May
Crowns, bridges, and dentures made with implants are designed like natural teeth. And natural teeth can last a lifetime with good care. So, tooth loss doesn’t have to be in your future, nor is it a “normal” part of aging. Using this line of thinking, prosthetic or replacement teeth supported by dental implants are built to last. They can be permanent as long as good and consistent care is maintained.
For this reason, your team at Alpine Family Dental encourages patients in and around Kalispell, Montana, to view implants as a great investment in their smile (and overall health and wellbeing), as well as a great value. Other types of replacement teeth require ongoing adjustments and replacement. For instance, conventional dentures need to be relined, rebased, and eventually replaced.
These dentures are not as permanent of a solution to missing teeth, because they are not designed to account for the roots of the teeth. Since they only replace the parts of the teeth that are visible in the smile, these dentures do not keep the supportive bone in the jaw strong. As the bone retreats, the denture no longer conforms as well to the evolving shape of the mouth. Dentures may shift, cause discomfort and sores, and function can suffer.
Implants, however, not only replace teeth. They also replace the roots that support the teeth. In doing so, the bone in the jaw retains its strength. The jawbone stays strong because it benefits from the stimulation it gets from the attached prosthetic teeth and from activities like grinding down chewy food. The bone retains its density and shape, and the denture continues to conform well to the contours of the mouth.
There are some caveats and important care-related considerations:
Implant-supported teeth owe their distinctive longevity to their unique design. By partnering with an experienced and skilled dentist like the team at Alpine Family Dental, the planning and placement of your implants is in good hands. Our expertise helps to set your new teeth up for success. We also work with you to ensure your teeth remain that way, continue to look great, and function in a healthy manner.
Call (406) 393-8877 to schedule an appointment at our office in Kalispell, MT today.
Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.
Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.
Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.
Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.