Mollie Gioffre,
D.D.S.
Contact us today! 757-563-8000
2129 General Booth Blvd Ste 117, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
SERVICES
Sleep Device
Sleep apnea and snoring can be serious problems that result in dangerous health consequences. Do you
snore? Would you even know if you
did? Do you feel tired during the day,
even if you slept all night? Were you
prescribed a CPAP but can’t stand wearing it?
Are you awakened by your partner’s snoring? Dr. Gioffre and her team make custom sleep
devices that position the bottom jaw forward, to allow the airway open as you
sleep. The process involves taking upper
and lower impressions and recording the way your teeth come together. A second appointment is needed once the lab
has fabricated the device for trying in the device and making any necessary
adjustments. A follow up appointment
will be necessary to see how the first few nights of wearing the device
went. The device can be adjusted at the
follow up appointment if needed. This is
truly a life changing dental appliance!
Bonding & Fillings
Bonding is a popular method used to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. Bonding can be used to correct cracks or gaps in your teeth, either as a filling after a cavity has been removed or to cover up stains or discolorations. A composite resin is used on the affected tooth or teeth. It is molded and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the tooth. After the resin has been applied, an LED light is used to harden the resin. The resin is then polished to give you a fresh, new smile. Bonding is an obvious improvement over unsightly silver amalgam fillings. With the advancements in dental technology, bonding can last 10 years or more. Bonding is a safe, affordable, and attractive solution.
Invisalign
Looking for an easy way to improve your appearance and boost
your confidence? Invisalign is a great
way improve your smile without the unsightly brackets and wires of traditional
orthodontics. We utilize a set of clear
plastic aligners that are changed out periodically. They are worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
unless you are eating or cleaning your teeth.
The advantages to Invisalign include the following:
- Esthetically pleasing during treatment (no metal
hardware in your smile)
- Ability to easily clean your teeth while in
treatment
- Fast, predictable results
- Comfortable
- You can enjoy whatever foods you are used to
eating
Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. You're existing teeth are used to create a bridge across the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges can be made from gold, metal, alloy, or porcelain to ensure strength and durability.
The process begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area and then sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic. The pontic is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. The dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw.
The process begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area and then sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic. The pontic is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. The dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw.
Crowns
Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent root for a missing tooth. An implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone, an abutment, and a crown. The crown is placed on the implant to provide a new permanent tooth.
How are dental implants different from dentures?
Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed and cared for in a special manner. They can often feel bulky and are difficult to get used to. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth and are permanent. Dental implants give you the ability to eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment. The procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive.
How much do implants cost?
The price of your dental implants will vary based on how many implants you are having placed and the amount of insurance coverage you have.
Do dental implants hurt?
No, a local anesthetic will be given before the procedure so that you do not feel any pain. If you have anxiety or fear you should discuss sedation options with your dentist.
How long do implants last?
When cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.
A dental implant is a permanent root for a missing tooth. An implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone, an abutment, and a crown. The crown is placed on the implant to provide a new permanent tooth.
How are dental implants different from dentures?
Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed and cared for in a special manner. They can often feel bulky and are difficult to get used to. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth and are permanent. Dental implants give you the ability to eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment. The procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive.
How much do implants cost?
The price of your dental implants will vary based on how many implants you are having placed and the amount of insurance coverage you have.
Do dental implants hurt?
No, a local anesthetic will be given before the procedure so that you do not feel any pain. If you have anxiety or fear you should discuss sedation options with your dentist.
How long do implants last?
When cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.
Dentures
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures:
Conventional Full Dentures
This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures
Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.
Conventional Full Dentures
This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures
Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.
Extractions
Tooth extractions (a.k.a. pulling teeth) are needed for a
variety of reasons. Teeth that are
severely decayed, have extensive bone loss, are cracked or fractured, and
infected teeth, might need to be extracted.
Sometimes teeth are pulled for orthodontic reasons; certain teeth need
to be removed in order to make room to straighten the tooth. Wisdom teeth often need to be extracted even
if they have not yet caused problems.
Dental professionals can predict issues certain wisdom teeth will cause;
therefore, they are planned to be extracted before the problems arise, while
the patient is still young and healthy enough to recover easily from the
procedure.
Some extractions can be completed in the office, whereas some must be referred to an oral surgeon. When referred, you will be given a referral slip that you are to take to the specialist and, when it applies, the corresponding x-ray will either be e-mailed to the specialist, or sent with you. The first appointment with the oral surgeon is usually a consultation. This gives the oral surgeon a chance to meet you and determine what is needed for your case. This is the time that you can discuss whether or not you would like to be sedated during your procedure.
Most people recover rapidly after an extraction and are able to work that day. Some extractions require post-operative medications and follow-up appointments. Many are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after having a tooth removed.
Some extractions can be completed in the office, whereas some must be referred to an oral surgeon. When referred, you will be given a referral slip that you are to take to the specialist and, when it applies, the corresponding x-ray will either be e-mailed to the specialist, or sent with you. The first appointment with the oral surgeon is usually a consultation. This gives the oral surgeon a chance to meet you and determine what is needed for your case. This is the time that you can discuss whether or not you would like to be sedated during your procedure.
Most people recover rapidly after an extraction and are able to work that day. Some extractions require post-operative medications and follow-up appointments. Many are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after having a tooth removed.
Hygiene & Periodontal Health
Our Dental Hygienist will make sure that you receive the highest level of service during your dental cleanings, dental exams, fluoride treatments, x-rays, teeth whitening, and bleaching services. To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine as well. We recommend that you schedule routine dental cleanings every six months to maintain your dental hygiene.
Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are essential to oral health as well. We provide periodontal cleanings and treatments, as well as, oral cancer screenings. Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding your oral hygiene.
Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are essential to oral health as well. We provide periodontal cleanings and treatments, as well as, oral cancer screenings. Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding your oral hygiene.
Night Guards
Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse's sleep if loud enough.
If you grind your teeth you should wear a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.
There are also some things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night set up an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth examined.
If you grind your teeth you should wear a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.
There are also some things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night set up an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth examined.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery corrects diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, usually during your late teens to early twenties. For some people, the wisdom teeth emerge through the gums and have enough room to grow in naturally. For others, wisdom teeth often cause problems as they try to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause structural damage to the jaw and other teeth. They can also provide a place for bacteria to gather since they are hard to reach and clean. These potential problems make it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth so that larger problems do not arise. Routine x-rays during a dental exam can reveal if you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or other restorative device. Bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures. The bone used to graph is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft. Cadavers bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation.
Oral Pathology is the specialty that identifies and treats diseases of the mouth and maxillofacial region. Diagnosis is completed through radiographic, microscopic, biochemical and other in office examinations. Oral pathologists provide biopsy services for dentists and offer clinical diagnosis based on their findings. Some of the diseases that Oral pathologists diagnose include; mouth and throat cancer, mumps, salivary gland disorders, ulcers, and Odontogenic Infection.
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, usually during your late teens to early twenties. For some people, the wisdom teeth emerge through the gums and have enough room to grow in naturally. For others, wisdom teeth often cause problems as they try to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause structural damage to the jaw and other teeth. They can also provide a place for bacteria to gather since they are hard to reach and clean. These potential problems make it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth so that larger problems do not arise. Routine x-rays during a dental exam can reveal if you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or other restorative device. Bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures. The bone used to graph is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft. Cadavers bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation.
Oral Pathology is the specialty that identifies and treats diseases of the mouth and maxillofacial region. Diagnosis is completed through radiographic, microscopic, biochemical and other in office examinations. Oral pathologists provide biopsy services for dentists and offer clinical diagnosis based on their findings. Some of the diseases that Oral pathologists diagnose include; mouth and throat cancer, mumps, salivary gland disorders, ulcers, and Odontogenic Infection.
Protective Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment in contact sports. They should be worn by athletes of all ages who participate in any contact sport.
These sports can include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Wrestling
- Basketball
- Baseball/Softball
- Soccer
Root Canals
Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw.
The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. The dentist will remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown. This will improve the success of the root canal.
"Root canal" has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it less "scary". Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain associated with a root canal, but your dentist may prescribe other pain medication.
The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. The dentist will remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown. This will improve the success of the root canal.
"Root canal" has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it less "scary". Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain associated with a root canal, but your dentist may prescribe other pain medication.
Sealants
Sealants are a great way to protect your molars against tooth decay and cavities. These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used most in the chewing process. They are also the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in around five to seven years of age. A second set comes in between the ages of eleven and fourteen. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected.
To place a sealant, an adhesive is applied to the teeth. The liquid sealant is then placed over the adhesive. The liquid hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied as necessary.
To place a sealant, an adhesive is applied to the teeth. The liquid sealant is then placed over the adhesive. The liquid hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied as necessary.
TMJ
TMJ is the acronym for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (the mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many jaw functions, like chewing. If the chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing you pain you may have temporamandibular disorder, or TMD. TMD can be caused by stress, continual clenching of the jaw muscles, or teeth grinding.
Some of the symptoms of TMD are:
- Pain when Opening or Closing the Mouth
- Trouble Chewing
- Jaw becoming Stuck Open or Shut
- Headaches or Ear Pain
- Clicking or Popping Sounds when Opening your Mouth
- Teeth Grinding
Veneers
Veneers are an excellent way to redesign and reshape your entire mouth. Veneers are a thin ceramic shell that cover your existing tooth structure. In placing these new veneers on your teeth, you are able to fix the look of issues such as staining, cracked teeth, spaces, misaligned teeth, chipped teeth and many other issues.
The process can be completed in approximately two to three visits. First, we will discuss the new shape and look you are trying to accomplish. Once we have put a plan in place, we will carefully prepare the teeth for the placement of the new veneers. The next step is to take an impression of the newly prepared teeth. This impression will be sent to our laboratory for the veneers to be fabricated. The laboratory process can take up to two weeks to complete. While the new veneers are being created, we will provide you with a temporary solution until your new veneers arrive.
The final step is to bond the veneers into place. We will make every effort to ensure that the veneers feel and look as natural as possible.
The process can be completed in approximately two to three visits. First, we will discuss the new shape and look you are trying to accomplish. Once we have put a plan in place, we will carefully prepare the teeth for the placement of the new veneers. The next step is to take an impression of the newly prepared teeth. This impression will be sent to our laboratory for the veneers to be fabricated. The laboratory process can take up to two weeks to complete. While the new veneers are being created, we will provide you with a temporary solution until your new veneers arrive.
The final step is to bond the veneers into place. We will make every effort to ensure that the veneers feel and look as natural as possible.
Whitening & Bleaching
Keeping our teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds. With all the coffee, wine, smoking and other foods that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leaves them a little lackluster. Teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like.
To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, we utilize one of our two systems, Opalescence BOOST and Zoom NiteWhite. These systems often result in a whiter smile up to ten shades whiter in about an hour.
To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, we utilize one of our two systems, Opalescence BOOST and Zoom NiteWhite. These systems often result in a whiter smile up to ten shades whiter in about an hour.
