Can I replace my old fillings?

Yes. Silver fillings (amalgams) have served the profession well in the past, but are being replaced by bonded white fillings.

Will insurance cover my cosmetic dentistry treatments?

Occasionally insurance will assist if the reason for the dentistry is deemed necessary. If the sole reason for the dentistry is cosmetics, don’t expect much success.

Are silver (amalgam) fillings safe?

This is a controversial area with strong supporters on both sides. Dr. Compton has had at least 20 silver fillings in his mouth since his teenage years and has never missed a day of work in 36 years. We utilize very few silver fillings nowadays because modern dentistry provides a much better option. Why use such a noticeable restoration when we have quality white fillings now?

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

We don’t use a cookie cutter approach. Some patients need their teeth cleaned every three months while we see some only every two years. After coming to us for a few years, we can decide what will work for you.

As a child, Dr. Compton went to a rough dentist and became as frightened of a dentist as anyone. In his senior year in high school, Dr. Compton went to a dentist that was gentle and did not hurt. This dentist actually talked Dr. Compton into becoming a dentist. It is Dr. Compton’s goal to be as gentle and pain-free as possible. He can relate to your fear and can help you overcome it.

If a tooth has a root canal, why does it need a crown?

A root canal removes the nerve in the tooth but also removes the blood supply. This dries the tooth out over time. Like a tree that loses it sap, the tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown acts like a helmet by taking the majority of the stress and protecting the weakened tooth.

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

Pick up the tooth by the top part making sure not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, it may be gently cleaned by holding it under running water (do not scrub). Store the tooth in milk or contact lens solution so it does not dry out. Go to the dentist as soon as possible, hopefully within an hour.

Do you see emergencies?

Absolutely. Dr. Compton has himself had several toothaches during his lifetime and is very empathetic to patients in pain.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth?

There have been hundreds of studies aimed at answering this very question. All the results show that tooth whitening is very safe.

What is a Digital X-Ray? and how does it differ from a traditional X-Ray?

Digital x-rays are able to be viewed immediately on a computer monitor while traditional x-rays are developed which takes several minutes. Digital x-rays reduce radiation by at least 80%. The images are clearer, more detailed and therefore easier to read. They can be sent to another office with an email. When the insurance company claims they have not received an x-ray, a digital can be sent immediately, thus expediting claims.

Do you use Nitrous Oxide?

Yes, we do. Nitrous oxide can remove that edge of nervousness that most of us feel when we have to undergo a procedure. We use disposable, pleasantly scented masks for maximum infection control.

I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What should I do if it comes off or breaks?

The temporary crown protects the underlying tooth from the harsh environment of the mouth and maintains the position of the tooth. If the temporary is left off for an extended period of time, the tooth may shift position. Then the crown may not fit properly. Mix a paste of baby powder and Vaseline and place it in the temporary and reposition it on the tooth. Avoid chewing on it and it should give you enough time to come back to the office… Please don’t leave the temporary off for days.

Our Full Suite of Dental Services in Concord, NC

We perform many dental services in Concord, NC, depending on our patients’ needs. Before we do any major treatments, Dr. Compton performs an initial oral examination to find out the overall picture.

We make it a point to educate our patients about the state of their teeth and the procedures they opt for, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their treatment. When it comes to dentistry in Concord, NC, we offer:

Dental Restorations and Emergency Treatment

TMD / TMJ Treatments

Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints can also be a source of noticeable dental discomfort. If you are experiencing jaw soreness, headaches, facial pain, and other common TMJ-related symptoms, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Night Guards
Snoring Appliances
Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sports Mouthguards
Tooth Trauma Treatments
Nitrous Oxide

Sleep Apnea

We can help with your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by constructing an oral appliance. This is a solution that may be appropriate for patients unable to comfortably or safely use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

Family Dentistry

Routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, and various cosmetic and preventive options are just some of the family dental treatments provided at our office.

Oral Cancer Screening
Teeth Cleaning
Comprehensive Oral Exam
Digital X Rays
Fluoride Treatment
Oral Hygiene Instruction and Maintenance
Deep Cleaning
Desensitizer Applications
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Treatments
Vitality testing
Cracked Tooth Test
Orthodontics
Short Term Orthodontics
Minor Cases with Clear Braces
Tooth Extraction

Emergency Dentistry

We offer emergency dental treatment in dealing with teeth that became loose, broken, knocked out, or chipped. Unexplained tooth, gum, or jaw pain can also be treated as urgent dental issues.

Consultation and Treatment Planning
Diagnostic Impressions
Crown and Bridge Restoration
Implant Restoration
Tooth Color Restoration
Tooth Extraction

Dental Implants

For a permanent, stable tooth replacement solution, explore your dental implant options with Dr. Compton. Implants are ideal for patients with generally good oral health.

Teeth Whitening
Porcelain Crowns
Composite Bonding
Recontouring
Composite Bonded White Fillings
Implant Crowns
Traditional Fillings

We perform restorative dentistry to repair or replace damaged teeth, using a number of options such as implant crowns and fillings. Dr. Compton constantly keeps informed of the most recent advances in dental technology. He is familiar with the use of traditional fillings as well as composite bonded materials.

Concord dental patients may also need emergency treatment due to injury. Considerable amounts of damage, like having teeth loosened, cracked or completely removed, requires urgent restorative procedures or tooth trauma treatment. We consider such cases as emergencies and attend to them as quickly as possible.

Dental Crowns

At the South Concord, NC dental office of Dr. Clifford Compton, DDS, we use dental crowns to restore strength and beauty to teeth that are weak, broken or discolored. A dental crown, also known as a “cap”, fully encases the visible portion of your tooth and are sometimes used during root canal therapy to add stability and reinforcement to the natural tooth structure. Some patients have existing metal crowns that are uncomfortable, unattractive, worn or broken. These can be replaced with more modern, highly durable porcelain dental crowns. We also offer yellow or white gold crowns that also provide lasting strength and durability. At your appointment, you can discuss with our team which crown option would be best for you.

Dental Aesthetics

Clients who want to improve the overall appearance of their teeth can opt for our cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whitening is performed by our experienced dental hygienists, and patients can repeat the procedures periodically to ensure the maintenance of their smile.

Dr. Compton is also an expert in teeth re-contouring, porcelain crowns and composite bonding. Our facility also offers Smart Move invisible braces for patients who want to have their dental realignment in a discreet manner.

Preventive Treatments

We believe in addressing possible oral health problems before they interfere with your daily life. Dr. Compton will expertly provide preventative treatments that immediately diagnose and treat the problem to avert future oral health issues.

At Dr. Compton’s Concord dental practice, we are committed to total patient satisfaction. Visit our facility and discover the long-term solution for your family’s dental health.

We do our best to maintain excellence in all the services we provide. Most of our services are detailed in our Patient Education Videos. If you have a question about any procedure, please contact us so we can answer it for you.

Contact Our Dental Team Today

Reach out to our staff right away to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Concord, NC, from our team. Call us or fill out the online form. We look forward to addressing your dental needs.