Get Rid of Tooth Pain for Good with Root Canal Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA

If you suffer from toothaches on a regular basis, you understand how much it can interfere with your daily activities. It can be difficult to concentrate at work, and you may avoid eating certain foods or drinking cold beverages. Tooth pain doesn’t have to rule your life; the doctors at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA can help you find lasting toothache relief with gentle root canal therapy. Dr. Vinita Folck and Dr. Stephanie Santos offer a complete menu of general and restorative dentistry treatments, including endodontic therapy.

How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

The most common symptom associated with an infected root canal is sensitivity to cold temperatures and pain when pressure is applied to the tooth. Other signs that you may need root canal treatment include a pimple that forms on the gums, darkening of the affected tooth, and tenderness in the jaw. Fortunately, the team at Smile by Design is here to help. We will clear the tooth of all infection, fill the resultant cavity with a biocompatible material, and cap the tooth with a beautiful custom crown. You’ll be free of pain and free to smile with comfort once again.

It is important to remember that some infections deep within teeth do not cause any noticeable symptoms until the decay is quite advanced. This is yet another reason that routine checkups at your local Virginia Beach, VA dentist are so vital to lifelong oral health and beautiful, attractive smiles.

Experience Truly Gentle Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment may have developed a bad reputation over the years, but the truth is that this procedure is no more uncomfortable than a simple filling. Our team will make sure that you are completely comfortable before, during, and after your procedure, offering sedation dentistry for patients who need a little help relaxing at the dentist. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Folck and Dr. Santos at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA. We can help you find lasting relief from toothache pain as we ensure your continued oral health for years to come. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves families from Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond.

Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options with Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

There are a variety of reasons that adults lose their permanent teeth, including injury, periodontal disease, decay, and more. If you have lost even one tooth, you understand the negative impact that it can have on your life on a daily basis. You don’t feel like smiling much around others, and eating your favorite foods may become exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, dental implants can help you achieve a whole smile once again. At Smile by Design, Dr. Vinita Folck and Dr. Stephanie Santos offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry solutions to patients in Virginia Beach, VA, including tooth replacement with dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that is used to secure a custom restoration like a crown, a bridge, or a denture. Because an implant stimulates and supports the jaw bone, it actually aids in preserving the structure of your face as well as your remaining teeth. Patients who wore dentures for years before opting for dental implants can’t believe the difference that they make in their daily lives. Finally, you are free to eat, laugh, speak, and smile with total confidence.  

The majority of patients who are missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. An assessment of your periodontal health and the bone density in your jaw will help to determine your candidacy, but even patients with insufficient jaw bone density may qualify for implants with the help of a bone graft. A consultation with our Virginia Beach, VA dental implants experts is your first step toward restoring your smile’s function and beauty in a way that looks and feels completely natural.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more teeth and you’d like to find out if dental implants are the right choice for you, we invite you to contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our experienced and caring team. We’ll take the time to sit down with you to discuss your unique needs and answer your questions in a way that’s easy to understand. Conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA, our family-friendly dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout communities in the surrounding areas, including Fort Story, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and more.

Composite Fillings vs. Amalgams: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

For more than 150 years, tooth decay and other types of dental damage were treated with an amalgam of metals, including silver, mercury, copper, tin, and other trace elements. While these types of fillings, commonly called amalgams, were sufficient for restoring damaged teeth, they came with a number of drawbacks. Today, composite resin fillings (often called white fillings or tooth-colored fillings) are the preferred restorative method for teeth that have succumbed to cavities, minor cracks, and injury. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck offer a variety of natural-looking, long-lasting restorative dentistry options, including tooth-colored fillings.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings have rapidly become the restoration method preferred by both patients and dentists for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is their aesthetic appeal and their ability to blend seamlessly with the enamel of a patient’s natural dentition. While amalgam fillings are dark and shiny, composite resin fillings are carefully color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure. The result is a beautifully restored smile that looks completely natural.

The benefits of tooth-colored fillings extend far beyond their cosmetic appeal. While the metals in amalgam fillings cause them to adversely react to extreme temperatures, composite resins maintain their original shape and size for improved stability over time. You don’t have to worry about the strength of the seals between your fillings and your teeth, and there’s no risk of leaking or microfractures as there can be with amalgams. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are more conservative than their metal counterparts. This means that less of your natural tooth must be removed in preparation for a tooth-colored filling as compared to a metal filling. As with all of our cosmetic and restorative services, we will do everything we can to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible while offering the most effective treatments available.

A Healthier, More Natural Smile

If you currently have amalgam fillings and you’re interested in the possibilities afforded by composite resin fillings, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment with Drs. Folck and Santos at Smile by Design. Our advanced technology, comforting amenities, and years of experience have made our practice the premier destination for dental care in Virginia Beach, VA. We look forward to helping you and every member of your family achieve lasting oral health and beautiful smiles for life. Our warm, welcoming dental office proudly serves families from throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

What is Halitosis? Bad Breath Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

More commonly known as bad breath, halitosis is a condition that affects approximately 80 million people on a daily basis. Sufferers of chronic halitosis find that their condition negatively impacts their daily lives, leading to embarrassing social interactions and extreme self-consciousness. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck offer a comprehensive range of general and family dentistry services, including diagnosis and management of chronic bad breath.

Causes and Treatment for Bad Breath

While nearly everyone experiences bad breath after consuming certain foods – including onions, garlic, and dairy products – chronic halitosis is caused by accumulation of volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs, on the tongue near the back of the mouth. These compounds are the result of countless bacteria in the mouth and can often be difficult to eliminate with regular home hygiene. If periodontal disease (a common cause of bad breath) is present, the infection must be treated in order to prevent further gum damage. Our doctors offer customized periodontal therapy treatment plans to help patients suffering from this common condition, thereby improving their oral health and stopping halitosis in its tracks.

Chronic halitosis is most effectively treated at your dentist’s office, but there are some things you can do at home until you are able to schedule an appointment at Smile by Design. Brush and floss at least twice per day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash each time. Use a tongue scraper to remove as much bacterial buildup as possible, and try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Sugar-free gums and mints can help to alleviate bad breath following snacks and meals. Drs. Santos and Folck are happy to discuss your concerns and expectations regarding treatment so that we can develop a plan that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Don’t spend even one more day worrying that your persistent bad breath is noticeable or offensive to others. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Folck, Dr. Santos, and our friendly, experience team. Our state-of-the-art technology and genuinely caring approach make our practice your premier destination for general and family dentistry solutions in the Virginia Beach area. We are also happy to serve communities in the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story, and beyond. We look forward to becoming your trusted partners in your journey toward fresher breath and a healthier smile overall. 

Don’t Let Toothache Pain Ruin Your Holidays: Get Root Canal Therapy at Smile By Design Today

With all of the cooking, shopping, decorating, and traveling you have to do this holiday season, the last thing you’ll want to deal with is a toothache. Pain and soreness from a toothache can be so intense; it can literally render you helpless. That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist to get a sore or sensitive tooth treated, before the pain and discomfort have a chance to ruin your holidays. Make an appointment with the gentle and caring dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can get you immediate pain and sensitivity relief with root canal therapy. Smile By Design provides root canal therapy to patients throughout Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby communities.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

·         The dentist will complete the anesthesia, so all pain is blocked

·         The infected tooth will be isolated with a rubber dam

·         An access whole will be drilled into the core of the tooth

·         The root canal will be cleaned out and shaped

·         The dentist will fill the root canal with gutta-percha and use a dental sealer to cover the whole

·         A temporary or permanent crown will be placed

Will Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

No. The compassionate and gentle dentists at Smile By Design take every precaution to ensure that you are completely calm and comfortable during the entire procedure. They will also insure that the infected tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numbed before beginning the root canal therapy. Besides, the intense pain of a toothache far exceeds any sensitivity you might experience during a standard root canal therapy procedure.

Root Canal Therapy Appointments in Virginia Beach, VA

If you are muddling through toothaches, you’ve already waited too long to see a dentist. Not only can Smile By Design relive your pain, the root canal therapy they provide can also save your natural tooth from falling out, or needing to be extracted. To protect your teeth and your sanity this holiday season, make an appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can complete your root canal therapy quickly and efficiently. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA with comprehensive dental services to patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and surrounding areas.

No Long Waiting Periods with CEREC One Visit Crowns

If you have ever needed car repairs, you know that the process can be daunting. You have to drop your car off at the repair shop, get a rental car, and then wait several days (or even weeks) to get your car back. This is because the repair shop has to order special parts, wait for their delivery, and then begin working on your car. It’s all a big hassle. The same is true for traditional dental crown procedures. In the past, if you needed a dental crown, your dentist had to first take impressions of your teeth, construct and place a temporary crown, then wait two weeks for the crown to be constructed by a dental lab. After this long waiting period, your dental crown could finally be placed. Not anymore! With the new CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) one visit crowns, there’s no long waiting period for your permanent restoration. You can be in and out with your brand new crown in one short visit. If you need a damaged or compromised tooth crowned, make an appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can restore your teeth quickly and efficiently using the new CEREC crowns technology. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA and proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story and surrounding communities.

You may need a CEREC crown to repair:

·         large cavities

·         disfiguring chips or cracks

·         broken teeth 

·         misshapen teeth

The CEREC crown procedure is a simple six step process. Your dentist will:

·         Cover the tooth with non-toxic powder and take digital pictures

·         Using 3-D CEREC technology, the restoration is designed 

·         This detailed information is sent digitally to the CEREC milling unit

·         The personalized porcelain crown is fabricated right in your dentist's office

·         The new crown is polished and placed

·         The crown is permanently bonded to your tooth

The benefits of CEREC Crowns include:

·         No fabrication waiting period

·         Prepping, fitting, and placing all in one visit

·         No temporary crown that falls off or is sensitive

·         You receive your final crown in one visit

·         You get a more accurate scanned impression

·         Your dentist can make any necessary changes immediately

Repair Your Teeth with CEREC Crowns in Virginia Beach, VA

We use technological advancements to make our lives simpler and easier every day. This principle should also be true of our dental care. CEREC crowns make dental crown procedures faster and less complicated for dentists and  patients. That means that your dentist has more time to focus on giving you the best possible care. Make an appointment with the highly qualified cosmetic and restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck restore smiles daily throughout Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby areas.

Kids, Candy and Cavities: The Case for Children’s Dentistry

For kids, Halloween is nothing but fun. Costumes, candy, games and parties. For parents and the other people who care about kids, Halloween can raise a few concerns. Of course, you take every precaution to make sure your children are safe on that night of trick-or-treating. But how about protecting their teeth? This is the perfect time of year to be mindful of your children’s oral health. Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, make children’s dentistry an integral part of their family practice.

Children’s Dentistry: A Partnership among Dentists, Parents and Kids

At home, you know what you should do to help your children build a foundation of good oral health. Brush and floss at least twice a day, usually in the morning and at night. This practice should begin as soon as that first little white tooth shows up in your baby’s gum. Just take a soft washcloth or gauze pad and wipe the tooth with warm water after feeding. As more teeth grow, you’ll want to use a soft child’s toothbrush and pea-size amount of toothpaste. Help your children brush their teeth until the age of seven or eight, when they have the coordination to do so themselves.

That foundation for good oral health continues when you bring your children to Smile by Design. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen between the ages of two and three, or certainly earlier if you suspect a problem. Our dentists and their staff will do their best to make sure your child’s time in the office is relaxed and inviting. Then, as they grow and mature, they will be comfortable with routine dental procedures such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and the occasional x-ray. We recommend bringing your children to the dentist twice per year, so that we can spot concerns before they become problems.

Contact Our Office Today

Keep your little ghosts and goblins smiling brightly with children’s dentistry at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA. Schedule an appointment today. We conveniently serves patients in the surrounding communities of Fort Story, Portsmouth, Sandbridge and Norfolk. 

Straighten Your Smile with Ease with Invisalign.

Having a misaligned or gapped smile is never an easy thing to live with, and you may feel as though you are merely settling for the smile you were given. Though you may have considered straightening your smile, the idea of having a mouth full of metal may have deterred you from seeking the orthodontic treatment you want and deserve. Dealing with wires and brackets associated with traditional braces are never comfortable, and the dietary restrictions are not something to look forward to either. Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie L. Santos and Dr. Vinita John Folck are able to straighten your smile with ease by offering Invisalign to their patients at their Virginia Beach, VA dental office.

The wonderful thing about Invisalign is the fact you are able to align your smile without compromising the way you look. Invisalign works through a series of aligners that gently straighten your teeth, and the aligners sit nearly invisibly on your smile! That way, you are able to get orthodontic treatment without making it blatant. Our doctors will make impressions of your smile, and send that information to have your custom aligners made. The wonderful thing about having your aligners custom made is the fact that your treatment is personalized specifically to you, and it will ensure amazing results. You wear each aligner for a specific amount of time, as no aligner is identical to the other. Each one is indicative of a different step in your treatment process, so when you are finished wearing one aligner, simply apply the next one in the series to continue your treatment!

One of the amazing benefits of Invisalign is that you are able to experience complete dietary freedom. With traditional braces, there are certain foods you cannot eat, as the wires and brackets get in the way. So now, not only is your treatment more comfortable, but it is more enjoyable. Also, you are able to experience better oral health with Invisalign. Any time you need to eat, drink, floss, or brush, simply remove and reapply the aligner when needed! If you would like our doctors to help you straighten your smile using Invisalign, contact our office today!

Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of Invisalign for yourself. We look forward to helping you reveal your most beautiful and confident smile yet. Our practice serves patients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and beyond.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants!

Having teeth missing from your smile can be detrimental to the way you feel about yourself as well as the way you interact with the people around you. Our smiles are how we show friendliness to others, nourish ourselves, and communicate with people. If you have a smile that is not complete, you may feel as though there is nothing that can bring back the life your smile once had. Though you may have considered dentures and partials as tooth replacements, you may be wanting a more permanent solution to your smile woes. Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie L. Santos and Dr. Vinita John Folck are able to give you the smile you have been wanting by offering dental implants to their patients at their Virginia Beach, VA dental office.

Dental implants are a permanent solution to having a smile that is not full, and it yields amazing results. You begin the process with a consultation with one of our doctors. They will have to determine whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants my evaluating the current state of your smile, your gum health, and your bone density. Dental implanting involves embedding a titanium post into your jaw bone. Over time, the post will promote healthy bone growth, as well as fuse with the implant itself, creating a strong bond. Once the proper amount of healing has taken place, our doctors will make custom crowns to place atop the implant. The crowns look just like natural teeth, making your smile makeover look as organic as possible.

One of the amazing things about dental implants is that you are able to regain the confidence you may have lost. Feeling insecure about your smile is never easy on anyone, and when you feel confident in the way you look, many positive things are sure to follow. If you would like our doctors to help restore your smile with dental implants, contact our office today!

Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of dental implants for yourself. We look forward to helping you reveal your most beautiful and confident smile yet. Our practice serves patients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and beyond.

It’s Time for a Stunning Summer Smile Makeover at Smile by Design

Summer is officially in full swing, and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy everything the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine have to offer. Make sure that you’re ready to soak up the sun and revel in the fun of the season with friends and family when you come to Smile by Design. Conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA, the practice of Dr. Vinita Folck and Dr. Stephanie Santos can help get your smile ready for pool parties, backyard cookouts, and summer vacation with a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Say Hello to Your Brand New Smile

Many American men and women admit that they would benefit from some level of cosmetic enhancement when it comes to their smiles. Sometimes, it’s a simple matter of stains or yellowing that has them feeling down about their appearance. Deep discoloration caused by coffee, wine, tobacco, and certain medications can make you look and feel years older than you actually are, but professional teeth whitening can help. With the proven power of Zoom! Teeth Whitening, our doctors can help erase years of built-up stains from your smile. You’ll be leaving our office with a revitalized new look and a gorgeous set of pearly whites you can be proud of!

If yellowing isn’t your only concern, you’re not alone. What about problems like fractures in your enamel, mild misalignment, crowding, gaps between teeth, and more? Fortunately, we have a solution for these issues as well. Porcelain veneers are an ideal fix for all kinds of problems all at once, giving you a perfectly proportioned, uniform smile in just two visits. These ultra-thin, durable layers of customized dental porcelain fit right over your natural teeth, giving the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted with minimal preparation. Whatever you need to feel great about your smile this summer, you’ll find it here at Smile by Design.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation Today

Whether your smile needs a complete transformation or you’d simply like to give it a little boost for summer, our doctors are here to help. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your visit with our team, and explore the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry for yourself. We look forward to helping you reveal your most beautiful and confident smile yet. Our practice serves patients from throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and beyond. 

Sleep Apnea Therapy: Get the Restful Night’s Sleep You Want and Deserve

Snoring is a common complaint among partners of men and women with sleep apnea, but this noisy nuisance isn’t the primary reason to treat the underlying condition. Sleep apnea has been linked to a wide range of associated health complications and should be treated to avoid potentially fatal conditions. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck offer a comprehensive solution to sleep apnea and loud snoring in order to help our patients rest well, feel better, and stay healthy.

Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea

When a patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, the tongue and soft tissues of the oral cavity partially or fully block the airway during sleep. The level of oxygen in the blood gradually decreases until the brain sends an urgent signal to the body to wake up and take a full breath. Most patients don’t awaken fully, though they do experience the sensation of lost sleep the next day. Feeling exhausted at work and on the road can be exceedingly dangerous, particularly for individuals who drive long distances or work with heavy machinery. Other complications associated with untreated sleep apnea include the following:

·         Circulatory problems, including high blood pressure

·         Cardiovascular disease

·         Eye conditions, including glaucoma and conjunctivitis

·         Increased risk of complications following surgery

·         Coronary artery disease

·         Stroke

·         Respiratory failure

·         Irregular heartbeat

·         Pulmonary hypertension

·         Complications during pregnancy

·         Chronic headaches

·         Seizures

Improve Your Life with Sleep Apnea Therapy

Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your consultation with our doctors and our caring, experienced team. We look forward to helping you overcome snoring and sleep apnea in a way that suits your lifestyle and improves your health. Our state-of-the-art dental facility proudly serves patients from the entire Virginia Beach, VA area and nearby communities in Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story, Portsmouth, and more. Our team can’t wait to serve you and your family with exceptional dental care. 

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products: How Effective Are They?

Everyone wants a bright, healthy smile that they’re proud to show off to the people in their lives, but aging and many external factors can cause our teeth to look less than lustrous. Today, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available at your local pharmacy and grocery stores, each of them promising amazing results. It is important, however, to be an informed consumer when it comes to teeth whitening products and services before you make a decision. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, our doctors are happy to help patients understand the intricacies of teeth whitening and how it affects your teeth.

OTC Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening strips and comparable over-the-counter whitening products are capable of producing temporary results because they remove surface stains from the enamel. Unfortunately, their active ingredients aren’t powerful enough to deliver long-lasting results and, therefore, customers must repeat the process every month or so. In addition, because these products are used at home, there is more margin for error in application. This means that you may not even get the results you see on the package, particularly if the whitening solution does not remain in contact with all surfaces of the teeth for the prescribed amount of time.

Zoom! Whitening: Advantages of In-Office Whitening

Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional whitening services – including the highly-effective Zoom! Whitening we offer in our office – produce lasting results by removing stains from deep within each tooth. The hydrogen peroxide gel formula we use during your Zoom! procedure is activated by a specialized light, allowing the active ingredients to permeate the stained layers of dentin and enamel. Years of discoloration are effectively lifted in a single, one-hour treatment. Take-home kits can be used to touch up your smile and maintain lasting results. Over-the-counter treatments simply cannot penetrate the surfaces of your teeth to remove set-in stains the way Zoom! Whitening can.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Do you want to experience the full benefits of a gorgeously white smile in less time than ever before? Contact our office today if you have any questions about teeth whitening, or if you’re ready to schedule your appointment with our team of experienced doctors and our friendly staff. We look forward to helping you achieve the brilliantly white, healthy smile of your dreams. Our conveniently located office in Virginia Beach, VA proudly serves patients from the surrounding areas as well, including Portsmouth, Norfolk, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond. 

E-Cigs and Your Smile: How Does Vaping Affect Your Teeth?

As many cigarette smokers turn to electronic cigarettes to get their nicotine fix, the topic of how these popular products affect oral health inevitably comes up again and again. While it is common knowledge that smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of oral health problems – including oral cancer, periodontal disease, and substantially stained teeth – not much is yet known about how e-cigs impact a person’s smile. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, our doctors are happy to share valuable oral health information with our patients, including how the mouth is affected by smoking vs. vaping e-cigarettes.

Being an Informed Consumer

Though research is still ongoing regarding how e-cigs affect oral health, there are a few things that medical studies have been able to tell us so far. One of these factors involves the manner in which vaping dehydrates the mouth. A dry mouth is an excellent environment for bacterial imbalance and the development of periodontal disease. Patients who experience chronic dry mouth – whether it is caused by using electronic cigarettes or not – should contact our office for a consultation to determine the underlying issue, as well as to seek treatment.

Other concerns regarding e-cigs and oral health revolve around the ingredients used to create the liquid, or “juice,” these products use to deliver nicotine. More research is needed to determine how these ingredients, including propylene glycol and the flavorings used, impact the teeth and soft tissues of the gums, cheek lining, and tongue.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you are currently a smoker, an e-cig user, or simply someone who would like to learn more about how these behaviors affect your oral health, we are here to help. Our doctors and caring, compassionate staff are always happy to share vital oral health information with our patients because we want you to have the happiest, healthiest smile possible. Contact our office today to schedule a visit to our Virginia Beach office and discover the difference that our patient-centric approach can make in your life. We also happily serve patients in Norfolk, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

The Role of Fluoride in Your Dental Health

There are a lot of misconceptions about fluoride as it relates to health, and hundreds of sites online that offer conflicting information about its effects. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, our doctors want you to feel informed about all aspects of oral health, including the ways in which fluoride can impact your teeth.

Fluoride: Is it Good or Bad for Teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that originates from an element called fluorine. It is found in its natural form in the water and many foods we drink and eat, respectively. Despite much controversy regarding its effects, the amount of fluoride found in normal tap water is not substantial enough to cause any adverse health problems. In fact, fluoride is one of the essential factors in a healthy smile.

Fluoride treatments help to remineralize teeth, offering improved strength and protection against common problems like tooth decay. Adults are advised to use a toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride because of this fact, better fortifying your teeth between visits to your dentist’s office. As with any procedure or treatment performed at our office, we invite you to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have regarding fluoride treatments. We’re here as a source of accurate, up-to-date information pertaining to the overall oral health of you and your family

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Schedule Your Next Visit Today

Has it been more than six months since the last time you had your teeth and gums cleaned and examined at Smile by Design? If so, then it’s time to contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA to schedule your appointment. Our experienced, caring doctors and staff look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health through general dentistry and preventive services, all while welcoming you into a warm, comforting atmosphere. Our family-friendly practice happily serves patients from throughout Virginia Beach, as well as the surrounding areas of Fort Story, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Sandbridge, and beyond. 

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. 

Visit Our Testimonial Page

In our last post, we introduced new visitors to Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck, the dentists at Smile by Design. Today we want to highlight another page on our site—our testimonial page.

When looking for a new dental office, a recommendation from a friend or family member can make your choice much clearer. But barring that, a testimonial can also help.

On our testimonial page, you’ll find quotes from actual patients. With these quotes, new patients can read about what a visit to Smile by Design will be like. As a result, you can approach your own appointment feeling more comfortable about what your experience will be like.

If you’re already comfortable with your upcoming visit, we hope you’ll look at the list of services we offer. We offer a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative services, including:

• Children’s Dentistry
• Periodontal Therapy
• Teeth Whitening
• Porcelain Veneers
• CEREC One-Visit Crowns
• Dental Implants

During your visit with us, we can tell you if any of these services are right for you. We can also answer any questions you might have about your smile and how we can help it.

Call Smile by Design to schedule an appointment with us. We happily serve patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and surrounding areas.

Get To Know Our Dentists

If you’re new to Virginia Beach, or you’ve never visited our site before, you may not know anything about our doctors. That’s why we want to use today’s post to tell you a little bit about them.

The doctors at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach are Stephanie Santos and Vinita Folck. Both have extensive experience as dental professionals, and both are committed to providing patients with excellent care.

“I love helping people overcome their dental fears,” Dr. Santos says in her bio. Dr. Santos earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Old Dominion University before completing her DDS at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was also an army dentist for three years.

Dr. Folck is from Texas. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami and then attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio for her dental degree. “This practice is like family!” she says in her bio. Dr. Folck’s husband is also an oral surgeon practicing in Virginia Beach.

Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck are both members of important dental organizations, like the American Dental Association.

Are you looking for a dentist in the Virginia Beach area? Call Smile by Design today to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and surrounding areas.

Virginia Beach Root Canal Therapy

Our teeth are made up of three layers. On the outside is a protective layer called enamel. Beneath that is a sensitive layer of dentin. At the very center of a tooth is the nerve, which is composed of a pulpy material.

A serious toothache can be a sign that there’s something wrong with this innermost layer. Sometimes a toothache like this is caused by a deep cavity, and sometimes it’s the result of an injury. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, you may have an infection that needs to be treated with a root canal from our Virginia Beach office.

• Other signs include:
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swollen or tender gums
• Recurring pimple around your gums
• Pain when you chew

With a root canal, Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can help by removing the infected pulp from your tooth, filling the center with an inert substance, and cap the tooth with a crown. Removing the infection will save your smile and offer relief from your uncomfortable symptoms. It will also mean saving the root underneath. Why is that important? Because your jaw relies on your tooth roots to stay healthy and strong throughout your life.

Do you have questions about root canal therapy? Are you struggling with a severe toothache? Let Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck talk to you about your smile. With an oral health assessment our Virginia Beach team can help you understand what kind of care you need. Dr. Folck and Dr. Santos offer root canal therapy to patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and surrounding areas.