The cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach knows nothing says confidence like a big, bright smile. But if you’re suffering from imperfections in your front teeth, you’re probably not grinning with as much pleasure as you could — but we can help you smile (and live) better. Learn about your options in cosmetic dentistry here at Smile By Design, from Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck.
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 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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Gum disease therapy in Virginia Beach helps patients retain their natural teeth and experience less tenderness, bleeding, bad breath, gum and bone recession and infection common to plaque accumulation beneath the gums. While Stephanie L. Santos DDS and Vinita John Folck DDS, Virginia Beach dentists at Smile by Design, advocate disciplined dental hygiene at home and in the dental chair, they understand some people are more prone to periodontitis than others.
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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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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 your Virginia Beach dentist can help you complete your smile with dental implants.
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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 Virginia Beach, VA wants you to steer clear of tobacco in any way that you can. For those of you who don’t smoke or use tobacco for any reason; good for you! For the others who do smoke or use smokeless tobacco, it’s time to kick the habit.
Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck want you to come to our office if you notice anything out of the ordinary in your mouth. They are the dentists in Virginia Beach that you can trust. Gum disease is typically a major concern with patients that smoke. We want your oral health to be in the greatest shape it can possibly be, but smoking will only hinder the progress we want to make.
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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.
One item that should be on your to-do list is a dental checkup at our office in Virginia Beach, VA. The link between your oral health and overall health is strong. If you’re experiencing dental issues that have gone untreated, it can complicate how the rest of your health operates. This is bad news for you and your bundle of joy. Keeping your mouth healthy will in turn keep your overall health operating smoothly. Our dental team can provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for our mothers-to-be. If you’re looking for the best family dentists, Virginia Beach knows who to turn to; Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck.
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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 Virginia Beach, VA is ready to help in any way we can. When it comes to dental emergencies, the dental office Virginia Beach calls on is Smile By Design.
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.
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.
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.
