If there’s one thing we know from our years of experience in dentistry, it’s this: you actually can plan for the unexpected — at least when it comes to dental emergencies. And with the holiday season upon us, we think it’s a good time to help you be a little more prepared for all the things that could go awry with teeth when the family comes together — playing football outside, chomping down on peanut brittle and everything else that puts our healthy smiles in harm’s way. Help prepare for the unplanned by keeping these tips from the emergency dentist in Virginia Beach in mind.
If you’ve got a cavity, there’s no question about it — it has to be filled. A cavity that remains unfilled for a long period of time can cause real problems. Soon that once small cavity is a severely aching tooth that needs root canal therapy or, at worst, extraction. You must have cavities filled, but you don’t have to have them filled with that noticeable, unattractive silver substance. These days you can choose tooth colored fillings in Virginia Beach for a discreet tooth restoration you won’t even remember you had. Keep reading to learn more about this cosmetic restorative option at 
If you’ve ever had a crown, inlay, onlay, or other dental restoration you’re likely aware that traditional dental restorations require at least two appointments. During the first visit, patients’ teeth are prepared, and impressions taken that are used by a lab to create a custom smile restoration. In the meantime, patients wear a temporary restoration. During a subsequent appointment several weeks later, patients receive their final dental restoration. At Smile by Design, we offer patients 
Chips, cracks, stains–together they detract from a healthy smile. Virginia Beach porcelain veneers from Smile by Design disguise minor cosmetic problems for great-looking teeth.
However it happens, losing teeth is always a traumatizing experience. Gaps in your smile negatively affect more than your confidence — they can also interfere with the way you speak, eat and chew. The key to avoiding tooth loss is knowing why it happens, and what you can do to stop it. Keep reading to learn about the top four causes of tooth loss from the Virginia Beach dentist you trust at Smile By Design.
Missing teeth happen for a number of reasons. It could be genes — maybe your mother gave you her knack for tennis, but she could have also given you a few gaps in your mouth. Or perhaps your missing teeth were the result of a traumatic accident, like a car wreck. Whatever caused those gaps in your smile, one thing is for sure — you’ve got to get them fixed. Did you know that nothing comes closer to a natural tooth replacement than dental implants? Today, learn how 
Everyone knows that smoking isn’t good for you. It’s been told to us by our family, friends, politicians, celebrities…you name it. There are even television advertisements warning us about the dangers of smoking and other uses for tobacco. Your lungs aren’t the only organs in your body that can suffer from repeated tobacco use. People who use smokeless tobacco, or “dip” as it’s more commonly known, are putting themselves in danger of developing big oral health problems. Our office in 
Having a child is a life-changing moment. During pregnancy, there are a lot of things to think about. “How am I going to decorate the baby’s room?”, “How big should the crib be?”, “How many bibs do I need to buy?” – all of these are common questions that new parents ask themselves. A to-do list can become overwhelming during a pregnancy which can often lead to stress. Stress is the last thing you should be worrying about during a pregnancy. This is a happy time for you and your future family.
An emergency is serious business. It that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It doesn’t matter why, how or when one arises; you have to act swiftly. When it comes to a dental emergency, time is of the essence. It’s the difference between saving a tooth and having it replaced. A dental emergency can happen in many different ways and can be a scary experience for the affected person. We’re here to calm any fears you may have. Virginia Beach dentists, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck, want you to act accordingly, yet quickly, when a dental emergency arises. Our staff in