Are You Seeing Us for the First Time?

Is your upcoming visit with us also going your first? Then we'd like to tell you how much we're looking forward to seeing you. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, our goal is making close, personal relationships with our patients–new and old–because that's how you deliver truly compassionate and patient-centered care.

We also want to let you know about our New Patient page. On this page, you will find a link for downloading our new patient forms. Filling these out before you come see us will make it possible to streamline your visit. When you come in, just hand us your paperwork and take a seat while we start processing your information.

You may also want to take a look at our Services page, if you have not already done so. On this page, you'll find helpful information about the range of services we offer, and what those services entail. Some of our biggest services include:

• Children's Dentistry
• Periodontal Therapy
• Root Canal Therapy
• Teeth Whitening
• Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Implants

If you have any questions about these services, the information on our site will help you gain a basic understanding of them. If you still have questions afterwards, we would be happy answer them during your visit.

Call us today if you're ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Santos or Dr. Folck. We're happy to serve the needs of patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and nearby communities.

What is Periodontitis?

When most people think of gum disease, the first images that come to mind typically include swollen gum tissue and bleeding gums when the teeth are brushed or flossed. While these are certainly common symptoms associated with periodontal disease, the consequences of leaving this condition untreated can actually be far worse. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Vinita John Folck and Dr. Stephanie L. Santos offer comprehensive periodontal therapy to treat gum disease before it results in more severe complications.

Gum Disease and the Body

Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums and the gingival tissues that hold the teeth in their proper places. When these tissues become inflamed and infected, the structural integrity of the jaw and teeth is compromised. In addition to causing gum sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding, periodontitis can eventually lead to loose teeth and even teeth that fall out.

Other complications that arise from untreated gum disease include an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, dementia, and low birth weight in infants of mothers with the condition. With periodontal therapy from the team at Smile by Design, we’ll develop a treatment plan that suits your individual situation. Our primary goal is to help you achieve and maintain a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you suspect that you or anyone in your family may be suffering from any level of gum disease – even if it consists of occasional bleeding when you brush or floss – contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today. Our doctors and caring staff look forward to helping you stop periodontitis in its tracks, giving you the healthy, gorgeous smile you want and deserve. Our family-friendly office gladly welcomes patients from throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities, including the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond.

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

You can never see a dental emergency coming—that’s part of what defines an emergency. So knowing what to do when you’re in the middle of one is very important. In today’s post, we want to go through some of the most common dental emergencies and offer tips on what to do in each case. If you don’t see your emergency on the list, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re ready to help you!

Knocked Out Tooth

If you suddenly lose a tooth because of an accident, injury, or some other cause, call us immediately. Reattachment is possible if we can see you soon enough. Until Dr. Santos or Dr. Folck can see you, gently rinse the tooth and put it back in its socket. If you're unable to do that, store it in a baggie of milk.

Broken Tooth

As with a knocked out tooth, breaking a tooth is also a jarring experience. If you have a broken or cracked a tooth, call us for an appointment. And in the meantime, rinse the area with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area to treat pain and swelling.

Damaged Crown

Crowns can also become damaged, especially temporary crowns. At Smile by Design, we can replace your broken crown in a single appointment with our Virginia Beach office's CEREC machine.

Severe Toothache

Are you struggling with a severe toothache? Before you call us, try flossing around the affected tooth to see you can dislodge anything from the area. If flossing does not help and your toothache continues, call us for an appointment. Avoid putting aspirin on your tooth as this can damage your sensitive gum tissue.

Something Caught between Teeth

As with the last emergency, try flossing before you give us a call. Avoid using sharp instruments to help you.

Cut/Bitten Tongue or Lip

Bleeding from your tongue or lip is a more serious emergency that may require a trip to your local emergency room. Clean the area and hold a cold compress to it for a while to stop the bleeding. If your bleeding does not stop, visit your area ER.

Possible Broken Jaw

As with a bleeding tongue or lip, you should see your local emergency room for help with a broken jaw.

Are you experiencing a dental emergency not listed here? Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck would be happy to consult with you. Call us immediately for help. Our Virginia Beach office serves patients from Fort Story, Sandbridge, and nearby communities.