dental implant

Feb21

Why Dental Implants Are Often the Best Solution for Tooth Replacement

Categories: dental implant, Restorative Dentistry

side by side of a bearded man, dental implant for missing toothWhen it comes to replacing a missing tooth, you want a solution that’s as close to having your natural tooth back as possible—something that feels, functions, and lasts just like the real thing. That’s where dental implants come in. At Your Time Dental in Gibsonton, FL, under the expert care of Dr. Kernagis, we provide advanced dental implant technology for patients throughout Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and South Tampa. Learn why dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer an unparalleled combination of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Unlike dentures or bridges, which merely sit on or attach to other teeth, implants fuse with your jawbone, creating a solid and permanent foundation for your new tooth. Here’s why dental implants stand above other options:

1. Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are designed to mimic the structure of natural teeth. They consist of a titanium post that acts as an artificial root, topped with a custom crown made to match your existing teeth. With implants, your smile looks flawless, and most people won’t even notice you’ve had a tooth replaced.

2. Preserves Bone Health

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants help prevent bone loss by mimicking the pressure and stimulation a natural tooth root provides. This makes them the healthiest choice for your jaw.

3. Long-Lasting Solution

Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which may need frequent repairs or replacements, implants are a long-term solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last decades—or even a lifetime.

4. Improved Functionality

Dental implants restore full chewing power, enabling you to enjoy your favorite meals without hesitation. They’re stable, secure, and won’t slip or click the way dentures sometimes do.

5. No Impact on Surrounding Teeth

Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require adjacent teeth to be altered or shaved down. They stand independently, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth.

How Does the Tooth Implant Process Work?

At Your Time Dental, we make the implant process as smooth and efficient as possible for South Tampa and surrounding residents. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect when you choose dental implants with Dr. Kernagis:

  1. Consultation: Dr. Kernagis will evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. This will include imaging, such as X-rays, to assess bone density and the health of your gums.
  2. Placement: A titanium implant post will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This acts as the base for your new tooth.
  3. Healing Process: Over the next few months, the implant will naturally fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a sturdy foundation.
  4. Crown Placement: Once healed, a custom-designed crown will be attached to the implant, completing your new smile. You’ll walk out with a tooth replacement that looks and works flawlessly.

We’re Here to Help

At Your Time Dental, we proudly help residents across Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and South Tampa take back their smiles with advanced dental implant technology. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants offer a comfortable, natural, and lasting solution that restores both function and confidence.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your oral health. Contact Dr. Kernagis and our team today to learn how dental implants can transform your smile. Your best smile starts here!

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

Dec20

Implants or Traditional Dentures? Ask Yourself These Questions When Choosing

Categories: dental implant, Restorative Dentistry

woman smiling on a park bench

If you want to restore your smile due to extensive tooth loss, you have an essential decision. Will you choose conventional dentures? Will you choose tooth implants? There is really no contest when you consider the advantages of implants. Your Time Dental offers lasting dental implant solutions.

Let’s compare conventional removable dentures and dental implant procedures.

Feel

Dentures sit right on the gums. An adhesive is used to help maintain the daily fit A permanent dental implant is surgically fixed into the jawbone similar to one’s original teeth. Dentures fit like there is an obstruction in one’s mouth. Denture wearers say they feel bulky and uncomfortable. Implants feel and function like one’s real teeth.

Do you like the idea of putting adhesive in your mouth?

Effective years

Dentures typically last 7 to 15 years. As discussed previously, as one’s jawbone changes shape, dentures need to be adjusted to fit. Permanent dental implants are fitted once. the longest-lasting solution.

Do you want a long-lasting tooth replacement that preserves your oral health?

Cost

Dentures are the least expensive solution. But you get what you pay for. Although dentures are less expensive they are prone to problems. Implants have a higher upfront cost but are cost effective due to the fact that they are more like one’s original teeth.

What is more critical than speaking, eating, and tasting? What is your jawbone worth?

Bone Loss

This is a huge advantage, but it is relatively less known to men and women who don’t know much about teeth implants. Dentures lead to bone loss over time. This deterioration of the bone changes the shape of one’s jawbone. Implants help stimulate the jawbone. This bone stimulation helps to preserve the shape of the bone therefore maintaining one’s facial structure. This is one of the reasons denture wearers need to continually have their dentures relined. What is a reline? Relining is resurfacing the tissue side of a denture. Material is added to the appliance. Part of the reason that denture wearers need periodic relines is because their jawbone is diminishing. As it recedes, the dimensions of the jaw change.

Do you want to replace your shrinking jawbone with acrylic?

Speech

Dentures often get in the way of one’s speech patterns.  Especially if they move around in the mouth. Implants don’t interfere with speaking. Because tooth implants are anchored securely in the jawbone, they don’t restrict speech at all.

Do you want to be able to speak normally?

Eating

Dentures require one to abstain from certain foods. Sticky or hard foods are difficult or even impossible to chew with dentures. It’s not only more difficult to chew these foods, but you can’t get certain foods off the dentures after eating. Denture wearers frequently have to give up steak, raw vegetables, popcorn, shelled nuts, sticky candy, and peanut butter. Implants renew one’s confidence in chewing any variety of food.

What foods do you want to give up?

We hope you have learned something about the vital choice you have when considering tooth replacement options. If you want to learn more about the advantages of dental implants, schedule a consultation today.

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

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

Nov24

Think It’s Not Necessary To Replace Missing Back Teeth?

Categories: dental implant

dental implants Gibsonton

Some people who lose a posterior tooth question whether to replace it. After all, it doesn’t show when you smile and there are other teeth to take over the chewing functions. Why not avert the cost to replace it and save some money? Actually, there are several important reasons to replace a back tooth with a permanent dental implant if possible:

1. The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting.

If a tooth tips, moves, or rotates, it can influence the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption). Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.

2. The underlying bone will eventually loosen.

Without the tooth root, the jaw bone pulls back. This changes the dimensions of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decrease in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.

3. There will be extra stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions.

This can result in excessive wear, fracture, or pain.

If you have a missing posterior tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment.

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

Nov24

Don’t Forget About Dental Implants

Categories: Dental Health, dental implant

dental implants GibsontonAt Your Time Dental, we understand the importance of having a healthy and beautiful smile. Our team of dental professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired results. We believe that dental implants are an excellent investment for your oral health and can provide long-lasting benefits. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of dental implants and how they can improve your quality of life.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that provides a foundation for a new tooth or a set of teeth. They are made of titanium, a lightweight and durable metal that is biocompatible with the body. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. When the implant is stable, a customized crown is attached to the top of the implant to complete the restoration.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement because they offer many benefits. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants provide a permanent solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth. Dental implants can also help preserve the natural structure of your jawbone and prevent bone loss. Additionally, implants can improve your speech, ability to chew, and overall comfort.

The Implant Process

The process of receiving dental implants typically takes several months and involves multiple appointments. During your first appointment, our team will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a candidate for implants. If you are a candidate, we will develop a personalized treatment plan and take impressions of your teeth to create a customized crown. We will also schedule the surgical placement of the implant into your jawbone.

After the implant is placed, you will need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with the bone before the crown can be attached. During this time, we will provide you with temporary teeth to ensure that you can chew and speak comfortably.

At Your Time Dental, we understand that the decision to get dental implants can be intimidating. However, our team of experienced dental professionals is here to guide you through every step of the process. We believe that dental implants are a valuable investment in your oral health and overall quality of life. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.

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

Oct20

Why Aren’t Dental Implant Prices Listed Anywhere?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, dental implant, General Dentistry

dental implants Gibsonton

You can’t buy dental implants at Costco. You can’t compare relative prices on Amazon. The rates aren’t listed on your dentist’s website.

There is a reason for this.

A dental implant procedure isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The price of a permanent dental implant depends on many factors.

First, let’s designate what we are talking about.

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is anchored where the tooth root used to be. When the post fuses with the bone, the dentist attaches an abutment and then a crown for the visible portion of the tooth.

It’s important to understand that a tooth implant involves several elements:

  1. The post (screw)
  2. The abutment
  3. The crown

So, how much does a dental implant cost?

Give me a rough estimate….

In Florida, you can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,000 for one implant (the post that is screwed in).

Then there is the abutment (connector piece) and crown. These components could cost from $900 to $3,000.

This would bring the total price from $1900 to north of $5,000.

Remember, this is for ONE post, abutment, and crown.

What if I need a whole bunch of implants?

Some people spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for a total mouth reconstruction.

Wow!

Implants seem really costly…

An implant procedure is an oral surgery. It requires a consultation and additional visits. It requires X-rays and impressions. You might need bone grafting to augment the bone where the implant will be placed.

There are indirect expenses as well…

Your dentist will pick up the components from a dental supplier. The dental crown is custom-made in a lab. Dental laboratories have pricey equipment. They employ professionals who are specially trained.

Consider your dentist’s schooling. Just one year of dental school costs between $30,000 and $70,000… (Don’t forget, your dentist earned an undergraduate degree before attending dental school.)

Your dentist employs a team of professionals. A dental office must buy and maintain expensive equipment and supplies.

According to the American Dental Association, it costs at least $500,000 to open a dental practice. The yearly overhead can run over $200,000.

Does my dental insurance cover dental implants?

Some Florida dental insurance carriers cover dental implant procedures. Some only cover the crown portion. Others don’t cover any portion of the procedure. It’s unfortunate that more dental insurers don’t cover implants. They are cheaper over the long run. They preserve bone. They don’t require removing tooth structure like dental bridges. They don’t have as many complications as dental bridges.

Talk to your provider. If your insurance company doesn’t cover them, or if you don’t have dental insurance, meet with us about financing.

Permanent dental implants are costly. No doubt about it.

But if you talk to our patients, each one will tell you that they are worth every penny.

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