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Restore Damaged Smiles with CEREC Virginia Beach

November 16, 2015

a woman with a beautiful smile thanks to the CEREC virginia beach residents preferIf 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 CEREC, the single-visit smile restoration alternative.
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Tooth Loss: Common Causes from Virginia Beach Dentist

September 24, 2015

Father and daughter smiling with missing teeth. Get tooth loss facts from your Virginia Beach Dentist.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.
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All About Dental Implants Virginia Beach Prefers

September 4, 2015

Smiling woman with beautiful dental restoration with the dental implants Virginia Beach trustsMissing 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 your Virginia Beach dentist can help you complete your smile with dental implants.
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The Importance of Maintaining Good Dental Habits from Your Virginia Beach Dental Office

July 24, 2015

surprised beautiful young woman talking on the phone

About 100 years ago, almost no one brushed their teeth. When men in the US were drafted for WWI, poor oral hygiene was considered a risk to national security, and during WWII, more recruits received medical rejection from military services because they didn’t have enough teeth than for any other medical condition.  Maybe this seems like the distant past, but today, more people own smartphones than own toothbrushes and periodontal disease effects nearly 80% of US adults easily qualifying as an epidemic. Oral health has a long history of neglect. Despite the best efforts of dental professionals, most people don’t spend enough time caring for their smiles, but in the past 30 years, a significant shift has occurred in dentistry to help improve dental health. Previously, dentists focused on treatment and replacement. Today, we focus on prevention and restoration. At Smile by Design, we don’t treat your dental issues after they arise we prevent them, and if our preventive measures fail, we don’t extract and replace your teeth, we always try to restore them. It’s a whole new dental world, but without your commitment to oral health between visits, your teeth remain at risk. Call the Virginia Beach, VA dental practice of Drs. Stephanie L. Santos and Vinita John Folck to find out more about oral health or schedule an appointment today.

Essential Family Dentistry Virginia Beach Relies On

In order to maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that, at minimum, people brush their teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day, floss between teeth and below the gum line at least once per day, and receive a regular dental examination and cleaning every six months. That’s the foundation for a lifetime of oral health, but many patients are surprised to hear that their oral health is closely related to their overall physical wellbeing. Remember that 80% of US adults suffer from some form of periodontal (gum) disease? Gum disease has been linked to numerous systemic and chronic illnesses including:

Cardiovascular disease – Oral bacteria causes infection and inflammation in the mouth. This infection and inflammation can spread throughout your body in your bloodstream. Fatty plaque deposits or other blood cell irregularities make it difficult for your heart to pump blood into the rest of your body which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.

Infection of heart, lungs and liver – Endocarditis, walking pneumonia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have all been linked to gum disease as a possible source or at the very least an indicator. While research hasn’t discovered a causal connection, the likelihood that patients with one of these illnesses will also suffer from gum disease is more than 50%.

Immunodeficiency – Patients with diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other diseases that affect the immune system are extremely susceptible to gum disease.

Low weight and pre-term birth – A study of periodontitis (severe gum disease) developed from “pregnancy gingivitis” (common form of mild gum disease in pregnant women), has linked periodontal disease to low weight and pre-term birth. Women with periodontitis are 50% more likely to deliver early or underdeveloped babies.

Contact Your Family Dentist, Virginia Beach

There’s no need to dread your next dental checkup. You should look forward to the opportunity to improve your oral health, and overall wellbeing. Drs. Santos and Folck and the entire Smile by Design team are dedicated to making you feel right at home because we do! Our staff loves coming to work every day, and our patients know it. Happiness is contagious, and we guarantee you’ll smile through your entire appointment. Call to schedule a checkup or teeth cleaning today. Our convenient, Virginia Beach, VA office welcomes patients from surrounding areas Virginia Beach, Northeast Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sand Bridge and beyond.

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

January 28, 2015

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.

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

December 15, 2014

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

November 30, 2014

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.
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

November 15, 2014

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.

Porcelain Veneers from Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA

October 30, 2014

When you see your smile in the mirror or in a photograph,
do you see the smile you want or do you see the smile you’ve simply settled
for? Perhaps your smile is marred by slightly flawed teeth. Whatever the
reason, you don’t have to settle anymore. With porcelain veneers,
Dr. Stephanie
Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck
, the dentists at Smile by Design in Virginia
Beach, VA, can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
The concerns that porcelain veneers can remedy cover a broad range. For example,
maybe you are bothered by a tooth that is chipped, cracked or broken. Whether
by injury or normal wear and tear, porcelain
veneers
can repair these cosmetic worries. Likewise, if you have teeth that
are discolored or stained, veneers can help restore your smile to its natural
whiteness. Gaps and uneven spacing between teeth, slightly crooked or rotated
teeth, and even the shape and length of teeth can all be corrected with the aid
of porcelain veneers.
What
are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain
veneers
are micro-thin shells of dental porcelain that are
bonded to the surface of your teeth to repair or enhance your smile. When you
come to Smile by Design, we will
need to take impressions and photos of your teeth in order for the dental lab
to fabricate your custom-made porcelain veneers.
But that’s not all we do to make sure your new smile
is just right for you. We also take into consideration your facial features,
hair color and eye color. Your veneers need to fit you, not just your smile.
When your porcelain veneers arrive
from the lab, one of our dentists will make sure they are a perfect fit for you
and then use dental cement to bond the veneers to your teeth. With a little
gentle loving care, your new veneers will give you years of smiling satisfaction.
Schedule
an Appointment Today

If you are ready to discuss what porcelain veneers can do for you and
your smile, then call the office of Smile
by Design
in Virginia
Beach, VA
, to schedule a consultation. We will be glad to see you. Our
office also serves patients in Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story and Portsmouth.

What To Do When Canker Sores Won’t Go Away

September 29, 2014

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
.

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