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Do you brush and floss every day? Great! It would help if you still visited Alpine Family Dental. You may need to brush and floss more effectively than you think. How you brush and floss is just as important as the frequency with which you clean your teeth, gums, and other areas. Moreover, even the most diligent patients must still adhere to regular dental exams and teeth cleanings at our office in Kalispell, Montana. Read on to find out why these visits are so important (even with good oral hygiene at home!) and what to expect from them.
Many oral conditions are progressive. Dental decay and infections start as enamel erosion. Advanced gum disease starts as gingival inflammation or early-stage gingivitis. Often, enamel erosion and gingivitis are asymptomatic. Or, these symptoms may be so subtle that it is easy to ignore them. You may think that your mouth is healthy because you are “symptom-free – your smile looks great, and your teeth feel fine. Our dentists have the training and the technologies to uncover even the earliest signs of damage. By detecting and resolving these conditions early on, damage is avoided. This process helps to keep your smile intact, as well as more money in your pocket. Interventions to treat existing and extensive problems are generally costly, time-consuming, and aggressive.
Only the “pros” (dental hygienists) can remove plaque build-up that has hardened on the teeth. This stubborn tartar only budges with the help of the specialized instruments and techniques that our hygienists are trained to use effectively, safely, and gently. Standard toothbrushes and other oral care aids can remove food particles, bacteria, and sticky plaque. But, once that bacterial plaque has hardened, only specialized expertise can prevent it from wreaking havoc on your mouth and health. Without regular cleanings, plaque triggers a process that erodes both the teeth and the gums and, eventually, the supportive bone in the jaw.
Many of our patients are interested in professional teeth whitening services. But did you know that one of the best things you can do for the beauty of your smile is to maintain regular cleanings? During the cleaning portion of your check-up, our hygienists also remove surface stains. When stains are not allowed to build up on the teeth, your chompers look dazzling, vibrant, healthy, and youthful white – without the need for treatments like chairside or take-home whitening. Our patients also love how minty-fresh their breath smells and their mouth feels after a good tooth polishing.
The exams and cleanings we schedule at least once every six months are essential for more than the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your entire body depends on good oral function. When teeth are broken, damaged, and painful, nutrition suffers. Chronic nutritional deficiencies can damage everything from how your body fends off frequent sicknesses to the strength of your bones and muscles. Also, oral conditions like periodontal infections are associated with a range of systemic complications, from poor diabetes or blood sugar control to endocarditis or damage to the heart.
Throughout your visits, our professionals collaborate with you to offer personalized guidance on cleaning techniques and products tailored to your unique needs. We also advise on preventative services like decay-fighting dental sealants, which can be easily incorporated into check-ups.
Schedule your visit at Alpine Family Dental today. Our team in Kalispell, MT, can be reached 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.