213 Church St NE
Concord, NC 28025
Patricia A. London, DDS
Jackson P. Boone, DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Call Us!
704.782.1012

Frequently Asked Questions
What are your office hours?
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. We are closed Friday through Sunday, but we can pre-arrange appointment times for you if your schedule does not allow you to come in during our regular business hours.
Do you take my dental insurance?
We are currently only "in network" with Delta Dental Premier. However, this does not mean that your insurance company would not pay benefits to us as they would to a "network dentist." Some dental plans will require you to go to a "network dentist" to receive any benefits or will only send insurance checks to you if you go to an "out-of-network" provider. Do you know which type of plan you have? There are thousands of insurance plans and they are governed by what a patient or patients' employer purchased. The only thing that can be generalized is that all dental insurance plans have limitations and maximum allowable benefits.
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Can I go to any dentist and receive benefits?
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What percentage does my insurance pay?
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What is my yearly maximum?
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Are there any waiting periods for services? Or any other limitations?
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Get involved with what you are paying for and make the most of it!!! Is your goal to take care of your teeth for a lifetime or only to take care of them to the extent that your insurance will cover?
What are your payment options?
Insurance: We accept most insurance carriers and will file your claims for you. We make every effort to be accurate with our estimations of your benefits, but they are estimations. If your insurance reimburses less than we estimated, you are still responsible for the outstanding balance. If your insurance reimburses more than we estimated, you will be credited or refunded the difference. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to become more familiar with your dental benefits. If you have insurance questions that are specific to our office, please contact Tracy, our Insurance Specialist, at (704) 782-1012 ext 226.
Credit Cards: We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Cash/Checks: We are always happy to accept cash, personal checks or debit cards for payment.
Payment Plan: We understand that dental care can be an unexpected expense. With this in mind, we are proud to accept CareCredit which allows you to schedule affordable treatment right away. If you would like to learn more about this financing option, you may visit them online at www.carecredit.com. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call our office for more information.
PAYMENT POLICY:
Patients of Record: We require payment of the patient's estimated portion of fees to be paid at the time of service.
Emergencies: We always have someone available for emergency care. In the event of an emergency, we want to treat you immediately so please do not hesitate to contact our office. For Non-Patients of Record, we are willing to see non-life threatening dental emergencies during regular business hours and upfront payment for the exam and x-ray are required. If any additional treatment is provided, that fee will be due at the time of service.
What should I do if I have bad breath?
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Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
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Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
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Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
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Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
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Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
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Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
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Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
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Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
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Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
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Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
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Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
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See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
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Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
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Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
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Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.
How often should I brush and floss?
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Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
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Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
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Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
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Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
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Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
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Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
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Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
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Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
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Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
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Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
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Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
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Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
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Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
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Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
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Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
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Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.
Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
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Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
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Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
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Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
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Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
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Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
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Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
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Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
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Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
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Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
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New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
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Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
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Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
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Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
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Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Why is it important to use dental floss?
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Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
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Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
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Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?
If you’re feeling somewhat self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Procedures:
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Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.
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Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as “bonding”, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
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Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
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Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
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Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.
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Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can make a difference in making your smile shine!
What are porcelain veneers and how can they improve my smile?
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.
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Severely discolored or stained teeth
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Unwanted or uneven spaces
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Worn or chipped teeth
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Slight tooth crowding
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Misshapen teeth
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Teeth that are too small or large
What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?
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Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.
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In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.
Are there any books I could read to my child to prepare him or her for their first dental visit?
There are two books that we would suggest, What to Expect When you go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff and Vera Goes to the Dentist by Vera Rosenberry. We do have one copy of each book here at our office and parents can check those out to take home and share with their child before the child's first dental visit.
At what age should a child be able to properly brush his or her teeth?
Generally, a child is not expected to be able to adequately brush until he or she can tie their shoes.
What are dental emergencies and how can I avoid them?
Dental emergencies can occur when your tooth breaks, cracks, becomes loosened or is knocked out completely. Sometimes dental crowns come off teeth. Lips, gums or cheeks can be cut. Most dental emergencies can be avoided by taking simple precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard during sporting activities, to prevent teeth from being broken or knocked out and avoiding hard foods that may crack or break your teeth. Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
What should I do if a teeth is knocked out?
If your tooth is knocked out, immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. It is best to see your dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out for the best chance of the tooth surviving the trauma. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not by the root (the pointed part at the bottom). Touching the root of the tooth can damage cells that are necessary to reattach the tooth to the bone. Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub the tooth! Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out. If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk or saline solution (the solution used for contacts). If a baby tooth is knocked out, the tooth should not be replanted. The patient should be seen as soon as possible to make sure there are no remaining pieces of the tooth.
What should I do if my tooth is pushed out of position?
If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, call your dentist right away for an appointment. In the meantime, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure-but don't force it.
How should I handle a chipped or fractured tooth?
There are different types of tooth fractures. Chipped teeth are minor fractures. Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, tissue and/or pulp. Severe fractures usually mean that the tooth has been traumatized to the point that it cannot be recovered. If you fracture a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Take ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Your dentist can smooth out minor fractures with a sandpaper disc. Alternatively, restorative procedures may be needed to fix the tooth.
What should I do if the tissue of my mouth is injured?
Injuries inside the mouth include tears or cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be cleaned immediately with warm water, and the injured person should be taken directly to an oral surgeon for emergency care. If you can't get to an oral surgeon, the patient should be taken to the hospital. Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.
At what age do I bring my child for their first dental appointment?
Do you give a discount for cash pay if you do not have insurance?
Is an Invisalign consult free?
How much is a dental cleaning?
Do you offer Friday appointments?