally and physically. Everyone wants to make a winning impression when they smile or speak. We understand that.

The look, the odor, the feel, and the functionality of your biting surfaces are so important to your everyday experience that we recognize our vital role in finding solutions to these issues.

Of course, your very first step is making contact. Please call 813-519-0128 or visit us at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton or online .

After you schedule a consultation with our team, please take a moment to review the following checklist for a productive appointment experience:

1. Analyze your hygiene routine and gaps in technique or consistency.

When do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? How often? If not, why? We can discuss your habits and identify what is holding you back if anything.

2. Describe pain or problem areas throughout your mouth.

Persistent or intermittent? Sharp or dull? Triggered by hot or cold? Living with pain is unneeded with the technology and expertise available these days. Usually, there are easy solutions to seemingly big pains. Let us address all your aches.

3. Explain what you want your smile to look like.

If you can describe your optimal smile, we can explore how to obtain it. There are numerous possibilities for an exceptional smile makeover as well as dental maintenance services. Cosmetic dentistry runs the gamut from teeth whitening to veneers to dental implants.

We welcome questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, the price of filling a cavity, or placing a crown. We have answers for you. We are equipped and trained in care perfect for your needs. We see patients for root canals, tooth extractions, and weekend dental care, to name a few.

When it comes to looking for a dentist in Gibsonton or the surrounding communities, please know that you will be in gentle and capable hands with me, Dr. Kernagis, and my comfortable team.

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 693
May5

Avoid Bone Deterioration Following Extraction

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton Jaw Bone Deterioration Hello, friends of Your Time Dental Urgent Care! In today’s post, we will address jaw bone health.

Those tooth roots are important!

To remain healthy and dense, your jawbone needs to be constantly stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure that extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

Have you had a tooth extracted?

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only possible procedure for men and women with tooth damage beyond repair. However, we make every effort to retain the root structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that surrounded the previous root structure begins to recede.

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of an extracted tooth

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new, artificial root which helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant is comprised of a substantial titanium post which replaces the natural root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and integrated with the implant, a post is placed into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

Are dental implants a good option for you?

For more specifics about dental implants, call Dr. Richard Kernagis at 813-519-0128. The comfortable team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care provides world-class dental treatment for patients in Gibsonton and the surrounding areas.

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 693
Apr28

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Takes Care Of Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Tampa Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

Hi. I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis. Welcome to my Gibsonton dental blog! I find that many of my patients in the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia areas get a couple of dental terms mixed up. Today, I would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Gibsonton dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Tampa dental patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, or Lithia area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment today.

Our comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

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

Mar31

Bad Breath Is No Fun

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Gibsonton Residents Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to meet with your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many people. Regular dental checkups at Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 2001.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis.. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent effect on your breath.

Brushing and flossing daily is an important step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the number of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Other factors to examine include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care located in Gibsonton, Florida; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 813-519-0128 to set up an appointment.

Dr. Kernagis

 

Contact 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 346
Mar10

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

bleeding gums Gibsonton

This is an important question occasionally asked by patients at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly—not leave them alone. It is hardly possible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to harmful gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding generally stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Florida and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could result in gum disease. The good news is that, unlike decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

It is vital to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:

  1. Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
  2. Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  3. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
  4. Thread the floss between two teeth.
  5. Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s critical to scrape up and out of the pocket.
  6. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.

Some individuals find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever process you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still see bleeding? Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128 to schedule a consultation. Richard Kernagis, DMD, will complete a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our goal is to help patients keep healthy teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists not only complete the most thorough dental cleanings, they also educate patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you have a child who needs extra help learning how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with our Your Time Dental Urgent Care child-friendly team.

Some patients have perfectly healthy teeth and gums but are not comfortable with their smiles due to cosmetic problems. If you want to explore possibilities for improving your smile, speak with us today at 813-519-0128.

We offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental care including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment. You can count on us to maintain the highest standard of safety and sterility at Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

 

Contact 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 6969
Jan20

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

prevent gum disease Gibsonton

Unfortunately, gingivitis (gum disease) is very common. But completely preventable.

Here’s some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

If you keep your teeth and gums healthy, you will only need to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Not major treatment.

1. Brush properly

Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Scrub away the fragments of food Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough. Scrubbing your gums aggressively can be painful and is a BIG don’t.

2. Floss daily

Flossing removes plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it far less complicated to insert the floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want tooth decay or gum disease.

3. Use a mouth rinse

Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can halt plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen your breath. (But they can worsen dry mouth which can cause other problems.)

4. Eat a healthy diet

Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A wholesome diet provides the nutrients needed (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.

5. Skip cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

Both of these habits may result in periodontitis (advanced gum disease) or oral cancer. While you’re at it, avoid E-cigs and vapors.

6. Check your meds

Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy mouth. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, meet with Dr. Kernagis.

7. Make preventative care a priority

Exercise preventive care and schedule regular evaluations — the ideal way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.

8. Talk to your dentist

Talk to your dentist about dental issues such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.

9. Protect your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk with Dr. Kernagis about ways to protect your smile. If you participate in contact sports, use a custom mouthguard.

Listed above are nine simple ways to ensure your teeth don’t decay, or worse, fall out completely. It’s vital to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch. Daily dental hygiene also keeps your breath fresh. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate that!

 

Contact 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 8129
Jan13

We Understand Dental Anxiety

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

sedation dentistry Gibsonton

Dental professionals in the Gibsonton area (including the team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care) are dedicated to oral health. Unfortunately, some men and women rarely go to the dentist. Others have the misconception that you only need to go to the dentist when you have a toothache.

In addition, there are those who have severe dental anxiety. Perhaps you fall into this category.

Dental anxiety is real, we get it.

If you are uneasy about dental visits, here are a few recommendations that may help ease you into consistent dental checkups. Certainly, enriched oral health will elevate your quality of life.

Choose a dentist you can trust.

I understand how challenging it can be to seek dental treatment. That’s why I make sure my patients are relaxed before I examine their teeth. First, I ask you many questions. I want to get to know you and help you get to know me. Communication builds a connection. A connection leads to a trusting relationship.

The more I know about you, the easier I can help you.

Be prepared to provide me with vital information about your lifestyle and health. Many men and women are intimidated at a dentist office. Because of this, they may hesitate to disclose sensitive issues.

We are here to help, regardless of your history or oral condition.

There is nothing in your past that we haven’t dealt with. Neglecting oral health. Drug use. Eating disorders. Regardless of your history, we have helped patients with similar problems.

In order to help you, I need complete accurate details. Bring notes if you are worried that you will forget something.

Also, during treatment, tell what you are experiencing so I can help you feel more relaxed. If we discover that you are going to need a dental procedure more extensive than filling a cavity, let’s discuss sleep dentistry.

Oral sedation is safe and effective.

The most important thing to know is that oral conscious sedation or sleep dentistry is perfectly safe. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we have been providing sedation since 2001. We offer different levels of sedation and a choice of medication including oral analgesics, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our comfortable staff will work to make your visit as pleasant as possible.

 

Contact 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 8615
Jan6

Beating Horrible Halitosis

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton lowest price teeth bleaching

“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Dr. Kernagis with Your Time Dental Urgent Care. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about halitosis.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove bits of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth, and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food you are eating can influence the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath no matter how much time is logged brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause a lack of saliva which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a runny nose can cause an odor. The microbe balance in the mouth is ever-changing.

Finally, dentures or removable appliances may also carry bacteria that need to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

Again, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis. Located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, Florida. We offer root canals, tooth extractions, weekend dental care, dental implants, and sedation dentistry just to name a few of our services.

We make patients feel comfortable

 

Contact 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 6129