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
Nov26

The 5 Stages of a Cavity

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

You may have heard that once tooth enamel is eroded, it’s gone forever. This is partially true, but in the earliest stage of enamel erosion, a cavity can be reversed. Let’s discuss the five stages of a cavity. Remember, at stage one, it can be reversed.

Stage 1: Attack of the Little White Spots

At this stage, the tooth begins to show signs that something’s going on. The first evidence is little white spots. Though they are under the surface of the enamel, you can see them from the outside.

Demineralization will bring about these spots. When they occur in children’s molars, it can be easy for parents to miss them. That’s why daily dental hygiene and regular dental exams are essential. If you have children, make sure you bring them for regular dental exams.

At this stage, it’s possible to stop a cavity before it needs a filling. Dental hygiene can stop the erosion and fluoride can remineralize the enamel.

Can Stage 1 be reversed? Yes!

Stage 2: Enamel Decay

Did you know that tooth decay begins under the surface of the enamel?

The visible enamel is intact for the first part of Stage 2. Then the hole busts through the surface.

Can Stage 2 be reversed? No…but the tooth can probably be saved.

Stage 3: Going Deeper Into the Dentin

The decay drills into the enamel and hits the soft dentin layer that lies below. This is a severe cavity. 

The good news?

The decay hasn’t yet reached the pulp. It will, however, start to cause pain.

Can Stage 3 be reversed? No…but maybe the tooth won’t need a root canal.

Stage 4: Ouch! The Decay Hits the Pulp 

Hopefully, you will never withstand stage 4. This is very painful. The infection has reached the pulp where the nerves are located. Unfortunately, a root canal is the only treatment option. Unless, of course, the tooth is taken out.

Remember, cavities are completely preventable.

Can Stage 4 be reversed? No…and it must be treated with a root canal.

Stage 5: Abscess Distress

The decay (and infection) has traveled through the pulp and out the end. In the final stage, it drills through the tip. Now the infection is in the tissue and bone surrounding the tooth root. The area swells up and it’s exceptionally painful.

It’s also dangerous for anyone’s health. This is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body. Abscesses originating in a tooth can be fatal.

Can Stage 5 be reversed? No…and it’s life-threatening.

Protect your teeth from decay so you can have a healthy smile for life.

If you see little white dots, schedule an exam and dental cleaning.

https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com/root-canal-gibsonton-fl/

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: 813-710-9789

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
Nov12

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, many patients come in with a toothache. In some cases, the toothache is a secondary symptom of a sinus condition. Let’s discuss the relationship.

Your maxillary sinuses are very close upstairs neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that when there is pain in that general area, the distinct location can be hard to discover.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become inflamed and infected, it can influence the teeth.

In severe cases, swollen sinus tissues can actually move the teeth slightly, changing the bite. The reverse scenario can also occur. The infection surrounding an abscessed tooth can easily travel to the sinus cavity.

An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most frequent type of oral abscess initiates in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by tooth decay.

When an abscess is small, it may go unnoticed but it will eventually lead to pain.

An abscess can cause entire tooth loss and the infection can also destroy jawbone.

If an abscess damages the tooth until it is beyond saving and requires extraction, a dental implant is one replacement option – but only if there is enough bone to anchor the implant.

How can you tell an abscessed tooth from a sinus infection?
Sinus pain typically manifests itself as a dull, continuous pain while the pain from an abscessed tooth increases in intensity. If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp jolt of pain.

You have several sinus cavities, and pain can emanate from any or all of them, so if you have an infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to be in a world of hurt with both troubles—an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection.

Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care if you have pain in your upper jaw and lower sinus area. An abscessed tooth should never be ignored. If it’s a sinus infection, your doctor can help you. This is a situation where you need guidance from both your dental and medical care provider.

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: 813-710-9789

 

ArticleID 7288
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
Oct29

Patient Education Improves Dental Outcomes

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Fishhawk family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we enjoy providing guidance on oral health.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

We also help patients understand how to improve their smile cosmetically. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Gibsonton area and are seeking an experienced dentist with excellent communication skills, give us a call.

We can answer any questions you have about emergency dentistry, dental implants or general dentistry.

We perform tooth extractions, treat dental decay, and whiten smiles with in-office teeth whitening.

As a provider of emergency dental services, we offer extended hours to serve our patients. But we are a full-service general and cosmetic dental practice as well. Your Time Dental Urgent Care can serve all of your family’s dental needs. We’ve been serving Gibsonton families since 2001.

We make patients feel comfortable.

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 8203
Oct15

Patient-Centered Dental Care

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing patient-focused dental care of the highest standard.

We are here to help you. You could be our next success story!

What is patient-focused care?

A check-up with no cavities? A brilliant smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities. Learning proper dental hygiene. Plus gaining an understanding of why it’s important.

What about a local Gibsonton adolescent who is hesitant to smile because of crooked teeth? The solution is a successful course of orthodontic treatment. The result is a beautiful smile that boosts morale.

What about the Gibsonton man who suffered dental trauma in an accident? Patient-focused care could be dental implants that restore oral health and tooth function.

For a woman with tetracycline stains but otherwise healthy teeth, patient-centered care may be as simple as quick in-office same-day tooth whitening.

Consider someone with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods. Patient-focused care could mean natural-looking implant-anchored dentures that allow the patient to eat steak for the first time in years.

We serve your specific dental needs

What are your goals for your smile? What is the current state of your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Richard Kernagis.

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 8205