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There is no age limit when it comes to desiring a beautiful smile. Pediatric patients, adults, and seniors all want and deserve a healthy smile that is comfortably functioning and a source of pride. At Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, Montana, we understand that age is not a disease and does not have to mean tooth loss. Replacing lost teeth with dental implants is truly rewarding for us. Likewise, we are privileged to help patients regain their love for dentures with implants.
Dental bridges and dentures have traditionally been used to replace one tooth, a few teeth, many teeth, or all of the teeth. These options only replaced the portions of the teeth that are visible in the smile. Implant-supported replacement teeth are different. They also replace the teeth’ roots and serve as a foundation for artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures to be attached to. When a natural form or design is replicated, natural function follows.
Dental implants, acting as tooth roots, are securely placed in the jawbone. So, once attached to the denture, the implants keep the bone in the jaw dense and strong. The tissues in the jaw, in turn, do not shrink away. Since the shape of the supportive jawbone remains unchanged, the denture continues to conform well. A proper fit is essential to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and otherwise “use” your denture.
You may be familiar with the challenges of dentures relying on natural mouth suction for stability. As the bone deteriorates, the shape of the jaw changes. Your dentures no longer fit as well and slip around. Adjustments need to be made to eat, speak, laugh, and function with your dentures again. These include relining and rebasing the denture. Eventually, your teeth would have to be replaced entirely. Implant-supported dentures are a significant investment because they can last a lifetime without needing adjustments to promote and restore a good fit. Your dentures continue to fit well.
Dr. Evan Olson may position one implant in the jawbone and connect it to a dental crown or replacement tooth. Patients missing a few teeth can have a dental bridge anchored with strategically placed implants. A denture is appropriate for those with many missing or failing teeth. We can place either an upper or lower denture or both, depending on your needs. So, all sorts of different patients can benefit from implants. Due to modern techniques and technologies, even those with bone loss and complications from old or ill-fitting dentures can also be good candidates.
We are proud to be a full-service provider of dental implants. We can handle every step of the process, from start to finish, from our office in Kalispell, MT. We can even restore the implant in a single visit using computer-aided design and fabrication technologies for dental crowns. To learn more about these differences, schedule a consultation today. Call our friendly team at (406) 393-8877.
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.