Alpine Family Dentistry
3096 W. M-32 Hwy
Gaylord, MI 49735
Alpinefamilydentistry1@gmail.com
General Dentistry
General dentistry covers the essential care that helps you maintain a healthy smile for life. It includes routine cleanings, exams, X‑rays, and preventive treatments that stop issues like cavities and gum disease before they become serious and expensive. Regular visits allow dentists to detect early signs of decay, infection, or oral cancer—problems that are much easier and less costly to treat when caught early. General dentists also provide restorative services such as fillings, crowns, and root canals, which repair damaged teeth and prevent further complications. Because oral health is closely linked to overall health, maintaining good dental care can reduce risks of conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and infections. In short, general dentistry plays a vital role in preserving your natural teeth, supporting your confidence, and protecting your long‑term health.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by cavities, and the cost and complexity often depend on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved. A “surface” refers to a side of the tooth (such as the chewing surface, between teeth, or near the gumline), so a one-surface filling is smaller and less expensive, while two- or three-surface fillings require more time, material, and precision—raising the cost. If a cavity is not treated with a filling, the decay continues to spread deeper into the tooth, which can lead to pain, infection, or even damage to the nerve. Over time, this may require more extensive and costly procedures such as a root canal, crown, or even extraction, making early treatment both more affordable and better for long-term oral health.
SRP
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective treatment used to combat early to moderate gum disease by thoroughly cleaning beneath the gumline where regular brushing can’t reach. During the procedure, your dental team gently removes hardened plaque and bacteria from the tooth surfaces (scaling) and smooths the roots (root planing) to help the gums heal and reattach. This treatment is essential when signs of gum disease—such as bleeding gums, inflammation, or deep periodontal pockets—begin to threaten your oral health. After scaling and root planing, patients maintain their results through consistent brushing, daily flossing, antimicrobial rinses, and scheduled periodontal maintenance visits. With proper care, this treatment helps protect your gums, preserve your natural teeth, and support long‑term oral wellness
Extractions
A dental extraction is recommended when a tooth can no longer be saved due to severe decay, infection, fractures, or complications such as impacted wisdom teeth. During the procedure, your dentist gently numbs the area, removes the tooth with precision, and ensures you remain comfortable throughout the visit. In some cases, a surgical approach is used to access teeth that are impacted or broken below the gumline. After the extraction, recovery is typically smooth—patients are advised to rest, use ice packs for swelling, follow a soft‑food diet, and keep the area clean to support proper healing. With the right home care and follow‑up visits, most patients feel significantly better within a few days and can look forward to improved oral health moving forward.
Crowns
Dental crowns are used to restore and protect teeth that are weakened, broken, severely decayed, or have undergone root canal treatment. They fully cover the tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance while preventing further damage. Without a crown, a compromised tooth is at much higher risk of fracture or loss, which can lead to more complex and costly treatment. The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the material used and your insurance coverage, but many plans contribute a portion of the fee, leaving a patient responsibility that differs case by case. In our office, we offer the convenience of same-day crowns using advanced in-house milling technology, allowing us to design, create, and place your crown in a single appointment—eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits.
Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between healthy teeth. It works by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space (called abutment teeth) and attaching an artificial tooth, or pontic, in between. The procedure typically involves shaping the neighboring teeth to make room for crowns, taking impressions, and placing a temporary bridge while a custom one is made in a lab. At a follow-up visit, the permanent bridge is cemented into place. Unlike dentures, a bridge does not come out, so it feels more stable, but it does require altering otherwise healthy teeth and does not prevent bone loss in the area where the tooth is missing.
Costs for a dental bridge can vary widely depending on the materials used and the number of teeth involved, but a traditional bridge usually ranges from about $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Insurance may cover a portion of the cost however most plans have annual maximums, which means patients are still responsible for a significant out-of-pocket expense. While a bridge can restore appearance and function, keeping your natural teeth is still the best option whenever possible, as it avoids the need for altering adjacent teeth and helps maintain long-term oral health.
Dentures
Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, but they are not the same as natural teeth in function, comfort, or longevity. Natural teeth are anchored into the jawbone by roots, which help maintain bone strength and provide strong, stable biting power. Dentures, on the other hand, sit on top of the gums and rely on suction or adhesives, which can make them less secure and sometimes uncomfortable. Over time, wearing dentures can also lead to bone loss in the jaw because there are no tooth roots to stimulate and preserve the bone. When you lose your natural teeth, other changes occur as well—your facial structure can begin to shift, leading to a more sunken or aged appearance, your ability to taste and enjoy certain foods may decrease, and speech can be affected as your mouth adapts. Financially, dentures may seem like the easier option at first, typically costing around $2,000–$3,000 per arch, not including possible extractions and bone recontouring that may be necessary. More advanced options like implants can cost several thousand dollars per tooth or tens of thousands for full-mouth restoration. Dentures often require ongoing costs for relines, adhesives, and replacement every 5–10 years, while implants are a larger upfront investment but can last decades. Insurance also plays a big role—most dental plans will cover a portion of dentures, but implants are often only partially covered if covered at all, and many plans have yearly limits that leave patients paying significant out-of-pocket costs. Natural teeth allow for better chewing efficiency, clearer speech, and a more natural appearance. For these reasons, it’s always best to keep your natural teeth as long as possible through good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and preventive care. If dentures are right for you we are happy to help you navigate the process.
Implants
A dental implant is a long-term tooth replacement option that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is attached on top to create a natural-looking and fully functional tooth. Implant costs can vary from $4,000 to $6,000 and are often only partially covered or sometimes not at all. The office will be able to help determine potential out-of-pocket costs. Implants can be an intimidating investment but offer a non-removal option for tooth replacement that has a natural appearance and function.
Procedure and timeline:
The process usually involves multiple stages and several months to complete—typically about 9-12 months, sometimes longer if bone grafting is needed. First, a dentist evaluates the area with X-rays or 3D imaging. If the tooth is still present, it is extracted. After a period of healing, another image is taken to evaluate the bone healing in the area. The dentist will then place the implant post into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure, done with local anesthesia. After placement, there is a healing period called osseointegration, where the bone fuses to the implant—this alone can take 3 to 6 months and is specific to each patient. Once healed, the patient returns to the dentist to have an abutment placed (a connector piece), followed by impressions for the final crown. The final appointment is when the permanent crown is cemented or screwed into place.
Number of appointments:
Most patients have about 4 to 6 appointments total, including:
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Consultation and imaging
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Removal of tooth if needed
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Surgical placement
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Follow-up healing checks
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Abutment placement
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Crown impressions
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Final crown delivery
Some cases require additional visits if bone grafting or extra healing is needed.
NEW PATIENTS
Your new patient appointment is designed to provide a complete and comprehensive start to your dental care and is scheduled for approximately 90 minutes. During this visit, you will receive a full oral examination, necessary X-rays, and professional cleaning. After your exam, we will review your oral health in detail and provide a personalized treatment plan outlining any restorative needs. If treatment is recommended, we will be happy to submit a pre-determination to your insurance and assist in scheduling your care at your convenience. Please note that a pre-determination is an estimate of coverage and is not a guarantee of payment by your insurance company; we strongly encourage patients to understand their insurance benefits and reach out with any questions.
To ensure a smooth visit, all insurance information must be provided prior to your appointment so it can be verified in advance; any copayment due will be required at the time of service. For patients without insurance, we offer a courtesy discount of 10% on services when paying by cash or check, and 5% on lab fees. Please be aware that missed new patient appointments without providing 24 hours notice are taken seriously and will result in automatic dismissal from the practice.
EMERGENCY- A dental emergency involves conditions that require prompt attention, such as severe tooth pain, swelling, infection, trauma (including broken or knocked-out teeth), or uncontrolled bleeding. Not all dental concerns are emergencies—minor sensitivity, small chips without discomfort, or routine issues should be scheduled during regular appointment times.