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Adult Frenectomy

Get a new lease on life! Release and resolve tongue-tie to restore overall health and well-being

At Alpine Family Dental, we blend timeless values of kind, non-judgmental, and responsive care with “of-the-moment” dental techniques and technologies to help our patients achieve peak oral health. Notably, Dr. Olson and our skilled team distinguish themselves favorably from other practices in Kalispell and northwestern Montana with laser dentistry and procedures such as lingual frenectomy.

While this service to resolve a congenital condition called “tongue-tie” is most often associated with infants, adult patients may benefit from Dr. Olson’s expertise in treating a tight, overly short, or otherwise anomalous “lingual frenulum.” This thin strip of tissue is also known as a “tongue web” and connects the mouth’s floor to the tongue’s underside.

Likewise, the “labial frenulum” is a “lip-tie” characterized by overly short, thick, or stiff tissue. This strip of tissue connects the upper lip to the gums. If these conditions are not treated promptly, they can lead to developmental problems and other complications.

Among adults, tongue- and lip-ties may result in the development of compensatory behaviors. These behaviors may arise, unknown to the patient, due to impaired tongue or lip movement. Since these structures are critical to basic functions that we may take for granted, adults with these conditions may be at risk of developing:

  • Disordered breathing during sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea
  • Negative adaptations or compensatory behaviors that affect overall health and well-being
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Food aversions due to painful swallowing
  • Nutritional deficiencies associated with inefficient chewing and digestion
  • GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease)
  • Problems with good oral hygiene
  • Dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems (due to the above challenge)
  • Problems with the jaw joints; TMJD symptoms (from chronic tension headaches to referred facial, neck, back, and shoulder pain)
  • Disordered speech
  • Poor self-image due to speech impediments
  • Misaligned teeth and jaws

We are happy to get our more “experienced” patients back on the right path to better health. The process of treating tongue-tie is generally straightforward. We can discuss specific techniques to “release” the restricted tissue. So your tongue can move freely.

Additionally, as adopters of the latest technologies, we provide minimally-invasive ways to painlessly, quickly, and precisely treat this disruptive condition. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Olson today to learn more about your options and potential treatment processes. The Alpine Dental team in Kalispell, MT, can be reached at (406) 393-8877.

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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.

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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.

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