Urgent dental care in Concord, NC
Emergency Dentist in Concord, NC
Dental problem?
Start by calling us.
Toothache and dental damage rarely happen at a convenient time.
If you have a painful tooth, broken restoration or another urgent dental concern, contact Dr. Compton’s Concord office and tell us what has happened.
Our team can help determine the most appropriate next step.
When to call
When should I contact an emergency dentist?
Contact the practice if you are experiencing a dental problem that needs prompt attention, including:
- Significant toothache
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Lost filling
- Lost or damaged crown
- Dental trauma
- Swelling associated with a dental problem
- Pain when biting
- Sudden dental discomfort
- Other unexpected changes that concern you
If you are uncertain whether something qualifies as a dental emergency, call us.
Toothache
Tooth pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Toothache can have several possible causes.
The important first step is identifying where the pain is coming from and what is causing it.
Rather than trying to guess the problem yourself, contact the practice and explain:
- where the pain is
- how long it has been present
- whether it is constant or intermittent
- whether biting makes it worse
- whether there is swelling
- whether the tooth has been damaged
Dr. Compton can then assess the affected area and explain what treatment may be appropriate.
The goal is not simply to mask discomfort. It is to understand the cause.
Broken or chipped teeth
What should I do if I break a tooth?
A broken tooth can range from a relatively minor chip to more significant structural damage.
Even if the tooth is not particularly painful, significant damage should still be assessed.
If possible:
- Keep any broken fragment
- Avoid chewing directly on the affected tooth
- Keep the area clean
- Contact the practice for advice
- Let the team know if the tooth is painful or sensitive
Do not attempt to permanently repair the tooth yourself.
Lost fillings & crowns
Lost filling or crown?
A lost filling or crown can leave the underlying tooth exposed, sensitive or vulnerable to further damage.
Contact the practice so the tooth and restoration can be assessed.
Temporary measures may help protect the area until you are seen, but they should not replace professional dental assessment.
If you still have the crown, keep it safe and bring it with you.
Dental trauma
What if a tooth has been damaged in an accident?
If a tooth has been damaged during an accident or injury, contact the practice promptly and explain what has happened.
The appropriate response depends on:
- the tooth involved
- the type of injury
- whether part of the tooth has broken
- whether the tooth has moved
- whether there is bleeding or swelling
- whether there are other facial injuries
Please note
For serious facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or another potentially life-threatening medical emergency, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
What happens next
What happens at an emergency dental appointment?
- STEP 01
Identify the source
We'll examine the problem and gather the information needed to understand what has happened.
- STEP 02
Address the immediate concern
Where appropriate, the immediate priority is managing the dental problem and reducing the risk of further damage or complications.
- STEP 03
Explain your options
Some problems may be resolved relatively simply. Others may require further restorative treatment. We'll explain what we see, what we recommend and why.
Clear information first. Treatment second.
Common emergencies
Dental problems we may be able to help with
- Severe Toothache
- Broken Tooth
- Chipped Tooth
- Lost Filling
- Lost Crown
- Cracked Tooth
- Dental Trauma
- Pain When Biting
- Swelling Associated With a Dental Problem
- Damaged Restoration
When it can’t wait
When should I seek medical emergency care instead?
Most tooth-related problems require dental assessment.
However, some situations may require urgent medical attention instead.
Seek emergency medical care for situations such as:
- difficulty breathing
- serious facial trauma
- uncontrolled bleeding
- other potentially life-threatening symptoms
If you are unsure whether the problem is dental or medical, use appropriate emergency medical services where necessary.
Restoring the tooth
What happens after the immediate problem is assessed?
Emergency dentistry is often the first stage rather than the whole solution.
Once the immediate problem has been identified, appropriate restorative care may involve:
- Tooth-coloured fillings
- Dental crowns
- Repair of damaged restorations
- Tooth extraction where appropriate
- Dental implants or other tooth-replacement options where a tooth cannot be retained
- Ongoing family/restorative care
Our approach
Urgent does not have to mean rushed
When something hurts, it is natural to want the quickest possible answer.
But even in an urgent situation, treatment should still make sense.
Dr. Compton’s approach is to identify the problem, explain the available options and recommend the treatment he would feel comfortable choosing himself.
Would I Do It On Me? That philosophy still matters when the appointment is unexpected.
Common questions
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
01Can you see new patients for dental emergencies?
Contact the practice and explain the problem. The team can advise you about current availability and the most appropriate next step.
02Should I go to the emergency room for toothache?
Most dental problems require assessment by a dentist. However, serious facial trauma, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding or other potentially life-threatening symptoms require urgent medical attention.
03My crown has come off but it doesn't hurt. Do I still need a dentist?
Yes. Contact the practice so the affected tooth and restoration can be assessed. Even without pain, the underlying tooth may need protection or treatment.
04Can a broken tooth be saved?
That depends on the location and extent of the damage. Dr. Compton will need to examine the tooth before explaining the appropriate treatment options.
05What should I do with a broken piece of tooth?
If possible, keep the fragment safe and bring it with you. Contact the practice for advice about the next step.
06What should I do if I lose a filling?
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing heavily on the affected tooth and contact the practice so the tooth can be assessed.
07Can I request an emergency appointment online?
You can submit an appointment request online, but for an urgent dental concern we recommend calling the practice directly so the team can understand what has happened.
08How do I find out if an emergency appointment is available?
Call the practice directly at (704) 786-8825 and explain what has happened. The team can advise you about current availability and the appropriate next step.
Need help?
Don’t spend the day wondering whether it will get worse.
If you have toothache, a damaged tooth, a lost restoration or another urgent dental concern, call the practice and tell us what has happened.