Dental Implants are a safe, effective, proven method for replacing missing teeth or to support dentures. The implant is a titanium alloy cylinder that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Dr. Olson completed extensive training with the Implant Pathway Surgical Program. This knowledge combined with our 3D and CAD/CAM technologies allows us to plan the treatment from beginning to end. We are able to place implants using a three-dimensional surgical guide manufactured in our office. Following healing, we complete the restorative process with crowns or attachments to dentures.

These thin custom-made porcelain shells cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth, teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained,  misshaped, or crooked. Veneers are made in office or in a local laboratory. Veneers can dramatically change your smile while looking very natural with long lasting effects.

Dental Sedation allows patients to receive their needed dental care while remaining comfortable. Most patients have some form of fear or anxiety associated with dental treatment. At Alpine Family Dental, we strive to maintain an environment where patients remain relaxed throughout their appointment. We are able to tailor the appropriate form of sedation to your needs. The following sedation options are available in our office:

INTRAVENOUS (IV) SEDATION:

IV conscious (moderate) sedation is safe and effective. The drug(s) are administered incrementally to their ideal effect, unlike the use of pills taken orally. Patients are still able to respond to verbal or light tactile stimuli, as regulated by the Montana Board of Dentistry.  Although patients aren’t “put to sleep,” most patients are so relaxed that they doze through their appointment. Additionally, most patients have partial or total amnesia. Dr. Eller underwent more than one hundred hours of specialized training in IV conscious sedation in 2014, as well as certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). He continues his education on IV Sedation and has an expanded license through the State of Montana.

ORAL SEDATION:

Pills taken orally, whether swallowed or placed under the tongue dramatically reduce the margin of safety for the patient.  Patient safety is our number one priority.  Therefore, we do not offer oral sedation. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

INHALATION ANESTHESIA SEDATION:

Nitrous Oxide is a sedating gas combined with oxygen to make you feel more comfortable during dental treatment. A small mask is fitted over the patient’s nose allowing them to breathe freely. Most patients on Nitrous Oxide experience a feeling of well being. Nitrous Oxide has rapid onset and its lack of lingering effects allows patients to drive home with no lasting effects.

* Some patients with remarkable dental anxiety or certain medical conditions require levels of sedation deeper than we are licensed to provide. In this case, we utilize a Dentist Anesthesiologist in our office.

3D technologies allow us to provide treatment that is more accurate, efficient, timely, and comfortable for the patient.

Digital X-rays

Our office employs digital x-ray technology.  Digital radiology dramatically reduces radiation exposure, eliminates the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, and produces highly diagnostic images. Additionally, we can share images, efficiently with specialists to provide higher levels of care, in real time.

3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

CBCT scans allow us to image the jaws in three dimensions.  We utilize this technology to diagnose disease and assist in the placement of dental implants.  We utilize CBCT and scanning technologies to provide guided implant placement with surgical guides manufactured in our office.

3D Printing

In the fall of 2019, we implemented a dental-specific 3D printer into our workflow.  This newer technology allows us to print resin appliances for patient care.  We are working to eliminate the use of goopy impression materials through the use of our scanner and 3D printer.  Please ask us how you might benefit from the use of this amazing technology!

Intraoral Scanning

Scanning eliminates the need for “goopy” impression material. This information is used to create a dental resin model with our 3D printer.

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) negatively affect breathing during sleep.  The most common SRBD is Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway intermittently collapses, blocking airflow to the lungs.  Specially trained dentists, like Dr. Eller, are able to identify oral signs of an underlying SRBD.  Dr. Eller completed a mini-residency in SRBD screening and treatment. Your airway health is vitally important to us and will be discussed during your visit.    We provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), which is a proven, effective, non-surgical treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT may also be used in conjunction with CPAP therapy, helping to increase its effectiveness.  We will work closely with your medical provider to determine if OAT may benefit you.

Signs & Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include:

• Loud Snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Waking up feeling exhausted from a normal night of sleep
• Morning Headache
• Depression or irritability
• Breathing cessation during sleep
• Gasps, choking, or gurgling sounds while snoring
• Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
• Sexual dysfunction
• Compromised immune system
• Learning and memory problems

Infants born with lip and/or tongue tie may be inadequately breastfeeding, experiencing poor weight gain and reflux, overly fussy, or causing painful symptoms for mom. Lip/tongue tie are congenital conditions affecting 10-20% of newborns. If the frenulum (small fold or excess tissue that is beneath the tongue or between the upper lip and gum) is too tight and impeding proper breastfeeding, treatment may be advised. Conservative remediation via our CO2 laser ultimately restores the normal breastfeeding relationship between mother and infant.  The CO2 laser works quickly and at a very cool temperature, compared to less expensive lasers.  Bring your infant in for a complimentary examination.  If treatment is indicated, we offer same day care.

We provide single and multiple tooth extraction, including third molars (wisdom teeth).  Additionally, we offer bone grafting and many hard and soft tissue procedures.  Dr. Olson has countless hours of advanced training in oral surgery procedures. Many of our patients prefer to utilize IV sedation for surgical procedures. Please contact our office to determine if we can treat your surgical needs.

Root canal therapy is a procedure that relieves tooth pain when a tooth’s pulp (most often called the nerve) becomes irreversibly inflamed and damaged. There are many reason’s a patient may need a root canal but the most common reasons are deep decay or trauma to the tooth. This process involves removing infected or inflamed pulp tissues, cleaning and sanitizing the chamber, and then sealing the pulp chamber and root canal. Then Dr. Olson will fill the cavity and restore the tooth with a Cerec One Visit Crown.  Often your root canal and your crown can all be done in one visit!