Request Request Appointment Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Map View our Map
272 Bendix Road Suite #650,
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 499-9639
Request An Appointment Download Our Forms

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants!

August 15, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 4:57 pm
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

July 22, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:41 pm
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

July 8, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:37 pm
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. 

E-Cigs and Your Smile: How Does Vaping Affect Your Teeth?

June 13, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 3:18 pm
As many cigarette smokers turn to electronic cigarettes to
get their nicotine fix, the topic of how these popular products affect oral
health inevitably comes up again and again. While it is common knowledge that
smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of oral health problems – including oral
cancer, periodontal disease, and substantially stained teeth – not much is yet
known about how e-cigs impact a person’s smile. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
our doctors are happy to share valuable oral health information with our
patients, including how the mouth is affected by smoking vs. vaping
e-cigarettes.
Being an Informed
Consumer

Though research is still ongoing regarding how e-cigs affect oral health, there are a
few things that medical studies have been able to tell us so far. One of these
factors involves the manner in which vaping dehydrates the mouth. A dry mouth
is an excellent environment for bacterial imbalance and the development of periodontal
disease. Patients who experience chronic dry mouth – whether it is caused by
using electronic cigarettes or not –
should contact our office for a consultation to determine the underlying issue,
as well as to seek treatment.
Other concerns regarding e-cigs and oral health revolve around the ingredients used to
create the liquid, or “juice,” these products use to deliver nicotine. More
research is needed to determine how these ingredients, including propylene
glycol and the flavorings used, impact the teeth and soft tissues of the gums,
cheek lining, and tongue.
Schedule Your
Appointment Today

Whether you are currently a smoker, an e-cig user, or simply
someone who would like to learn more about how these behaviors affect your oral
health, we are here to help. Our doctors and caring, compassionate staff are
always happy to share vital oral health information with our patients because
we want you to have the happiest, healthiest smile possible. Contact our office
today to schedule a visit to our Virginia
Beach office and discover the difference that our patient-centric approach
can make in your life. We also happily serve patients in Norfolk, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

Pocket Depth and Periodontal Disease: What’s the Connection?

May 22, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:32 pm
Many people know that gum disease can cause a wide variety
of undesirable issues, including everything from bad breath and bleeding gums
to eventual tooth loss when the condition is left untreated. However, the
majority of individuals – even those who suffer from periodontal disease – don’t
understand this condition and how it affects your health. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Vinita John
Folck and Dr. Stephanie L. Santos offer a comprehensive menu of preventive
and general dentistry services, including periodontal
therapy.
What is Pocket Depth?

Ideally, the tissue of your gums should fit snugly around
the base of your teeth, but periodontal
disease changes this. Instead, pockets form along the gum line, creating
the perfect place for bacteria to hide. Over time, this accumulation of
bacteria can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which further increases
the size of the pocket. This cycle continues as the gum recedes and the infection
spreads. Advanced periodontal disease
can lead to complications with pregnancy, coronary artery disease, diabetes,
and more.
Benefits of
Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy
addresses the infection that causes inflammation and increased pocket depth, reducing the amount of
room bacteria have to thrive in your gums. As with treatment for any other type
of disease, gum disease is most
effectively treated when diagnosed early.
Schedule Your Visit
Today

Gum disease affects
approximately three out of every four American adults; are you one of them?
Because the early stages of periodontal
disease don’t always present the patient with noticeable symptoms, it is
important to see our doctors twice per year for routine exams and cleanings. Contact our office
today to schedule your appointment with our experienced, caring team. Our
practice proudly serves patients from throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and
beyond. 

The Role of Fluoride in Your Dental Health

May 6, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:29 pm
There are a lot of misconceptions about fluoride as it relates to health, and hundreds of sites online that
offer conflicting information about its effects. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA,
our doctors want you to feel informed about all aspects of oral health,
including the ways in which fluoride can
impact your teeth.

Fluoride: Is it Good
or Bad for Teeth?

Fluoride is a
naturally occurring substance that originates from an element called fluorine.
It is found in its natural form in the water and many foods we drink and eat,
respectively. Despite much controversy regarding its effects, the amount of fluoride found in normal tap water is
not substantial enough to cause any adverse health problems. In fact, fluoride is one of the essential
factors in a healthy smile.
Fluoride treatments help
to remineralize teeth, offering improved strength and protection against common
problems like tooth decay. Adults are advised to use a toothpaste and mouthwash
that contains fluoride because of this fact, better fortifying your teeth
between visits to your dentist’s office. As with any procedure or treatment
performed at our office, we invite you to ask questions and raise any concerns
you may have regarding fluoride treatments. We’re here as a source of accurate,
up-to-date information pertaining to the overall oral health of you and your
family
.
Schedule Your Next
Visit Today

Has it been more than six months since the last time you had
your teeth and gums cleaned and examined at Smile by Design? If so, then it’s time to contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA to schedule your
appointment. Our experienced, caring doctors and staff look forward to helping
you achieve optimal oral health through general dentistry and preventive
services, all while welcoming you into a warm, comforting atmosphere. Our
family-friendly practice happily serves patients from throughout Virginia Beach, as well as the
surrounding areas of Fort Story,
Portsmouth, Norfolk, Sandbridge, and beyond. 

What is Periodontitis?

April 16, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 7:50 pm
When most people think of gum disease, the first images that
come to mind typically include swollen gum tissue and bleeding gums when the
teeth are brushed or flossed. While these are certainly common symptoms
associated with periodontal disease, the consequences of leaving this condition
untreated can actually be far worse. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Vinita John
Folck and Dr. Stephanie L. Santos offer comprehensive periodontal
therapy to treat gum disease before it results in more severe
complications.
Gum Disease and the
Body

Periodontitis is
a severe infection of the gums and the gingival tissues that hold the teeth in
their proper places. When these tissues become inflamed and infected, the
structural integrity of the jaw and teeth is compromised. In addition to
causing gum sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding, periodontitis can eventually lead to loose teeth and even teeth
that fall out.
Other complications that arise from untreated gum disease include an increased risk
for heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, dementia, and low birth
weight in infants of mothers with the condition. With periodontal therapy from the team at Smile by Design, we’ll develop a treatment plan that suits your
individual situation. Our primary goal is to help you achieve and maintain a
smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful.
Schedule Your
Consultation

If you suspect that you or anyone in your family may be
suffering from any level of gum disease –
even if it consists of occasional bleeding when you brush or floss – contact our office in
Virginia Beach, VA today. Our
doctors and caring staff look forward to helping you stop periodontitis in its tracks, giving you the healthy, gorgeous smile
you want and deserve. Our family-friendly office gladly welcomes patients from throughout
Virginia Beach and the surrounding
communities, including the cities of Norfolk,
Portsmouth, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond.

Virginia Beach Root Canal Therapy

February 21, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:19 pm
Our teeth are made up of three layers. On the outside is a
protective layer called enamel. Beneath that is a sensitive layer of dentin. At
the very center of a tooth is the nerve, which is composed of a pulpy material.

A serious toothache can be a sign that there’s something
wrong with this innermost layer. Sometimes a toothache like this is caused by a
deep cavity, and sometimes it’s the result of an injury. If you’re experiencing
a severe toothache, you may have an infection that needs to be treated with a root canal
from our Virginia Beach office.
  • Other signs include:
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Recurring pimple around your gums
  • Pain when you chew
With a root canal,
Dr. Santos
and Dr. Folck
can help by removing the infected pulp from your tooth, filling the center with
an inert substance, and cap the tooth with a crown. Removing the infection will
save your smile and offer relief from your uncomfortable symptoms. It will also
mean saving the root underneath. Why is that important? Because your jaw relies
on your tooth roots to stay healthy and strong throughout your life.

Do you have questions about root canal therapy? Are you struggling with a severe toothache? Let
Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck talk to you about your smile. With an oral health
assessment our Virginia Beach team
can help you understand what kind of care you need. Dr. Folck and Dr. Santos
offer root canal therapy to patients
from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and surrounding areas.

Periodontal Therapy for Virginia Beach

February 14, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:15 pm
In our last post, we talked
about the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing. Today we’d like
to talk a little more about gum disease,
its symptoms, and how it can be treated.
The symptoms of gum
disease include:
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pockets between the teeth and gums
Regular checkups at Smile
by Design are important because they give Dr. Santos and
Dr. Folck a
chance to look for symptoms like these. Regular appointments are also important
because not every patient who struggles with gum disease will exhibit all of them.
If our Virginia Beach
team finds anything, we can put together a treatment plan designed around your
specific needs. One of the most common treatments for gum disease is scaling and
root planing. Using a combination of scaling
and root planing plus extra homecare, Dr.
Folck and Dr. Santos can help
you gain control over your symptoms and enjoy better oral health and overall
wellbeing.

Are you struggling with gum
disease? Data indicates that a majority of American adults will at some
point. Call Smile by Design today to schedule an
appointment. Dr. Folck and Dr. Santos are happy to serve patients
from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and surrounding areas.

Oral Health and the Health of Your Heart

February 11, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — smilebydesignteam @ 9:35 pm
In just a few days, couples across the country will be
celebrating Valentine’s Day. Given
how much the heart figures into Valentine’s cards, candy and decorations, now
seems like a good time to make you aware of the connection between your oral
health—and specifically gum disease—and
your overall health. Are you surprised to hear that there’s a connection at
all? Many people don’t realize that one exists, but according to recent data,
it does.
Gum disease
starts with the accumulation of bacteria and plaque around the gum line. Over
time, as these two irritate the mouth’s soft tissues, an infection will develop,
resulting in symptoms like bleeding, sensitivity, swelling and more. Given enough
time, gum disease creates pockets
between the teeth and gum line. From these pockets bacteria and plaque can gain
access to the body’s bloodstream, traveling to, among other places, the heart,
where they can contribute to clotting and even heart attacks.
Gum disease has
also been linked to other
kinds of health problems, including:
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Stroke
  • Pre-term birth
  • Diabetes
  • Pneumonia
How can you prevent health problems related to gum disease? By following a few simple
steps.
First, make sure you’re following a good brushing and
flossing regimen. Brushing twice a day—or after every meal, if you can—will help
you keep bacteria and plaque from building up around your teeth, while flossing
once a day will help you clean between your teeth. You can also add an
antibacterial mouthwash to your routine to make it more effective.
The next step you can take is to see Dr. Folck or Dr. Santos on
a regular basis for checkups and cleanings. Checkups will help us spot gum disease before it develops into a
serious problem; cleanings give us a chance to remove bacteria and plaque you
couldn’t get by yourself at home.
Do you have questions about the oral health-heart health
connection? Is it time for your next checkup and cleaning? Call Smile by Design today for an
appointment. We serve patients from Virginia
Beach, Fort Story, Sandbridge, and beyond.
« Newer Posts — Older Posts »