- Dental ExaminationNew patients receive a comprehensive examination which includes a screening for oral cancer, gum and bone disease, a review of medical history, and a clinical and radiographic examination of all the teeth. A recall oral exam is performed on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since the previous visit.
- X-raysIt is recommended to have a full set of dental radiographs (x-rays) taken every 3 to 5 years—this is often a part of a new patient dental examination The four radiographs to look in between the back teeth are taken each year during a regular dental checkup. Dental x-rays will expose any problems that might be currently present and can be used to prevent problems that may occur in the near future. Tooth roots, jaw bone and sinuses are all visible with radiographs which allow us to detect problems with the bone surrounding teeth and even allow us to see teeth that have not erupted such as permanent teeth in children or wisdom teeth in adults.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningDuring every dental checkup, a dentist will visually check and feel around for any signs of oral cancer. We check for signs of visible lesions inside the mouth and gently feel around the jaw for any lumps or swelling that may be present. Many early signs of oral cancer can go unnoticed by people as they go about their daily lives but we want to make sure that your overall oral health is in as best condition as possible when you see us for a dental checkup.
- Teeth CleaningFor most people, a checkup and cleaning every 6 months is standard protocol. Depending on a person's dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.
- Fluoride TreatmentFor children between the ages of 6 and 16, we will generally incorporate a fluoride treatment to help strengthen tooth enamel that can prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments are also beneficial for adults.
- Dental SealantsSealants are one of the easiest preventive dental procedures that can be done. Sealing your teeth can be done in a single dental visit and is entirely painless!
- FillingsSometimes fillings are worn, cracked, or have new decay near or around them. These fillings need to be replaced. Patients have the option to replace silver and gold fillings with a more natural looking tooth-colored composite resin filling material. Composite resin fillings are bonded to the tooth structure and resemble the natural tooth.
- Resin CompositeVery little tooth preparation is necessary for bonding the composite resin to your tooth. Often you will not need to have anesthesia (being numb). We will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that most closely matches the color of your existing teeth. Once the composite resin material is bonded to your tooth, we are able to fine-tune the shape of the resin as well as polish the material until it matches the sheen and overall texture of your natural teeth.
- VeneersVeneers are a thin, semi-transparent, tooth-shaped "shell" that are custom made of porcelain. They are permanently bonded to your natural teeth that are located in your "smile zone" to enhance the shape, color, length, or size. Veneers can fix gaps between teeth and/or improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshaped, or misaligned. The porcelain veneer is fabricated in a dental lab—custom made for your tooth/teeth. If you are thinking about getting porcelain veneers or have any questions about porcelain veneers working in your specific situation, please call us at (406) 541-2886 or Request an appointment through our website. We will be happy to share everything we know and see if porcelain veneers can give you a smile you will love.
- CrownsA bridge is made up of two or more crowns on teeth adjacent to the space where a tooth is missing. Your natural teeth are used as anchor or abutment teeth to which the bridge is attached. Bridges can be used to restore your smile and your ability to properly chew and speak and help in preventing your natural teeth from moving out of position.
- BridgesA partial denture may not be the best option for replacing missing teeth but it is the least expensive tooth replacement option when compared to a dental bridge or a dental implant.
- Dental BondingDental bonding requires the least amount of a tooth's enamel to be removed, thus minimizing discomfort and keeping as much of your tooth's structural integrity intact as possible.
- Restorative DentistryIsolite: Our Doctors have been using this system for years. It has a lot of patient benefits including significantly reducing the risk of spreading aerosols. It is similar to the ReLeaf system but better suited to restorative dentistry (fillings and crowns).
- Pulpotomy
- Root Canal TreatmentA root canal will be needed if the decay has reached the tooth's nerve. The involved tooth becomes very sensitive to temperatures, chewing, or even can become a toothache that can keep a person up at night. Essentially, a root canal involves cleaning out a tooth's infected nerve tissue then filling and sealing the canal.
- Deep CleaningSometimes, tartar can find its way below the gumline and attach itself to tooth roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and more serious issues such as periodontitis and gums that detach from the tooth and recede. When this happens, we will need to perform a deep cleaning (also known as root planing) that involves ridding tartar from your tooth roots and smoothing the rough root surfaces to allow gums to re-attach themselves.
- DenturesRemovable partial dentures are composed of a metal framework with plastic teeth and gum areas where teeth are missing. The framework includes metal clasps or other attachments, which hold the denture in place. Partial dentures are removed easily for cleaning.
- Dental ImplantsIf you are missing one or more teeth and in general good health, you are a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few qualifying factors that need to be addressed...
- Oral SurgeryTooth extractions (pulling teeth) are the most common oral surgery procedure performed by dentists and oral surgeons. Besides the extraction of teeth, many other types of surgical procedures may be needed to ensure health and provide a suitable restoration for a healthy dentition. Some of these procedures can be performed by a dentist but some treatment requires a referral to an Oral Surgeons, or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. These are specialists that start out as qualified dentists then have completed an additional 4-6 years of surgical residencies and whose offices are equipped to handle more complex dental cases.
- Tooth Extractions
- BracesFor some patients, porcelain veneers may make it possible to give you straighter teeth in just a matter of days instead of the time it would take to have orthodontic treatment (braces). The dentists at Family Dental Group can discuss which option is best for your dental situation.
- Teeth WhiteningHaving a dentist plan for your teeth whitening is important because cavities need to be treated (filled) before teeth are whitened. Cavities that are present prior to whitening teeth are a problem. The whitening solution can penetrate the cavity allowing decay to reach inner areas of a tooth—this can lead to dental pain.
- Cosmetic DentistryFamily Dental Group is a general dentistry office in Missoula, Montana that also provides cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry creates a positive change to your teeth to improve your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can provide dramatic changes to your overall appearance; even the smallest procedure can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to show off your smile.
- General DentistryAnnette is a native of Berne, Indiana and received her bachelor's degree in chemistry and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Indiana University. She spent 13 years in the Army as a dentist. Her military assignments include: Bamberg, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She is also a Veteran of the First Gulf War. Annette received an additional 2 years of post-doctoral training (Residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry) while she was in the Army.