Big Sky Dentures & Implants

Products And Services

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  Dentures

  Traditional dentures have long served as the standard solution for tooth loss, and for some people, they function adequately. However, adequacy is not the same as ease. A 2022 study found a persistent gap between wearing dentures and feeling comfortable with them. Many complete denture wearers reported ongoing challenges, including discomfort while eating, recurring sore spots, and moments of hesitation in social settings. The study makes one thing clear. Denture success is not uniform, and for many patients, challenges remain. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we understand this range of experiences. That’s why we offer several treatment options, including implant-based solutions, to help you find the level of stability and support that aligns with your needs.

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  Same-Day Denture Relines and Repairs

  When dentures no longer fit properly, simple activities like eating and speaking can become uncomfortable or frustrating. Over time, natural changes in your mouth (such as bone loss or gum shrinkage) can cause dentures to loosen or shift. And accidents happen: you might break or crack your denture when you least expect it. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait days or weeks for a solution. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer same-day denture relines and repairs to help you regain comfort and function without the long turnaround. Whether your dentures need a quick adjustment or a structural fix, our in-house services can restore your fit and confidence fast. Same-Day Relines and Fit Adjustments Denture Relines and Repairs in Missoula, MT | Same-Day ServicesYou shouldn’t have to live with loose or uncomfortable dentures. With same-day adjustments like tissue conditioners, hard and soft relines, and permanent soft liners, we can restore a snug, natural feel. No more slipping or sore spots! Each of these solutions plays a different, but important, role in improving denture comfort and stability. Tissue Conditioners Tissue conditioners are temporary, soft materials added to the inside of a denture to cushion irritated or inflamed gums. They reduce pressure from an ill‑fitting denture so the tissues can heal. These are often used for a few days to a couple of weeks and may be replaced as the gums recover. They’re especially helpful for patients whose tissues are sore, swollen, or healing after extractions, or for those preparing for a new denture or a permanent reline. Hard and Soft Relines Relines refresh the inside surface of the denture to match the current shape of your gums. A hard reline uses a durable acrylic material similar to the original denture base. It provides a stable, long‑lasting fit and is a good choice for most denture wearers. It may not be ideal, though, for patients with very sensitive gums. A soft reline uses a more flexible, cushioned material that absorbs pressure. It works well for people who experience frequent sore spots, have thin or delicate oral tissues, or struggle with discomfort from a hard acrylic base. Soft relines offer added comfort, but you’ll need to have it redone more frequently due to wear. Same-Day Denture Relines and Repairs in Missoula, MT When dentures no longer fit properly, simple activities like eating and speaking can become uncomfortable or frustrating. Over time, natural changes in your mouth (such as bone loss or gum shrinkage) can cause dentures to loosen or shift. And accidents happen: you might break or crack your denture when you least expect it. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait days or weeks for a solution. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer same-day denture relines and repairs to help you regain comfort and function without the long turnaround. Whether your dentures need a quick adjustment or a structural fix, our in-house services can restore your fit and confidence fast. Same-Day Relines and Fit Adjustments Denture Relines and Repairs in Missoula, MT | Same-Day ServicesYou shouldn’t have to live with loose or uncomfortable dentures. With same-day adjustments like tissue conditioners, hard and soft relines, and permanent soft liners, we can restore a snug, natural feel. No more slipping or sore spots! Each of these solutions plays a different, but important, role in improving denture comfort and stability. Tissue Conditioners Tissue conditioners are temporary, soft materials added to the inside of a denture to cushion irritated or inflamed gums. They reduce pressure from an ill‑fitting denture so the tissues can heal. These are often used for a few days to a couple of weeks and may be replaced as the gums recover. They’re especially helpful for patients whose tissues are sore, swollen, or healing after extractions, or for those preparing for a new denture or a permanent reline. Hard and Soft Relines Relines refresh the inside surface of the denture to match the current shape of your gums. A hard reline uses a durable acrylic material similar to the original denture base. It provides a stable, long‑lasting fit and is a good choice for most denture wearers. It may not be ideal, though, for patients with very sensitive gums. A soft reline uses a more flexible, cushioned material that absorbs pressure. It works well for people who experience frequent sore spots, have thin or delicate oral tissues, or struggle with discomfort from a hard acrylic base. Soft relines offer added comfort, but you’ll need to have it redone more frequently due to wear.

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  Same-Day Implant Dentures

  Some things just take too long: waiting at the pharmacy, sitting on hold with customer service, or trying to schedule a basic appointment. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re sitting there thinking, “There has to be a better way.” At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we believe that replacing missing teeth shouldn’t be another drawn-out process. That’s why we’re proud to offer same-day implant dentures. In just one visit, we can place dental implants and secure a denture, giving you a convenient path to a complete and stable smile. What Are Implant Dentures? Implant Denture Options in Missoula, MT | Affordable DenturesImplant dentures are full-arch restorations that replace an upper or lower set of teeth. In that way, they’re similar to traditional dentures. However, they’re much more secure. Because the denture is anchored to dental implants in the jaw, you can trust that your teeth will never shift, slip, or pop out at the worst moments. The implants themselves are small titanium posts that Dr. Booth places directly into your jawbone. They act like artificial roots, giving your denture a solid foundation. Once in place, the denture connects securely to these implants, creating a stable fit that feels more natural and reliable than traditional dentures. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer different types of implant dentures so that you can find a solution that suits your budget and preferences. We like to think of our various denture options this way: Traditional dentures are the BRONZE option. These rest on the gums and are held in place by suction or adhesive. They’re the most affordable choice, but they can shift during eating or speaking and will likely need adjustments as your jawbone changes over time. Snap-in dentures are the SILVER option. These removable dentures attach to a series of dental implants in your jaw. They’re more stable than traditional dentures, offering better chewing power and security, but you can still remove them at night for easy cleaning. Fix-on-Six roundhouse bridges are the GOLD option. This semi-removable full-arch restoration stays in place day and night. Made from durable zirconia and supported by more implants than a snap-in denture, it delivers greater comfort, stability, and function.

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  Dental Implants

  Replacing missing teeth doesn’t need to feel like a major project. Traditional dental implants often require multiple procedures, months of healing, and more parts than you might expect. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we believe in keeping things simpler without cutting corners. That’s why we use one-piece implants, including mini and mono options. They offer stable, long-lasting results and come with fewer steps, less discomfort, and a much quicker return to your normal routine. If you’re after something that works without all the hassle, one-piece implants could be just what you need. What Are Dental Implants? A dental implant acts like the root of a missing tooth. It’s a small post, usually made of titanium, that Dr. Booth places into your jawbone. The base of the implant goes into the jaw, while the top extends above the gums. Once it’s in place and the area heals, the implant securely holds a restoration (such as a replacement crown, a bridge, or a denture) in your mouth. Its main purpose is to give your new tooth a strong, stable foundation so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably. The Benefits of Dental Implants Patients often ask us why they should opt for dental implants if traditional bridges and dentures also replace missing teeth. It’s a great question, and the answer comes down to how dental implants work and what they do for your long-term oral health. Dental implants don’t just fill a gap in your smile—they also replace the missing tooth root. This makes a big difference. Unlike other tooth replacements, an implant helps keep your jawbone healthy by providing the pressure and support that natural tooth roots once did. This stimulation prevents the bone from shrinking over time, which helps maintain your facial structure and keeps your bite stable. Implants also offer unmatched stability. They don’t slip like dentures or rely on surrounding teeth for support like bridges. You can chew, laugh, and speak confidently, without worrying about slipping, shifting, or putting extra stress on your other teeth. Durability is another major advantage of dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades, giving you a lasting return on your investment. Types of Implants There are two main types of dental implants: traditional two-piece implants and one-piece implants, which include mini and mono implants. Traditional implants consist of two parts: a titanium post placed in the bone and a separate connector (called an abutment) that holds the replacement tooth. This type requires more bone volume, a more invasive procedure, multiple surgical steps, and a longer healing time. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we focus exclusively on one-piece dental implants. These implants combine the post and connector into a single unit, simplifying the procedure and reducing healing time. Mini dental implants are less than 3 mm in diameter. Their slim design allows for a minimally invasive placement, often without the need for bone grafting, and they’re ideal for patients with narrow or low-density jawbones. Mono dental implants are 3 mm or wider—similar in size to traditional implants. However, they’re made as a single piece. They provide strong support for restorations, and Dr. Booth can place them using a simpler, less invasive technique than two-piece systems. Mini and mono dental implants give us flexible options for replacing missing teeth without the need for complex or lengthy oral surgery.

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  Mini Dental Implants

  Eligibility is a word that tends to follow us through life. As children, it might have been about being “this tall” to ride the roller coaster or old enough to sit in the front seat. Back then, the rules felt arbitrary, but we accepted them. What many don’t expect is to face a similar stop sign later in life. Only this time at the dentist’s office. Traditional dental implants often come with their own height chart of sorts: enough bone density, enough healing capacity, enough overall health. For many, those checkboxes can feel like barriers. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we see that frustration often. Mini dental implants change the story for those who have been told “no.” Due to their narrow structure and simplified placement process, mini dental implants are effective in areas where traditional implants may not be suitable. We can secure restorations using less bone and a gentler approach, making treatment possible for patients who once thought their options were limited. Mini Dental Implants: What Makes Them Different? Mini Dental Implants in Missoula, MT | Affordable Dental Implants A mini dental implant is a small, one-piece titanium post that supports a crown, bridge, or denture. It measures less than 3 millimeters in diameter and includes a built-in abutment. The abutment is the ball-shaped end at the top of the post that connects directly to the final restoration. This integrated design eliminates the need for a separate connector. Traditional dental implants are larger, typically around 5 millimeters in diameter, and consist of multiple components. The implant post is placed into the jawbone, and once healing occurs, a separate abutment is added. The abutment connects the post to the final restoration, with each stage carefully timed to allow proper healing and integration with the bone. The placement process for traditional implants involves lifting the gums to expose the bone. The site is gradually widened with drills that compact the bone before the implant is inserted, and the gums are then sutured closed. We place mini dental implants using a straightforward technique. After making a small pilot hole through your gum and into the bone, we thread the implant into position. As it advances, it gently compresses the surrounding bone to create a stable foundation. This approach doesn’t require stitches or large incisions, making the process simpler and easier to heal from. The main differences between mini and traditional implants lie in their size, structure, and placement method. Mini implants are slimmer, feature a one-piece design, and can be placed in a single, minimally invasive procedure. Traditional implants are wider, made of multiple parts, and require a multi-step surgical process.

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  Same-Day Dental Implants

  Have you ever wished you could skip the long line at your favorite coffee shop? Or maybe you’ve been waiting for a package all week, hoping the days would go by faster? At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we understand the desire to speed things up, especially if what you’re waiting for is new teeth! Dental implants are a great way to restore missing teeth, but they’re also notorious for long healing periods. Patients may go toothless for weeks at a time, struggling to function and hiding their smiles. Fortunately, we have a faster solution. With mini dental implants, we can provide you with a brand new smile much sooner. In some cases, we may even be able to extract your teeth, place your implants, and provide your restoration all in the same day! Visit us in Missoula, MT, to learn how we make same-day dental implants possible. Understanding Dental Implants When missing teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we prefer to use dental implants! We embed these titanium screws in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Same-Day Dental Implants in Missoula, MT | Restore Your SmileWhile a natural tooth has a root that anchors into your jaw, an artificial tooth restoration does not. These roots are essential for both keeping your smile in place and stimulating your jawbone to keep it healthy and full. With dental implants, we replicate the security of your natural roots and stimulate your bone, preventing bone loss. Once dental implants are inside your bone, they begin a process called osseointegration. This natural process enables the titanium of dental implants to integrate with your jawbone, forming a remarkably strong connection. Using that connection as a foundation, we then replace missing teeth with implant-supported dental crowns, bridges, or dentures! However, we prefer to use mini dental implants. These titanium posts are smaller than their more conventional counterparts, but just as strong and effective. By using mini implants, we help eliminate long healing periods, save you money, and restore your smile faster! In fact, thanks to their minimally invasive procedure and fast-acting stability, we can extract your damaged teeth and place a mini dental implant in just one appointment!

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  Full-Mouth Dental Implants

  When a house has extensive foundation damage, you can’t just slap on fresh paint and hope for the best. At some point, patch jobs and repairs stop working. The only real solution is to rebuild the framework so the house can stand safely and solidly again. The same principle applies when you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, or if widespread tooth loss is imminent. While dentures and partials can offer relief, they don’t restore the full stability or function of natural teeth. For those looking for a more secure and lasting solution, full-mouth dental implants offer a better way forward. What Are Full-Mouth Dental Implants? Full-mouth dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth throughout the mouth. With this approach, we place multiple dental implants to anchor a set of artificial teeth. It’s like rebuilding a home with new support beams rather than patching over damage. The implants provide a strong foundation beneath the surface, allowing your new teeth to feel secure and function properly. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we prefer to use mini dental implants instead of traditional dental implants because they offer a simpler, less invasive way to achieve the same stable results. Mini implants are smaller in diameter, which means we can often place them without the need for bone grafting (a common requirement with larger traditional implants). This makes the process more accessible for patients who have experienced bone loss. The minimally invasive technique also allows for quicker healing and fewer visits. Despite their size, mini implants are strong and reliable, offering the solid foundation needed to support full arches of teeth. Patients often find that this approach not only restores their ability to eat and speak comfortably, but also greatly improves their confidence. Full-Arch Prosthetics Full-Mouth Dental Implants in Missoula, MT | Affordable Implants Mini dental implants act as stable anchor points for a new set of teeth, supporting either removable or fixed prosthetics depending on your needs and preferences. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer the following prosthetics for full-arch dental implants: Snap-in dentures: These removable prosthetics “snap” onto mini dental implants using small rubber O-rings. They look similar to traditional dentures, featuring a gum-colored acrylic base and natural-looking artificial teeth. However, unlike traditional dentures, we stabilize snap-in dentures with 4-6 mini implants in the lower jaw or 6-8 in the upper jaw. The implants prevent your false teeth from slipping or shifting. You’ll remove the prosthetic at night for cleaning, but during the day, it stays secure on the implants. It’s a practical option for patients who want improved stability without a permanently fixed restoration. Fix-on-Six® roundhouse bridges: This semi-removable option mimics the strength and feel of natural teeth. The roundhouse bridge is made of durable zirconia and may include pink porcelain at the base to resemble natural gum tissue if needed for lip support. It’s securely attached to 6-10 mini implants, and only Dr. Booth will remove it during checkups for professional cleaning. With its strong materials and increased implant support, the Fix-on-Six® provides enhanced chewing ability, a lifelike appearance, and greater overall comfort compared to removable options.

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  Full-Mouth Reconstruction

  When building a puzzle, some say that the big picture is the most important part. However, others believe that breaking the puzzle down into smaller sections is a more efficient way to find where each piece goes. No matter what your puzzle process includes, you know that every piece matters. Even one missing component leaves the puzzle unfinished and you dissatisfied. Revitalizing your smile is similar in that you may have various problems that need fixing, but full-mouth reconstruction is an effective way to address them all at once! Big Sky Dentures & Implants combines procedures to provide a cohesive treatment plan, focusing on each part of your mouth to create a healthier, more beautiful smile. To discover how we can help your smile, visit us in Missoula, MT, for comprehensive and affordable care. Understanding Full-Mouth Reconstruction Full-mouth reconstruction is a transformative dental service that involves treating every aspect of your smile. Combining a variety of dental procedures, this treatment helps restore function, enhance aesthetics, and improve your oral health! By addressing multiple dental issues at once, we help minimize the time, money, and stress involved with dental work. This is especially true for those with more severe dental problems, as it can be exhausting to undergo various separate treatments. Fortunately, with full-mouth reconstruction, we replace missing teeth, repair damage, remove infection, and improve your smile efficiently, without all the hassle. During your initial, comprehensive consultation with us, we will assess your dental needs and create a custom treatment plan for your smile. Your plan may include services in a variety of fields, such as: Full-Mouth Reconstruction in Missoula, MT | Revitalize Your SmileGeneral dentistry: Fillings and sealants address minor issues that disrupt your daily function. For a full-mouth reconstruction treatment, we may use these procedures to keep your smile healthy. Restorative dentistry: Dental implants, crowns, and dentures all restore your smile, helping to replace missing teeth or strengthen natural ones. After damage or decay, we use these treatments to revamp your smile’s health and appearance. Cosmetic dentistry: Veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening offer little to no structural benefits to your smile. However, they provide major aesthetic improvements which can be just as important! Natural teeth that are stained or misshapen but otherwise healthy are prime candidates for these cosmetic treatments.

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  Oral Surgery

  Oral surgery is one of those areas of dentistry most people hope to avoid. It’s easy to imagine it as something complicated or uncomfortable. Still, for those facing advanced dental concerns, it can be the most effective way to regain health, comfort, and confidence. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we understand the hesitation, which is why we’ve shaped our care around making this process easier to go through and easier to recover from. When issues like deep decay, bone loss, infections, or impacted teeth exceed the scope of what routine care can fix, surgery becomes the next step. These procedures reduce pain and support the long-term stability of your smile. What makes our practice experience different is how we approach these treatments. We invest in advanced imaging, guided techniques, and a treatment philosophy focused on your comfort. Tooth Extractions: Gentle Oral Surgery for a Healthier Smile Whenever possible, we aim to preserve your natural teeth. But when a tooth is too damaged, infected, or poorly positioned, removing it can relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. There are several reasons why a tooth extraction might be necessary. Sometimes, a tooth has extensive decay and cannot be repaired with a filling or dental crown. Extraction helps eliminate infection and pain. Advanced gum disease can also lead to bone loss that loosens the teeth, making extraction the healthiest option. In other cases, trauma from an accident may cause a fracture that cannot be repaired. Each of these situations requires a different level of care, but all share the goal of protecting your overall oral health. Not all extractions are the same. When a tooth is impacted, unerupted, broken beneath the gum line, or surrounded by dense bone, we perform a surgical extraction. This involves creating access through the gum tissue, and in some cases, removing a small amount of bone to reach and safely remove the tooth. These procedures require precision and a gentle approach to support healing. To make the experience better and protect your bone, we use the Piezotome® Cube. This device uses ultrasonic vibrations to carefully separate the tooth from the surrounding bone and ligament without using force or pressure. It’s especially helpful for front teeth, where preserving bone is critical. This gentle approach helps protect healthy tissue, reduces swelling, and supports faster healing, making it ideal when you need to keep as much bone as possible if you are getting dental implants.

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  Tooth Extractions

  Do you know where the saying “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch” comes from? While often used as an idiom to demonstrate how one person’s bad behavior can influence those around them, it is also very literal. When a fruit begins to rot, it releases gases and bacteria that affect the fruits around it. With only one bad apple, the whole bunch will start to spoil faster. Surprisingly, teeth work in a similar way! When one tooth is infected or decaying, it allows for the spread of bacteria, potentially affecting neighboring teeth. While we always aim to save your natural teeth, it’s sometimes necessary to remove a troublesome tooth to protect the rest of your smile! At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we perform tooth extractions when necessary to keep your smile healthy and happy. When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary? A tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth is beyond treatment. If a filling, root canal, or dental crown can’t save your tooth, it may be time to remove it. Tooth Extractions in Missoula, MT | Keeping Your Smile Healthy 😁 At Big Sky Dentures and Implants, we routinely extract teeth when necessary to protect the health of your smile. We may remove your tooth if you are experiencing: Immense decay due to a lack of oral care Severe damage, like a broken or cracked tooth Advanced gum disease, leading to the loosening of teeth Problematic wisdom teeth that are causing you pain If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you may need a dental extraction! Fortunately, we have years of experience performing these procedures routinely. However, it’s important to note that we do not remove impacted wisdom teeth and will instead refer you to an oral surgeon. Types of Tooth Extractions Depending on the details of your specific case, we may use one of two types of tooth extractions. Regardless of which method, we make sure to apply a local anesthetic to your gums and teeth. This helps numb your mouth before treatment, keeping you comfortable throughout the extraction process. If necessary, we also provide effective sedation options to help ease anxiety and keep you relaxed! Simple Extraction When your tooth is easily accessible, we’ll use the simple extraction method with a special dental tool called a Piezotome CUBE®! This instrument allows us to gently loosen your tooth from its socket, without severely disrupting your gum and bone tissues. Then, we pull the tooth out in one careful pull. After flushing out your gums to remove all signs of debris, we will place a gauze pad over the site and have you bite down gently. The pressure then creates a blood clot, which is essential for fast and effective healing after a tooth extraction. If you follow our aftercare instructions, you can experience a smooth healing process.

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  General Dentistry

  Sometimes the things that matter most don’t announce their importance. They move in the background, holding everything steady so life keeps running without interruption. General dentistry belongs to that steady rhythm of upkeep that rarely gets credit but makes all the difference. A routine visit may feel ordinary, yet it’s what protects the structure of your smile and the ease of your day-to-day comfort. These small acts build the kind of stability that only shows its worth when it’s gone. General dentistry is an example of how consistency, not urgency, is what truly preserves our health. The Core of General Dentistry: Exams and Cleanings General Dentistry in Missoula, MT | Affordable Dental Care Exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. When you come in regularly, we can catch early signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, and even signs of oral cancer. Identifying these problems early allows us to treat them more easily and helps you avoid more complicated procedures later. Cleanings during your exam remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach. This helps prevent decay and gum inflammation. You may also receive preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants. These are simple steps that add a strong layer of protection, especially for areas that are more likely to develop cavities. These visits also give us a chance to talk with you about your habits, routines, and any changes you’ve noticed. If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth, a dry mouth, or have questions about which foods to avoid, we can offer personalized advice that fits your situation. It’s a two-way conversation that supports your daily care and helps you make informed choices. Oral health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Inflammation from untreated gum disease can affect other areas of the body, contributing to issues like heart disease, among others. That’s just one example of how problems in the mouth can lead to broader health concerns. Staying current with exams helps lower that risk and promotes better overall health.

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  Cosmetic Dentistry

  There’s a reason cosmetic dentistry is often compared to art. It relies on balance, a steady hand, and an understanding of how subtle adjustments can transform the overall appearance of a smile. Every shade, contour, and proportion matters, and each treatment is selected with care to achieve both aesthetic and functional harmony. While many people think of cosmetic dentistry as purely visual, its impact reaches deeper. Modern materials and technology allow dentists to strengthen enamel, preserve natural tooth structure, and create results that look authentic and last over time. At Big Sky Implants & Dentures, we use the latest cosmetic and restorative techniques to help you achieve a healthy, natural-looking smile that fits your needs and goals. How Cosmetic Dentistry Brings Function and Beauty Together Cosmetic Dentistry in Missoula, MT | Affordable Dental Treatments Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Some treatments are purely aesthetic, like teeth whitening, while others also repair damage or restore function. In that way, cosmetic care often overlaps with other branches of dentistry. General dentistry focuses on prevention and oral health, while restorative dentistry addresses the repair or replacement of damaged teeth. Cosmetic dentistry supports both by refining the look of the final result. For example, a dental crown restores strength to a cracked tooth and also helps it blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. Cosmetic treatments can alter the color, shape, or alignment of your teeth to achieve a more harmonious appearance. Meanwhile, general care maintains long-term health through exams and cleanings. Restorative care restores function when teeth are damaged or missing. The overlap between cosmetic and restorative care highlights the broader value of aesthetic treatment. Enhancing the appearance of teeth is not simply a finishing touch; it complements how they look, feel, and function. When your smile looks natural and uniform, you are more comfortable speaking, chewing, and interacting with others.

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  Dental Crowns

  Football is a high-contact sport, meaning that players are not only allowed to make contact, but it’s a necessary part of the game. Offensive and defensive linemen, in particular, frequently bash into each other to block players of the opposing team. To mitigate the danger of a head-on collision, they wear football helmets! This hard layer of protection helps soften blows, protecting the head and the brain underneath it. Similar to football players, your top and bottom teeth collide every time you chew to break down the food you’re eating. While this is their function, it can be painful to chew if your tooth is damaged or decaying. Fortunately, dental crowns fit over your teeth like a football helmet, both fortifying their structure and protecting them from further damage! What Are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over teeth like a helmet. When a tooth is significantly damaged, but still healthy enough to avoid extraction, we may use a dental crown to protect it! Dental crowns are necessary when your tooth is: Severely cracked or broken Badly damaged from infection Dental Crowns in Missoula, MT | Restore Your Smile Affordably 🦷Intensely worn down from grinding or abrasion Often, we try more conservative methods before performing a dental crown procedure, such as dental fillings or bonding. However, if a tooth’s damage is too extreme, a dental crown may be the solution you need. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we aim to save your teeth whenever possible. Dental crowns allow us to preserve your natural tooth by fortifying its structure with a protective cover. The Dental Crown Process The traditional dental crown process requires a healthy tooth as a base. If your tooth is infected, we’ll need to treat it before placing a dental crown on top. Once your tooth is healthy, we will begin the tooth preparation process! This preparatory procedure involves using a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and gums. When you’re comfortable, we’ll use special dental tools to shave down your enamel on all sides. Using our digital scanner, we’ll then develop a digital model of your tooth to send to a dental lab. There, technicians will fabricate your custom crown to match your surrounding teeth. The process takes a few weeks, so we’ll provide you with a temporary crown in the meantime. Once your final crown restoration arrives, we will cement it over your prepared tooth to fortify its structure and revamp your smile!

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  Dental Bridges

  The Van Buren Footbridge, located near the University of Montana, is a stunning structure that spans the Clark Fork River in Missoula. Decorating the railings of this bridge are countless locks, acting as reminders of couples’ love and connection to one another. At sunset, the twinkling lights adorning the bridge create a beautiful atmosphere, making the landmark a local favorite for romantics! While not quite as romantic, a dental bridge is a way to span the gaps in your smile. Like the locks connecting lovers, dental bridges connect your teeth and restore your love for eating and smiling. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we use both traditional dental bridges and implant dental bridges to replace missing teeth. What Is a Dental Bridge? Dental Bridge in Missoula, MT | Contact Us To Complete Your SmileA dental bridge is a restorative appliance made to replace missing teeth. Typically, a bridge is made of pontics, or artificial teeth that are bonded together to give the appearance of a seamless smile. When missing one or more teeth, a traditional dental bridge replaces them using the remaining teeth on either side of the gap for support. Like a structural bridge, traditional bridges span the gaps in your smile to create a sturdy and complete arch of teeth. These bridges can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, effectively restoring the function of your smile. Dental Bridge Options When looking to replace one or more teeth, there are a variety of dental bridges at your disposal. The bridge you use largely depends on your remaining teeth and your needs. These options include: Traditional dental bridge: This type of bridge spans the gap in your smile by using the adjacent teeth on either side for support. On both sides of your bridge is a dental crown, or tooth-shaped cap that covers your entire tooth. By placing crowns on your adjacent teeth, the bridge is securely anchored in your smile, restoring its appearance and function. However, supporting teeth need to be healthy in order to support your bridge. Cantilever bridge: If you only have one healthy tooth, we may use a cantilever bridge instead. Rather than crowning two teeth for support, this bridge crowns only one, with a pontic attached like a balcony is to a building. Unfortunately, due to its structure, the restoration can only replace one tooth. Maryland bridge: For those who prefer to avoid altering their teeth with dental crowns, a Maryland bridge is an alternative option. This structure has wing-like attachments that secure it to your remaining teeth for support, without altering their enamel. However, a Maryland bridge is best used for front teeth and can’t support the pressure molars endure. Implant-supported bridge: For optimal stability and support, we recommend implant-supported dental bridges. Using dental implants that secure in your jawbone, these bridges are just as secure as the natural teeth in your smile, and replace multiple missing teeth in a row without issue. To find out which dental bridge best suits your needs, you’ll need to come in for a consultation at Big Sky Dentures & Implants.

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  Emergency Dentistry

  As much as we’d like to, it’s impossible to prepare for everything in life. Dental emergencies are no exception, as they can occur at any time, leaving patients unprepared and in pain. Whether it’s sudden tooth pain, an unexpected dental injury, or a broken restoration, Big Sky Dentures & Implants has a solution for you! Our experienced dentists intentionally leave gaps in their schedules to ensure that patients facing a dental emergency have somewhere to go. In their capacity as an emergency dentist, our team provides pain-relieving care that protects your oral health and well-being. If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact us as soon as possible to learn what we can do for your smile! Dental Emergencies According to an Emergency Dentist A dental emergency is an issue that poses a significant risk to your oral health and requires immediate attention. While not every dental problem is an emergency, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist to discuss your symptoms. If necessary, we’ll have you come in as soon as possible for prompt treatment. Emergency Dentist in Missoula, MT | Fast and Effective Pain Relief Common dental emergencies include: Intense, constant tooth pain Knocked-out/dislodged tooth Cracked or broken teeth Dental abscess or inflammation Broken/lost dental restoration Without treatment, these issues can lead to further complications, potentially resulting in infection or tooth decay. Fortunately, with fast and effective dental care, we can relieve dental pain, stop infections, and protect your smile! What Doesn’t Count as a Dental Emergency? However, not every dental issue counts as an emergency. In some cases, dental problems may not require immediate treatment and can wait for a scheduled dental appointment. Dental non-emergencies include issues like: Dull or mild tooth pain Small chips and cracks Mouth sores Before seeking emergency treatment, contact an emergency dentist. As professionals, we can help determine the level of urgency necessary for your injury. If it’s a dental emergency, we recommend you come in as soon as possible, and we will try to fit you into our daily schedule. If it’s not an emergency, we’ll schedule a later appointment to treat your smile.

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