Uncategorized

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
Dec31

Smart Brushing is Better Than Aggressive Brushing

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

cost of dental crowns Tampa

Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush inadequately but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems.

They may pride themselves on their daily dental hygiene, but frequency does not make up for incorrect methods. One of the most common errors—especially for adolescents—is rapid, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.

There is a certain logic to this method; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The problem is that teeth and gums have special characteristics that require finesse. While enamel is sturdy, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.

If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of tooth surface and spit everything out in less than a minute, this article is for you.

Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:

The friendly dental hygienists at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton teach patients the proper way to brush teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lower the risk of future problems.

Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing:

  • Plaque is soft enough to scratch off with a fingernail, so brush accordingly with soft bristles
  • Holding the toothbrush at the correct angle achieves a thorough cleaning
  • Proper tooth brushing can prolong that marvelous professional-cleaning feel
  • Flossing is easier without sore, bleeding gums

If you have already damaged your teeth or gums through aggressive or haphazard brushing, it’s critical to fix those dilemmas and get back on track. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

 

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
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 6562
Dec24

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Tampa

Today’s post discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are in the Tampa area and are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, call us today at 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and sedation dentistry. We accept most Florida dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. Talk to our office about cash prices for exams and cleanings and financing for more extensive services.

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 4110
Dec17

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Apollo Beach

Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

Which is better, a floss pick or regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Kernagis recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that crucial area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more nimble than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are vigilant floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a guide to appropriate flossing:

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly 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 vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to deliver a clean segment for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
5. Some people find it easier to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you decide on, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding commonly stops within a week or two.

 

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 7340
Dec10

Tooth Tips For Traveling

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Tooth Tips For Traveling

If you are planning to take a long vacation or business trip soon, I recommend you think about your dental needs.

It’s always a good idea to have a checkup with your dentist prior to leaving on long vacations, especially if your trip is taking you to develop areas without modern dental care. This quick check-up will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

Another important consideration; if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, consider it with your dentist. Many dental procedures are actually surgical procedures. This means that your body will need more time to heal than you may realize.

Also, if you’re leaving by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. In addition, make sure you are aware of any required follow-up appointments with your dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

If you are looking for general dental care or quality cosmetic dentistry in the Gibsonton area, please call us today and speak with our comfortable staff to schedule a consultation or examination.

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 3695
Dec3

A Facial or Filling?

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

A Facial Or Filling In Lithia?At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we know that we can’t completely fool you. When you receive treatment at our comfortable cosmetic dental practice, you won’t actually believe you are at a plush Tampa spa relaxing with cucumbers over your eyes.

Just because we can’t recreate an identical spa experience, that doesn’t stop us from trying.

We have a wonderful dental office amenities for our Gibsonton dentistry patients.

  • Oral conscious sedation: choose your level of sedation for confident relaxation
  • Topical analgesic
  • A variety of media choices
  • Soft bite blocks to rest your jaw during treatment
  • Personalized attention from our comfortable Your Time Dental Urgent Care team
  • Ergonomic reclining chairs for maximum back and neck comfort
  • Rigorous infection control protocols for peace of mind
  • The latest dental technology which helps expedite procedures and cleanings

What’s on your dental wish list?

Are you in need of tooth restorations, teeth whitening, orthodontic solutions, or just a thorough dental cleaning in Gibsonton? We offer the full spectrum of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services and have been pampering patients since 2001. Ask us about urgent dental care, emergency dental care and sedation dentistry. There have never been more ways to upgrade your smile whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth, close gaps or replace old dental work.

Relax in comfort at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Enjoy a luxurious dental spa experience at Your Time Dental Urgent Care without paying extra. We are committed to gentle dentistry and passionate about delighting our patients. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment.

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 3086
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