Not long ago, endodontic treatment was done with hand filers and reamers. With today’s technological advances, performing a root canal with the use of a rotary file system is simpler and more comfortable for the patient. The use of the rotary file system gives Dr. Compton more control allowing him to perform extremely precise treatment. For the patient this means a root canal that takes less time, is more comfortable and more precise.

Making sure you get the right look, feel and function is the goal. The diagnostic model of your restored smile gives us a record of what you want so we can begin the process with your ultimate results already known. The model shows your new smile in its natural color and translucency. We also see how your new smile will improve any bite problems you may have. With the diagnostic model you are empowered to preview, give suggestions, make changes, and approve your personal “Smile Plan” before any procedures are begun. Not only can you see the excellent quality of the esthetic changes in your new smile, the model also assures you that your restorative work will function well when chewing or talking.

Digital x-rays not only expose our patients and staff to 90% less radiation then typical x-rays, they are also more sensitive then traditional dental x-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to clearly see the entire tooth and root structure as well as surrounding bone and tissue. They give us the opportunity to detect and diagnosis issues before they are visible to the naked eye, and before they can cause significant damage and pain. To obtain a digital x-ray, a small sensor connected to a computer is placed in your mouth. A beam is then sent through your teeth to the sensor that records the images. The doctors and staff can immediately pull up the digital x-rays on a computer screen to review the results. No more waiting for x-rays to be developed. We can also share the images with you so you can see what we are seeing in your oral condition.

The intraoral camera is a diagnostic dental tool that allows us to, early on, detect potential problems within the mouth. The tiny intraoral camera takes pictures of your teeth, gums and the inside of your mouth then displays the images on a computer screen. Using the intraoral camera saves time and makes problems easily visible to both you and Dr. Compton. The images from the intraoral camera enable you to view areas with issues, so you are able to see and understand why treatment may be necessary. The accompanying software also provides clear and accurate data so that the best treatment options can be selected.

The soft tissue laser allows us to provide delicate, precise treatment without damaging healthy tissue. Treatments completed with the soft tissue laser are generally painless and do not require the use of incisions or stitches. As the laser is removing diseased tissue it also disinfects the area, greatly reducing the chance of infection. Best of all, healing time is greatly reduced as compared to treatments done with a scalpel. With the soft tissue laser, we are able to painlessly treat gum disease and cold sores. The laser is also excellent for gum reshaping and contouring to improve the look of your smile. Dr. Compton has received advanced training and is certified in the use of the HOYA VersaWave hard and soft tissue dental laser. Laser Bacterial Decontamination

Laser Cavity Removal
Laser Frenectomy (Lip)

Laser Frenectomy (Tongue)
Laser Gum Sculpting

Laser Periodontics
Laser Stain Removal

Laser Treatment – Ulcer

A new procedure called Bi-Polar Electrosurgery uses a radio surgery unit, and is emerging as the next wave in gum contouring.  The technology is very popular with neurosurgeons and cardiologists, and has recently moved into the dental arena. With electrosurgery, the cutting is done with a very low current so that there is no bleeding, no pain, and no protective dressing required to cover the area. And it takes no time at all – Dr. Compton can contour the gum line in about an hour. When he is finished contouring the gum line, the result is complete. The gums appear finished after the procedure.

In the past the only way to remove tarter from above and below the gum line was by scraping. With the Cavitron Ultrasonic Cleaner our hygienists are able to gently, and comfortably remove tarter with high frequency sound waves. The Cavitron Utrasonic cleaner is a safe, effective and painless alternative to traditional cleaning methods. The Cavitron vibrates at the speed of sound so you can hardly feel any movement making even a deep cleaning a more pleasant experience.

Similar to the medical CT scan. Panorex Imaging takes three-dimensional images of your tooth and surrounding oral structures. The clear, sharp images allow us to clearly see the tooth and its root structure as well as the jawbone, nerves and soft tissue. Since we are able to see the internal structures we are able to detect, diagnose and treat existing issues while they are small, before they cause significant damage. The Panorex also allows us to monitor any potential issues and make informed decisions about when, and if, any treatment may be needed.

Dr. Larry Compton is one of the first dentists in the country using a new computerized anesthesia system called STA or Single Tooth Anesthesia. The STA system releases a precise amount of anesthesia throughout your dental procedure to insure no pain either from the injections or the work Dr. Compton is doing. Only the area worked on is numbed!

The STA needle doesn’t even look like a syringe! The tiny needle is significantly smaller than traditional dental needles (it looks like a wand or pen with a small needle at the end) and eliminates the typical numbness and often embarrassing drooling that you normally experience from a trip to the dentist.

What this means for you

Without the normal full face numbness you can visit the dentist and no longer worry about having to wait hours before you can speak or drink a cup of coffee without drooling or having a fat lip and lopsided face!

Many people have had bad experiences with dental injections: the STA system eliminates that ‘bee sting’ effect with computer controlled, automatically released anesthesia! These doses of anesthesia are released below your pain threshold – without utilizing the dreaded dental syringe.

A little spray to numb the gum then a slow release of slow, small doses of anesthesia through the computerized system guarantees you won’t feel a thing.

Our patients are saying:
“I have a fear of needles and visits to the dentist always terrified me – NO MORE!! This is the easiest, most pain free injection I have ever experienced!”
“It’s the best shot I ever had!”
“Dr. Compton’s new computerized anesthesia system is wonderful! There was no syringe, no pain and no sting from the injection, it is absolutely fantastic!”

With Oral Conscious Sedation, there are no needles, tubes or IVs involved, you just simply swallow a pill.

While under oral conscious sedation, all of your body functions remain normal and you are able to breathe on your own and respond.

We constantly monitor your vital signs and comfort level during and after the procedure.  The key to oral conscious sedation is that when your dental treatment is done, you’ll almost never remember any of the experience. It’s like it never happened.

Oral Conscious Sedation is an excellent solution for patients who have ……

• High anxiety about dentistry

• Traumatic dental experiences in the past

• Difficulty getting numb

• A strong gag reflex

• Complex dental problems or procedures

• Very sensitive teeth

• Anxiety over needles, noises, or smells in dental office

• No desire for multiple visits

A specially trained doctor, who travels to area dental offices to provide this service, performs conscious sedation.