general dentist in Gibsonton

Oct18

Have You Thanked Your Dental Assistant Lately?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dental assistant in blue scrubs

Your dental practice would be a very different place if it weren’t for the experienced dental assistants who work there.

Today, Your Time Dental would like to discuss the importance of these experts who are typically overlooked.

Dental assistants not only make your dental appointment more comfortable, but they also make it effective, efficient, and safe.

You, the patient, are prepared for treatment by dental assistants and, during services (such as cavity filling, crown placements, root canals, or teeth whitening), the assistants speed things along by passing instruments, taking x-rays, holding devices, and recording important information.

Most dental patients would agree that anyone who helps to shorten their time in the dental chair is a person who deserves appreciation!

Keeping the dental office clean and sterilizing instruments are other critical responsibilities completed by dental assistants. What would we do without them?

My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. I have been serving the Tampa area since 2001. The skilled dental assistants at my practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, are world-class, along with the rest of our comfortable staff.

We can address your dental care needs as well as any cosmetic dentistry procedures you might be interested in, such as veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, or a smile makeover.

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

Oct11

Are You Smiling in Gibsonton?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

cosmetic dentist Gibsonton

Hello Gibsonton! Welcome to Your Time Dental, where we have been here serving the Tampa area since 2001. We are constantly striving to cater to the oral health needs of our patients, and we hope that you might be one of these patients soon!

One innovative way that we keep our patients and others informed is by this blog, the Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog. We want to keep families informed about how they can have healthy, beautiful smiles.

A central objective of this blog is to encourage everyone to develop more effective oral health habits, such as proper brushing and flossing.

Cosmetic dentistry is another vital topic that we like to address. We offer a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services. Ask us about dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, and gum contouring. We hope to educate Tampa residents on what these procedures are and how they can help you get the beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted.

If you have any questions, reach out to us and a member of our comfortable staff can schedule an appointment for you. Whether you want to know more about in-office teeth whitening, or problems such as dry mouth, dental implants, or invisible braces, we can help.

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

Oct4

The Crucial Role of Preventative Care from Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

woman holding a piece of dental floss between her fingers

Preventative care is the cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they arise.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, we believe in the power of proactive dental care to keep our patients smiling confidently for years to come.

Why Preventative Care Matters

Early Detection of Issues: Regular dental check-ups allow our skilled team to identify potential dental issues in their earliest stages. By detecting problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early, we can intervene promptly and effectively, often preventing the need for more extensive and costly treatments later on.

Preservation of Natural Teeth: Preventative care focuses on preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible. Through routine cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments, we can help maintain the health and integrity of your teeth, reducing the risk of decay and tooth loss.

Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss and systemic health issues. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential for keeping gums healthy and preventing the progression of gum disease.

Overall Health Benefits: Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being. Studies have shown associations between poor oral health and various systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

By prioritizing preventative dental care, you’re not just safeguarding your smile but also promoting your overall health.

Components of Preventative Care

  • Regular Dental Examinations: Comprehensive dental exams allow us to assess your oral health, identify any concerns, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
  • Professional Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Education and Prevention: We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain optimal oral health at home. Our team provides personalized oral hygiene instructions and tips for effective brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Your Partner in Oral Health

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing comprehensive preventative care to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles for life. By partnering with us and prioritizing preventative dental visits, you’re investing in your long-term oral health and well-being.

Preventative care is the foundation of a healthy smile and a vital component of overall wellness.

By scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your smile and protect your health.

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and join us on the journey to lifelong oral health and happiness.

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

Sep27

5 Critical Oral Cancer Facts

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

young man checking his mouth for signs of oral cancer in Gibsonton, FL

Dental Checkups Are Not Just About Cavities

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we encourage people to come in twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning.  If you abstain from biannual dental checkups because you don’t believe you have any cavities, perhaps getting an oral cancer screening is a more compelling reason to see your dentist regularly. (While your dentist is checking for oral cancer, we urge you to have a thorough dental examination as well!)

Oral Cancers Don’t Get as Much Attention

In the last few decades, lung and breast cancer have attracted a lot of public attention. There is relatively less awareness of oral cancer even though it claims almost 10,000 lives every year in the United States. If you smoke or have contracted HPV, you have a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Early Diagnosis is Critical

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we work to elevate awareness of oral cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Courtesy of the CDC, Oral Cancer Foundation, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are 5 vital things to know about oral (mouth) and oropharyngeal (back of mouth and throat) cancers.

1. About 80% of individuals with oral cancer use some kind of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).

2. 40% of people who receive a late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer pass away within five years. The survival rate for early-stage diagnosis is 90%.

3. In many cases, it is practically impossible for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce indistinct symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be checked out by a dentist or doctor.

4. HPV (the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the U.S.) is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the copious strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most regularly linked to oropharyngeal cancer.

5. Black males have a substantially higher risk of dying from oral cancer than whites.

An oral cancer check is easy!

A visual oral cancer exam is relatively quick and convenient, especially as compared to other cancer screening tests such as colonoscopies and mammograms. If an abnormality is discovered during an exam, the patient is referred to an appropriate specialist for further testing and diagnosis.

Sources:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/oral_health/oral_cancer_and_tobacco_85,P00900/

HPV / Oral Cancer Facts


https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

 

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: 813-710-9789

Sep20

Your Gibsonton Dentist Does a Lot More Than Fill Cavities

Categories: Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Bad Breath Treatment Tampa

Most people know that they can go to their dentist for toothaches, cleanings, and bleeding gums (not to mention cosmetic dentistry procedures such as a smile makeover), but there are some lesser-known oral concerns that your Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help you with.

Dry mouth treatment

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. It also predisposes dental patients to a host of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of men and women experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Bad breath treatment

Bad breath is usually a result of bacteria build-up in the mouth, and regular trips to your dentist can help you keep your mouth clean and the bacteria count within a sweet-smelling range. Do you have good oral hygiene and still have bad breath? Then your dentist can help you discover the source of your halitosis.

Jaw issues

Jaw clicking and jaw discomfort are symptoms you should have checked immediately. They can be signs of serious oral issues.

Treatment for snoring

Did you know that some dentists can help with chronic snoring? Some types of sleep apnea can be treated with a dental appliance.

Oral cancer checks

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer is much harder to treat if it is not detected early.

Teeth grinding treatment

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches.. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—make an appointment for an examination.

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, you may need fast emergency dentistry at some point.

Your dentist does a whole lot more than fill cavities. Dental professionals are essential members of your healthcare team.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Sep13

How Often Should You Have A Dental Checkup in Florida?

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Most men and women need a dental check-up from Your Time Dental every six months. If you have an increased risk for oral diseases, we advise you to receive an examination every four months.

Welcome to Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Richard Kernagis, DMD, of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, is accepting new patients. If you do not currently have a dentist or are not satisfied with your provider, we invite you to learn about our practice and meet our team. We are convinced that you will like what you find. Many patients entrust us with their dental health and we appreciate the relationships we have with them.

Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems

Most men and women are in a medium-to-low-risk category for dental dilemmas. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, have poor oral hygiene habits, or are plagued with medical conditions that influence your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category. It is important to your dental and physical health to have your teeth checked immediately.

Dentists assess many factors to determine the state of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. The philosophy ‘”Ignore it and it will go away,” does not apply to a tooth or gum problem.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Sep6

When Something’s Gotta Give in Gibsonton, Don’t Let It Be Your Smile

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

general and cosmetic dentistry Tampa

Life is hectic for many Gibsonton residents. At times, it’s impossible to get all the “gotta do’s” done, and many are postponed or dropped altogether.

Sometimes your car has to wait another 500 miles for an oil change. Or you are a month late replacing your furnace filter. Or you realize that you’ve had a leaky faucet for as long as you can remember.

Many important things get put on the back burner, but Your Time Dental urges you not to disregard essential dental care.

Here are some typical dental care shortcuts. Are you guilty of any of them?

Rushing Through Brushing

Your teeth deserve a conscientious two minutes or more. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Use a system to make sure you get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.

Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Have a Toothache

We hope none of our patients put off examinations and cleanings. When you feel tooth pain, it may be way too late to prevent a filling or even a root canal.

Neglecting Professional Cleanings

When softer plaque turns to calculus, you can’t clean it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of the calculus or tartar before it can hurt your enamel or irritate your gums.

Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss

While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to understand that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval.

A straight piece of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss. When you wrap a string of floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more thoroughly clean that vital area around and just below the gumline. We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay in a very small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we urge our patients to practice preventative dentistry to safeguard their smiles for life.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Aug30

Want A Reason To Smile All The Time in Florida?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

Apollo Beach cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Don’t like your teeth? We invite you to consider a smile makeover from Your Time Dental.

1. Look and feel younger.
2. Improve your oral health.
3. Increase your confidence.
4. Smile all the time!

Hello, I am Dr. Kernagis. Welcome to my dental blog. I serve my patients at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, which is located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton, Florida. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 2001.

There are exciting developments in the field of cosmetic dentistry. During my career, I have become proficient in a wide variety of advanced dental treatments aided by breakthroughs in techniques and tooth restoration materials. My passion is providing the highest standard of dental care for my Gibsonton area patients and creating the healthiest and most beautiful smiles possible.

If you are not familiar with the latest innovative dental procedures, you might not realize what cosmetic and restorative dentistry can achieve. A total smile transformation involves a combination of cosmetic dental procedures which may include dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth implants, inlays and onlays, gum contouring, teeth whitening and, in some cases, orthodontia.

If you have dental anxiety, we can help. Sleep dentistry, sometimes called conscious sedation, will calm your nerves and help you relax while you undergo your smile transformation.

If you are in the Gibsonton Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, or Lithia area and have cosmetic dentistry questions, schedule a consultation by calling us at 813-519-0128.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Aug23

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Gibsonton

Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental. If you are one of my patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.

My comfortable team and I love taking care of our valued patients in the Gibsonton area.

Today’s article is for smiles that are overdue for a cleaning and exam.

What is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning Today

We are enthusiastic about preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you are due for a cleaning, schedule today.

An Exam is Not Just to Check for Cavities

After one of our skilled hygienists cleans your teeth, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of decay, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.

You Could Have a Dental Problem Without Knowing It

Some men and women mistakenly believe that they can skip dental visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental problems advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.

No Dental Insurance? No Problem!

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It is far less pricey to prevent dental problems than to treat them after they have become severe.

If you perform regular auto maintenance, you understand the wisdom of prevention. Don’t you value your smile far more than your auto? Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care today to schedule preventative maintenance for your irreplaceable 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: 813-710-9789

Aug16

Want Whiter Teeth?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry

Whiter Teeth for Gibsonton Teeth whitening has become very popular as an affordable, manageable way to enhance your smile with little effort and no pain.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help you understand your options for teeth whitening and the results you may expect from various teeth whitening options.

Over-the-counter whitening systems can give varied effects, with many users not satisfied with over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Your cosmetic dentist can help you whiten your teeth effectively and attain professional results. If you are ready to try a teeth whitening product, please schedule a teeth whitening consultation.

Our comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have about general, cosmetic, restorative, or pediatric dental treatment. Here are some of our services:

weekend dental care
sedation dentistry
root canals
dental implants
tooth extractions

If you are searching for quality, friendly dental care in the Tampa area, call us here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We are currently accepting new patients at our comfortable, state-of-the-art dental office. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to providing superior dental care to our valued patients.

 

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: 813-710-9789