Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conveniently located at 13012 Old Glenn Highway in Eagle River, Alaska, Alpine Family Dental is delighted to welcome individuals and families from across the region looking for compassionate, expert dental care in a comfortable setting. We are proud to provide high-quality dental care for patients of all ages from Eagle River, as well as the surrounding communities, including Chugiak, Peters Creek, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley.

Whether you live nearby or are traveling from surrounding communities, we are committed to providing you with top-tier preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. We take immense pride in our unique understanding of the dental needs of Alaskans and strive to create a welcoming environment for all our patients.

From routine cleanings and exams to advanced treatments like dental implants and cosmetic enhancements, our experienced team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

A Conveniently Located, Top Quality Dentist in Eagle River, AK

If you’re looking for a dentist in Chugiak, AK, Eagle River, or any of the nearby areas with a genuine understanding of our community to compassionately provide your family with the best in dental care, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and our outstanding Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

At Alpine Family Dentistry, these are the payment methods we accept:

• Cash
• Personal checks
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• CareCredit
• Debit cards
• Credit cards

Regarding credit cards, we accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover specifically. 

Understanding Dental Insurance

We work with several dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, Humana, MetLife, MODA, Premera Blue Cross, TRICARE, and United Concordia. Unfortunately, we do not work with Medicaid.  

If your dental insurance plan isn't listed here, feel free to contact our team at (907) 694-2409 for more information about the plans we work with. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff members are also happy to help you navigate your specific plan, as each differs and may be difficult to understand. 

Payment Plans

Are you considering more extensive treatment for your smile? Monthly payments make your treatment more affordable and easier to fit into your budget. We work with CareCredit, which makes applying online at home or at your dentist in Eagle River, AK, simple and stress-free. You'll receive a quick response to plan accordingly and move forward with your treatment when you need it most. 

If you have questions about payment options, contact your trusted dentist in Chugiak, AK, at (907) 694-2409. 

As you prepare to come into our office for a routine dental exam, you may have questions about what to expect. 

There is no reason to worry or stress; at Alpine Family Dentistry, we value your comfort as much as you do. That's why our office is staffed by friendly employees who start your dental experience off on the right foot from the moment you walk into our dental office.

Routine Dental Exam at Alpine Family Dentistry

During your routine exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth, paying special attention to the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. You may discuss any issues you have been having, like toothaches, with your dentist at this time.

If it has been over a year since your last set of x-rays, or you have a condition like advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may take x-rays during your exam to get a better picture of the health of your tooth roots and jaw.

Your dentist may recommend treatments depending on what the dental exam turns up. And if time allows, you also have a dental cleaning. 

Eagle River Expert Dental Care

The team at Alpine Family Dentistry wants to show you why so many residents of Eagle River, AK call us their dentist. So contact your general dentist in Eagle River today to schedule a routine dental exam.

We are an Eagle River family dentist conveniently located on the Old Glenn Highway, just off Highway 1, two blocks from the N. Eagle River Access Road. Our log-cabin-style office is unmistakable and situated on the west side of Old Glenn Highway across the street from Planet Fitness. Our team is made up of locals and many lifelong residents of Alaska, and we are excited to treat patients of all ages.

We aim to serve the complete dental needs of our friends and neighbors in Eagle River, Chugiak, and Anchorage. We are just 20 minutes up Highway 1 from Anchorage and closer to Elmendorf Air Force Base. We always welcome new patients and would be honored to serve members of our armed forces and their families.

How to Reach Our Eagle River Dental Office

Our address:

13012 Old Glenn Highway, Ste. 102
Eagle River, AK 99577

From anywhere in Eagle River, take the Old Glenn Highway towards the Fred Meyer. We use just two blocks south on the opposite side of the highway.

From Chugiak, you can drive south on Highway 1, also called the Glenn Highway and exit at the N. Eagle River Access Road. Turn right on the Old Glenn Highway, and our office is past Snowmobile Lane and on the corner of Old Glenn Highway and Riddell Circle.

From Anchorage and Elmendorf AFB, drive north on Glenn Highway and across the Eagle River. You may take either Old Glenn Highway exit, but we recommend the north one nearest to Fred Meyer. When you arrive, you can park for free right outside our office.

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we make the same recommendation as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry when it comes to your child's first dental visit. You should bring your child in for their first dental appointment by the time they receive their first tooth or by their first birthday.

Starting dental appointments early on in a little one’s life is important because it can help your child get acclimated to visiting the dentist at a young age. That way, your child is less likely to experience dental anxiety when dental work becomes necessary. If your child develops a cavity that needs attention or suffers a tooth injury, the experience will be much less traumatic if they are treated in a dental office they feel comfortable in.

Early dental care may also save you money. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a study published in Pediatrics, a peer-reviewed medical journal, showed that children who visit the dentist for their first exam before their first birthday have 40 percent lower dental costs in the first five years of their lives than children who do not receive dental care before their first birthday. With regular visits, your dentist can help your children keep their teeth clean and healthy, which means fewer dental problems as they age.

My Child’s First Dental Appointment

At your child’s first dental appointment, you can expect a thorough assessment of his or her oral health. During the appointment, Dr. Brett and our friendly dental team will help educate you on the best methods for providing excellent dental care to your child. While you are in our dental office, feel free to ask any questions you have about your child’s dental care needs. We are here to help you in any way we can, and we always want you to feel comfortable with your child's dental care and treatment.

Children’s Dentist in Eagle River, AK

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we can help you keep your children’s teeth healthy and their smiles bright as they grow. Reach out today to schedule your child’s first dental appointment with Dr. Brett.

Baby teeth can develop cavities just like adult teeth can, and it is important to get those cavities treated.

While baby teeth are basically a placeholder for your child’s permanent teeth and will eventually fall out, a cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain until it comes time for your child to lose the tooth. We do not want your child to live with unnecessary pain, especially when a cavity can be easily treated in our Eagle River dental office.

The cavity may also lead to problems beyond the baby tooth. The cavity can develop into an infection that can affect the permanent tooth underneath the baby tooth, which is a situation we want to avoid. At Alpine Family Dentistry, we want your child’s permanent, natural teeth to stay healthy and strong, so they don’t develop dental problems down the line.

Your child may also lose the baby tooth prematurely due to a cavity, which can cause adjacent teeth to shift into the empty space, preventing the permanent tooth from coming in as it should.

If you suspect your child has a cavity, please reach out to our Eagle River dental office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Brett.

Treating a Child’s Cavity in Eagle River, AK

In our dental office, we have a friendly, understanding dental team. We love working with parents and children to keep children’s teeth healthy and strong as they grow. If your child has a cavity, we will work to make them as comfortable as possible during the dental treatment appointment. We have blankets and neck pillows if needed for added comfort.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental treatment, please talk to our dental team. We are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns so that you feel secure and confident in your child’s dental care.

If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be an ideal way to replace those teeth and restore your smile. At Alpine Family Dentistry, we can evaluate your oral health and determine if a dental bridge in Eagle Rock is the best solution for you. Our mission is to personalize your dental care to fit your goals and priorities.

A Dental Bridge Replaces Missing Teeth 

Part of your dental bridge assessment is the health of your natural teeth on either side of the gap. You need these to be sturdy enough to support your bridge. If we are concerned about their stability, our dental team may recommend that we place a dental crown on one or both of your adjoining teeth for extra durability.

The appliance itself consists of a framework that creates an underlying structure on which we attach the missing tooth replacement, which is usually one or more porcelain crowns, the visible portion. These parts working together make your dental bridge an attractive and functional tooth replacement option.

Contact Our Office Near Chugiak

We don't want you to suffer from the problems caused by missing teeth. We encourage you to learn more by calling our Eagle Rock dental office and setting up an appointment today.

Dental crowns in Eagle River can restore your smile’s function, vitality, and appearance. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over a weak, brittle, injured, or decayed tooth to protect it from further damage or wear. Crowns can also cover severely stained teeth, giving your smile a brighter, whiter look. 

The Dental Crown Process 

Dr. Brett is highly skilled and experienced in placing dental crowns on patients of all ages.

Typically, he begins with a full-mouth examination, including digital x-rays. He also gently cleans and prepares the tooth for its crown.

Once the tooth is properly cleaned and prepped, he builds the tooth back up and places a temporary crown so you can still chew, speak, and smile comfortably. You only need to wear the temporary crown until the lab creates your customized, permanent cap, which may only take a couple of weeks.

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we offer zirconia, e.max, or gold dental crowns. Zirconia crowns are ideal for back teeth because they are very durable, while e.max crowns work very well on front teeth. Once Dr. Brett places your permanent crown, you can enjoy your newly restored smile! 

With a dental crown, you can enjoy all of your favorite activities without worrying about tooth pain, a potential injury, or a brittle tooth structure. A dental crown is perfect for protecting and preserving your natural tooth’s structure while enhancing your smile’s appearance and function.  

Dental Crowns in Eagle River, AK

Alpine Family Dentistry is here to help you with all of your dental needs. Whether you have a decayed or broken tooth that needs a crown, or you’d like to replace missing teeth with a bridge, we can help! 

Call us today at (907) 694-2409 to schedule your dental appointment with Dr. Brett.

Dental veneers are a great option when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. We consider dental veneers an investment in your smile, and our Eagle River dentists strive to give your teeth the shine you’ve always wanted. 

How to Make Your Veneers Last

Well-maintained veneers have the potential to last decades. Seems worth it, right? The longevity of dental veneers depends on how well they are taken care of. 

Here are some factors that will ensure a longer time span and protect dental veneers:

• Consistent and quality dental hygiene (brushing, flossing, mouthwash, etc.)
• Consumption of foods that generally aren’t harmful to regular teeth 
• The use of a mouthguard while playing sports 
• Having healthy teeth before veneer application 

Factors that decrease the longevity of dental veneers:

• Gradual gum recession
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Junk food unhealthy for regular teeth
• Potential trauma causing cracks or fractures in teeth or veneers
• Poor dental hygiene 

How To Care for Veneers

A good rule of thumb is to treat your veneers with care, just like regular teeth! 

Visit us at our dental office in Eagle River! We proudly serve Chugiak and other nearby communities and would love to have a consultation with you about the possibility of dental veneers!

Alpine Family Dentistry uses leading-edge technology to improve patient comfort and deliver optimal treatment outcomes. One of the technologies we use is digital x-rays.

Dental x-rays help us see below the surface of your smile, including dental structures, tissues, jawbones, and more. With digital diagnostics, we can more accurately diagnose and treat dental concerns in the earliest stages, including tooth decay and infections. 

Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital dental x-rays also have numerous benefits:

• Speed – Digital intraoral scanning is immediate, unlike traditional x-rays that require film development.
• Safety – Digital x-rays reduce your radiation exposure by about 90 percent. 
• Improved diagnostics – Digital scanning and x-rays are highly detailed and allow us to diagnose issues in the earliest stages. 
• Improved patient education – We can display the digital scans and x-rays on our 43-inch televisions in each treatment room. 
• Eco-friendly – Unlike film x-rays, digital scanning doesn't require harmful chemicals to develop the images.
• Easy access – We store your digital images and x-rays in your confidential patient record, which we can easily access to monitor your oral health. We can share your file with specialists or your insurance company with your permission. 

Schedule Your Dental Exam in Eagle River 

Our dental office welcomes patients of all ages from Eagle River, Chugiak, and the surrounding areas. Please get in touch with us today to schedule your dental exam with Dr. Brett Kocherhans at Alpine Family Dentistry. 

Typically, if you need a root canal, you’ll notice tooth infection symptoms. However, seeing the dentist for a definitive diagnosis is essential because oral health conditions can mimic one another.

In rare cases, tooth root infections will be asymptomatic if the condition is only emerging or the tooth nerve is damaged or dead.

Most of the time, you’ll notice some or all these symptoms:

• Toothache or growing sensitivity
• Jaw or face swelling near the painful tooth
• Tooth discoloration
• A blister on the gum

A tooth root infection is a dental emergency requiring immediate attention from your general dentist in Eagle River, AK. Without dental intervention, you risk increasing pain, spreading infection, and losing your tooth.

Lowering Your Oral Infection Risks

• Be sure to brush and floss at least twice daily or after every meal.
• Remember to visit the dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
• Talk to your dentist if you’ve injured your tooth or notice ongoing sensitivity.
• Wear the proper mouthguard if you compete in sports.

Contact Us for Root Canal Treatment in Eagle River

If you want more information or to share your symptoms with a dental professional, contact us today.

Patients visit our dental office from many locales, including Eagle River and Chugiak.

If you have knocked out a tooth, don’t panic. It may be possible to save the tooth. However, to save a tooth that has been knocked out, you must receive dental treatment as soon as possible.

If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, follow the below steps:

• Contact our office as soon as possible, let us know your tooth has been knocked out, and arrange a dental appointment
• Rinse the tooth (do not scrub it!) to clean off any debris or dirt
• Put the knocked-out tooth back in your mouth, either under your tongue or between your cheek and gum
• If it isn’t possible to put the tooth in your mouth, you can place it inside a clean cloth and put it in a container of milk
• DO NOT try to put the tooth back into the empty socket in your gum
• Go to the dental office for re-implantation

Re-implantation is only possible in some cases, and the procedure must be performed promptly for it to work.

Emergency Dentistry in Eagle River, AK

In our Eagle River dental office, we provide emergency dental services. If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, reach out to our dental office as soon as you can for advice and to set up an emergency dental appointment.

We will do our best to see you in our dental office as soon as we can. We know how scary a dental emergency can be. At Alpine Family Dentistry, Dr. Brett and his dental team are here to help you through those emergency situations with empathy, caring, and skill.

Alpine Family Dentistry is a full-service dental office in Eagle River, AK, where patients of all ages can expect the highest quality of dentistry. Emergency dentistry is among the many services we offer, which is ideal for anyone experiencing pain, discomfort, oral injuries, damaged restorations, and more. At Alpine Family Dentistry, Dr. Brett Kocherhans is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate emergency dentist who can quickly and effectively relieve your pain and treat the origin of your problem. 

Common Dental Emergencies in Eagle River

Whether you’re a child or a mature adult, dental emergencies can happen to anyone, even when we’re being careful. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:

• Toothache
• Broken or chipped tooth
• Knocked-out tooth 
• Lost dental crown or filling 
• Damaged orthodontics
• Abscess or infection 
• Pain and bleeding after oral surgery (e.g., tooth extraction)

If you experience any of these situations or have unexplained pain, please get in touch with us for emergency dental care in Eagle River, AK.

Emergency Dentist Near Me

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Eagle River or Chugiak, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our knowledgeable and friendly team can help you reclaim your oral health, alleviate your pain, and help you preserve your smile’s appearance and function.

We look forward to helping you!

Conveniently located at 13012 Old Glenn Highway in Eagle River, Alaska, Alpine Family Dental is delighted to welcome individuals and families from across the region looking for compassionate, expert dental care in a comfortable setting. We are proud to provide high-quality dental care for patients of all ages from Eagle River, as well as the surrounding communities, including Chugiak, Peters Creek, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley.

Whether you live nearby or are traveling from surrounding communities, we are committed to providing you with top-tier preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. We take immense pride in our unique understanding of the dental needs of Alaskans and strive to create a welcoming environment for all our patients.

From routine cleanings and exams to advanced treatments like dental implants and cosmetic enhancements, our experienced team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

A Conveniently Located, Top Quality Dentist in Eagle River, AK

If you’re looking for a dentist in Chugiak, AK, Eagle River, or any of the nearby areas with a genuine understanding of our community to compassionately provide your family with the best in dental care, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and our outstanding Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

Family dentistry is about convenience, experience, and versatility. For example, family dentists treat patients of all ages—children, teens, and senior adults. This means they can move easily between age groups, offering a wide range of dental services. Additionally, they work to treat family members on the same day and may offer early morning hours to accommodate your busy schedule better.

Your Family Dentist in Eagle River, AK

Preventive dentistry is the hallmark of a family-focused dental practice, including ours! This means your family will enjoy the following:

• Regular checkups and teeth cleanings
• Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
• Oral cancer screenings
• Periodontal evaluations
• Periodic x-rays

Through prevention—two dental visits per year—your family members, including children and teens, will enjoy fewer cavities, cost-effective dentistry, and less time in the dental chair. Our team can also offer advice to encourage younger patients to brush and floss regularly.

For Family Dentistry in Eagle River, Contact Us

We enjoy welcoming new individuals and entire families into our warm and friendly dental practice. If you would like to arrange a visit or have questions for our team, we encourage you to call us today.

We serve all areas, including Eagle River, Chugiak, and your neighborhood. And we are pleased to work with CareCredit financing for your convenience.

Your first dental appointment at Alpine Family Dentistry will start at our welcoming front desk. You will be asked to provide your dental insurance card, if you have one, and the completed new patient paperwork, which we provide on our website. You can print off the provided paperwork at home and fill it out to bring with you to make the check-in experience faster and more convenient.

If you have not filled out the new paperwork in advance of your appointment, please arrive about 15 minutes early, and we will provide you with the paperwork to fill out in our dental office. You can fill out the paperwork and wait for your appointment time in our cozy, family-friendly waiting room, which was designed with your comfort in your mind.

Dental Appointment in Eagle River, AK

We always look forward to meeting new patients in our comfortable, log cabin dental office. The Alpine Family Dentistry team will help you keep your teeth bright and healthy, and we will make your appointments as convenient and easy as we possibly can.

If you have any concerns we can address or any questions about your first dental appointment, please reach out to our friendly dental staff. We want to make your first experience in our dental office pleasant and welcoming, and we want you to make you feel at home.

Your first dental appointment with Dr. Brett will include a thorough dental cleaning, an evaluation of your teeth and gums, and an oral cancer screening.

Dr. Brett and his dental team will look at all aspects of your oral health to make sure your teeth and gums are staying healthy and strong. If we notice any developing dental issues, our dental team will bring them to your attention and discuss possible dental treatment options with you.

During your first dental appointment, we will also answer any questions you may have about your oral health and dental care. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that are on your mind, whether it is about our dental office, a procedure, oral hygiene, or another matter altogether. We are happy to provide in-depth answers to your oral health questions.

Your first dental appointment should take between one and one and a half hours.

Dental Cleaning in Eagle River, AK

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we want to help you create and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. The best way to do that is with a good oral hygiene routine at home and regular dental cleanings and exams in our Eagle River, AK dental office.

If you are in need of dental care in the Eagle River or Chugiak areas, reach out to our dental office today to schedule your first appointment. We are always eager to welcome new patients into our office. We look forward to meeting you!

For most patients, a visit to the dentist for a dental cleaning exam is needed every six months. Twice yearly dental cleanings and exams help to keep your teeth and gums free of plaque and tartar, and they give Dr. Brett a chance to fully evaluate your oral health.

With regular exams, Dr. Brett can track any oral health changes, including developing cavities or other issues, like gum disease. Early treatment is ideal when it comes to dental issues. If you catch a dental problem early, the treatment is generally less invasive and less expensive than if it is allowed to progress. That is true of cavities, gum disease, and most other oral health problems.

For example, if you wait and don’t seek treatment, a cavity that could have been fixed with a simple dental filling could need a dental crown or a root canal, both of which are more invasive than filling and will have more of an impact on your wallet.

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we are strong believers and preventive dental care. Even if you don’t suspect cavities, you should be seeing your dentist regularly. With regular exams and early treatment, your teeth will stay stronger and last longer.

Dental Exam in Eagle River, AK

Don’t wait until something breaks or hurts to visit the dentist. Dr. Brett and his friendly dental team are here to help you keep your teeth clean and healthy so you don’t have to deal with more serious dental issues down the road.

Reach out to our Eagle River dental office today to schedule your appointment for a dental cleaning and exam.

As you prepare to come into our office for a routine dental exam, you may have questions about what to expect. 

There is no reason to worry or stress; at Alpine Family Dentistry, we value your comfort as much as you do. That's why our office is staffed by friendly employees who start your dental experience off on the right foot from the moment you walk into our dental office.

Routine Dental Exam at Alpine Family Dentistry

During your routine exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth, paying special attention to the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. You may discuss any issues you have been having, like toothaches, with your dentist at this time.

If it has been over a year since your last set of x-rays, or you have a condition like advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may take x-rays during your exam to get a better picture of the health of your tooth roots and jaw.

Your dentist may recommend treatments depending on what the dental exam turns up. And if time allows, you also have a dental cleaning. 

Eagle River Expert Dental Care

The team at Alpine Family Dentistry wants to show you why so many residents of Eagle River, AK call us their dentist. So contact your general dentist in Eagle River today to schedule a routine dental exam.

Many over-the-counter whitening strips and kits use harsh and unsafe whitening chemicals. And often, they don't produce the desired results once the treatment is complete, leaving some people to wonder if teeth whitening works at all. This can be very disappointing.

The good news is that teeth whitening not only works but, when done professionally, can transform your smile.

In-Office and At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

At Alpine Family Dentistry, we provide both in-office teeth whitening and at-home whitening trays. However, for the best results, we recommend visiting us directly. Under dental supervision, we can use the most potent ingredients for the best outcome while ensuring it doesn't harm your teeth and gums.

For convenience, our take-home treatment option can't be beaten.

When used correctly, take-home custom-made whitening trays are your second best option for teeth whitening. They offer the convenience of over-the-counter strips but with professional dental strength whitening agents. However, our at-home whitening system may take a little longer than in-office treatments. 

Teeth Whitening in Eagle River, AK

Alpine Family Dentistry is proud to provide professional teeth whitening services to Eagle River, Chugiak, and the surrounding areas. Let our friendly staff show you how comfortable a trip to the dentist can be, and let our dentists help you find your dream smile.

The longevity of teeth whitening results generally depends on a few factors. These include an individual’s oral hygiene habits, diet, lifestyle choices (like smoking or using smokeless tobacco products), and, most importantly, whether the whitening treatment was performed professionally or using an over-the-counter at-home kit.

Professional teeth whitening results can last from six months to two years. Optimal at-home results typically last a couple of months before re-treatment is required.

Regardless, there are measures you can take to keep your smile at its post-whitening brightest. A robust oral hygiene routine, including regular dental cleanings and exams, and twice-daily (at least) brushing and flossing is essential. Also crucial is limiting the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, red berries, and other notoriously tooth-staining foods and beverages. Additionally, steering clear of tobacco products and using whitening toothpaste can help preserve and prolong whitening results.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a consistent dental care routine, you can enjoy your professionally whitened smile for as long as possible. Regular checkups are also helpful as they allow your dentist to monitor and assess your smile and overall oral health.

Elevate Smiles With Professional Teeth Whitening in Eagle River, AK

If you’re in Eagle River and looking for an expert dental team to safely and effectively help your smile achieve its million-dollar potential with professional whitening treatments, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the outstanding Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Professional teeth whitening offers significant advantages over at-home whitening kits. In-office treatments performed by a dentist or dental hygienist use more potent bleaching agents that deliver more immediate, dramatic, and long-lasting results. Also, in a professional setting, treatments are customized to patients’ specific needs, ensuring more even and effective results, and less risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

At-home kits, while more convenient and less expensive, take longer to yield noticeable results and often produce uneven results. This is largely a result of a less powerful whitening agent, but can also stem from incorrect usage. Also, as at-home kits typically aren’t accompanied by a dental examination or supervised application, they carry a greater risk of issues like gum irritation or increased tooth sensitivity.

In short, professional teeth whitening ensures a brighter, more consistent smile, with the added benefit of dental supervision and a tailored treatment plan. This makes it a superior choice compared to at-home whitening kits for those seeking significant and safe results.

Top-Quality Teeth Whitening and Cosmetic Dentistry in Eagle River, AK

If you’re in Eagle River and want to safely, effectively, and efficiently restore the luster to your pearly whites via professional tooth whitening, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the stellar Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

During a professional teeth whitening procedure at Alpine Family Dentistry, you will experience safety, comfort, and efficiency. Here is a closer look at the steps involved in receiving the best professional teeth whitening results in Eagle River, AK!

• A thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.
• A protective barrier is then applied to your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent.
• Next, the dentist or hygienist applies a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth.
• Once the gel is applied, it is activated using a special light or laser. This typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, during which you can relax in the dental chair.
• After the treatment, the dentist removes the gel and the protective barrier, revealing a noticeably brighter, more radiant, youthful smile!

Even with professional treatments, you might experience mild sensitivity after tooth whitening. This usually subsides within a few days. Your dentist will also provide aftercare instructions to help maintain your new smile and mitigate any risks.

Top-Notch Teeth Whitening in Eagle River, AK 

If you’re in the Eagle River area and want to safely, efficiently, and effectively elevate your smile to its brilliant best via professional whitening treatments, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the excellent Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

The time it takes to recover from a tooth extraction will differ with each patient, depending on the complexity of their treatment and how well they take care of themselves afterward. Typically, most patients start feeling normal again after three to seven days.  

It's common to have some tenderness in your extraction site for a few days after your surgery. If you're experiencing bleeding at the site that you can't stop, it's important to contact our team right away for an appointment with Dr. Brett.

Enjoy Soft Foods After Oral Surgery

Sticking to eating soft foods at room temperature for the first few days after your surgery will also help your healing process. Here are some ideas to allow your extraction site to heal. 

• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Soup
• Smoothies or shakes
• Oatmeal

Avoid spicy foods that could irritate your extraction site.

It is also important to avoid actions like drinking through a straw or smoking cigarettes for at least 72 hours after your tooth extraction in Eagle River so your blood clot can stay in place for optimal healing. 

Oral Surgery in Eagle River

If you have questions or concerns throughout your recovery process, don't hesitate to contact your Alpine Family Dentistry team today at (907) 694-2409 for answers or guidance. 

Preparing for a tooth extraction can make your experience smoother and more comfortable. Whether it's a wisdom tooth removal or a damaged tooth that needs to be removed, a little preparation goes a long way.

Start by adhering to any specific instructions provided by your dentist. If you are scheduled for sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll likely be advised to refrain from eating or drinking for at least 6–8 hours prior to the procedure. Also, if you’re going to be sedated, make sure to arrange for transportation, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.

It’s also wise to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and to avoid makeup, heavy lotions, or lip balm on the day of your appointment. These can hinder your provider’s ability to keep the area clean.

Additionally, make sure to inform your dentist about any medications you take or health conditions you have. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and recent illnesses. Some patients may need to take antibiotics beforehand, particularly if they’re at risk for infection.

Finally, stock your home with soft foods, ice packs, and any prescribed medications so that you can rest without worry after the procedure.

Painless, Stress-Free Tooth Extractions in Eagle River, AK

If you're looking for a dentist in Eagle River 99577 to help you fully prepare for your dental extraction, ensure a smooth and pain-free procedure, and expertly guide you through aftercare, contact Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the excellent Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Most often, tooth extractions are performed by dentists when there is nothing other procedures like fillings or a root canal can do to save the tooth. Generally, it is preferable to save the tooth and the root if it is at all possible, but there comes the point where trying to keep the infected tooth in will do much more harm than good. Your dentist will only consider tooth extraction as a last option for the total health of your mouth. 

You may also need extraction for other reasons, like for dental posts and to make room for major dental reconstruction, as well as emergency surgery on the jaw.

Dangers of Avoiding Tooth Extraction

Losing a tooth sounds like a big deal, and it can be scary, but thanks to modern advances in dentistry, not only is the extraction process more comfortable than ever, there are options for helping you recover your smile.

If your tooth is infected and sufficiently damaged, it will fall out on its own eventually anyway, but that's no reason to leave it in. The bacteria can spread and cause irreversible damage to your gums and jaw bone. Not to mention that until the nerve in the tooth dies, it is likely to cause debilitating pain.

Looking for an Eagle River AK Tooth Extraction Specialist?

Alpine Family Dentistry is proud to service Eagle River AK and its neighbors with reliable expert dentistry. If you need a tooth extraction or just a check-up, contact us to brighten your smile.

Tooth-colored fillings are a durable and aesthetic option for restoring small areas of tooth decay and cavities. However, it may not be a suitable material for a molar that does the heavy load of chewing. Dr. Brett will discuss all restorative options with you if you have a tooth that is fractured or compromised by decay. 

Tooth-colored composite resin is ideal for front teeth in the sight line of your smile that need repair because we can customize it to blend flawlessly with your tooth so it's not noticeable. It's also relatively durable, and we can use it for most smaller areas of decay.

When a Dental Filling Is Not Enough

If you have a severely broken, fractured, or decayed tooth, Dr. Brett might suggest a dental crown to strengthen it. A crown fits completely over the compromised tooth to cover it like a cap. We can make it from tooth-colored ceramic porcelain that is durable and complements the aesthetics of your smile. 

Dr. Brett will always review your options with you before starting any type of treatment so you can make the best decisions about what's right for your smile. 

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Eagle River

If you have questions or concerns about tooth-colored fillings in Eagle River, AK, contact our team at (907) 694-2409 for more information.  

Cavities affect people of all ages—not only children! If you have a cavity, you need a dental filling in Eagle River, AK to restore your tooth health.

What Is a Dental Cavity?

A dental cavity is an area of decay on your tooth. Without treatment, the cavity can grow and become painful, even compromising the integrity of your tooth.

Additionally, because cavities are not always easy to see with the naked eye, it's essential to have regular dental checkups to diagnose and treat cavities as soon as possible.

We rely on tooth-colored fillings to treat tooth decay in our dental office. This method means no silver to detract from your smile. And the composite filling also means that no one will even notice you've been to the dentist.

Lowering Your Tooth Decay Risks

Cavities are primarily preventable with regular checkups and teeth cleanings, coupled with brushing and flossing at least twice daily. If you're especially prone to cavities, your Eagle River dentist can provide additional tips, including nutritional advice.

For Tooth-Colored Fillings in Eagle River, AK, Give Us a Call

If you have older silver fillings you'd like to replace—or if it's time for your checkup and teeth cleaning—a team member is standing by to get you started.