What To Do When Canker Sores Won’t Go Away

A canker sore is a small, painful, shallow ulcer that appears inside the mouth; they may form on the tongue, the back portion of the roof of your mouth, or inside your cheeks.  The exact cause of most canker sores is still unknown, although stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of most simple canker sores. Highly acidic foods can also trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system or nutritional deficiencies involving vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron. Other medical conditions like gastrointestinal tract disease, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease could also be the culprit. If you have a canker sore that has lasted more than a week or two, you should make an appointment with the dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can help you get immediate treatment and relief. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA and proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story and surrounding communities.

Types of Canker Sores

There are two types of canker sores. The first type is the simple canker sore. These may appear sporadically three or four times per year and last for up to a week. They typically afflict young people between the ages of 10 and 20 years old. The second type is the complex canker sore. Complex canker sores are larger than simple canker sores, extremely painful, take more than a month to heal and can possibly leave a scar. They are less common and occur more often in people who have a long history of simple canker sores. People often confuse canker sores with cold sores but they are not the same. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. While canker sores only appear inside the mouth, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth, under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin.

Treatment for Canker Sores in Virginia Beach, VA

Usually, the pain from a canker sore lessens in a few days, and the sores heal themselves without treatment in about a week or two. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with the experienced dentists of Smile By Design immediately as these may be signs of a more serious medical condition:

·         Unusually large sores

·         Sores that are spreading throughout your mouth

·         Sores that last three weeks or longer

·         Intense pain despite avoiding acidic foods and taking pain medication

·         Difficulty drinking enough fluids

·         High fever accompanying the canker sores

Smile By Design is located in Virginia Beach, VA, with service to patients from the nearby communities of Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story. 

How Do You Know When to Get Dentures?

The number of US adults needing dentures is projected to increase from 33.6 million in 1991 to 37.9 million in 2020. Dentures are not inevitable for most people if they actively practice good oral hygiene habits and keep semi-annual dental checkups. Without these long-term measures in place however, gum disease and tooth decay, the main culprits of tooth loss, may win out. Gum disease causes about 70% of adult tooth loss and affects 3 out of 4 people at some point in their lives. Make an appointment with the experienced and caring dentists of Smile By Design to discuss your tooth replacement options. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can help you decide if the time is right to get dentures to replace your missing teeth. Smile by Design proudly serves patients throughout the Virginia Beach area, including Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.

Dentures Can’t Fully Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is avoidable today unless you neglect your teeth by not brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist. When this happens, tooth decay and gum disease can progress to bone loss, which in turn can lead to tooth loss and possibly dentures.  Dentures should be a last resort because there is no perfect substitute for your natural teeth.

Losing your natural teeth is more than just an esthetic issue. The average adult bite force with natural teeth is somewhere around 200-250 pounds; with dentures, your bite force is reduced significantly to about 50 pounds. This makes it increasingly difficult to chew and digest certain foods like fruits and meats. Also, if you use upper dentures, the taste buds on the roof of your mouth will be covered, which can significantly reduce your sense of taste. Lastly, getting full dentures may cause your face to age more rapidly than peers that still have their natural teeth. This is because the bone that was used to support your natural teeth reabsorbs into the body. As the top of the mouth reabsorbs upwards, and the bottom of the mouth reabsorbs downwards, the space between your nose and chin shrinks, giving you an overall aged look.

Dentures and Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

If you are facing the need to replace a large number of missing, or soon to be missing teeth, you are not alone. It’s estimated that 29% of Americans ages 45 to 55, 16% of Americans ages 35 to 44, and 3% of Americans ages 18 to 34 wear either full or partial dentures. These dentures don’t last forever and need to be replaced every 5-7 years, and relined every 2 years.  Although dentures aren't always easy to wear, not replacing your missing teeth isn’t a good option because the pressure on the remaining teeth is too great. Fortunately today, dental implants offer an attractive alternative to dentures. Choosing to get dental implants eliminates the side effect of premature aging because the implant replaces the tooth root and bone in your jaw. Also, dental implants have a bigger bite force than regular dentures because they are cemented into the jawbone for added stability. To discuss your tooth replacement options, make an appointment with Smile By Design today. The gentle dentists at Smile By Design proudly serve patients in and around Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.

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.