With Children’s Dentistry, Smile by Design Cares for Kids’ Teeth

In February, there is a special day for romantics and a day for presidents. But did you know that the entire month is devoted to children’s dental health? The American Dental Association® has designated February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, our dentists and their staff take your children’s dental health seriously every day of the year. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist who cares about your kids and their teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Stephanie Santos or Dr. Vanita Folck.

Both of our dentists are moms, too, so they know exactly how kids can be when it comes to taking care of their teeth and going to the dentist; they may miss a brushing now and then and appointments at the dentist are not their favorite activities. Nevertheless, they are important, so we try to make their first encounters with us as pleasurable as possible.

We’d like to start seeing your children around the time that they turn two years old. That’s when a fair number of their teeth have erupted and they can usually sit in the exam chair comfortably. At this first visit, we’ll show them around the office before we begin the exam. Then, we’ll gently examine their teeth and gums, check for early signs of tooth decay and count their teeth. If they seem ready, we’ll quickly clean their teeth, too.

The Children’s Dentist Virginia Beach Trusts

As your children grow and their smiles develop, we’ll likely need to apply a topical fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen teeth’s enamel, the first line of defense against decay-causing bacteria. Another defense is dental sealants, which are applied to your children’s molars to shield them against decay, as well.

Call Our Office Today

If it’s time for your children to see a children’s dentist, then schedule an appointment with Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA. We also serve patients from the surrounding areas, including Fort Story, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and more.

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.