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General Dentistry in Kalispell, MT
Preventive, Restorative & Family Dental Care with Dr. McAllister, Dr. Fontana & Dr. Hanson
At Montana Dental Works, our mission is to keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful for life. Led by Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson, we provide comprehensive general dentistry services to patients in Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a cavity filling, or preventative screenings, our focus is on early detection, gentle care, and long-term oral health.
Our General Dentistry Services
What Is General Dentistry?
At Montana Dental Works, we believe that general dentistry is the cornerstone of lifelong oral health. Our skilled team — led by Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson — provides comprehensive family and preventive dental care to patients in Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork.
General dentistry covers the essential services that keep your teeth, gums, and bite in optimal condition. This includes routine dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and diagnostic tools that help prevent dental problems, detect issues early, and restore function when needed. These foundational services support every other aspect of dentistry — from cosmetic smile makeovers to advanced restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
Our philosophy is simple, prevention is always better than cure. By identifying dental concerns at their earliest stages, we can often treat them:
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Quickly — avoiding lengthy, complex procedures
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Comfortably — with modern, gentle techniques and sedation options if needed
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Cost-effectively — minimizing the expense of treatment by stopping problems before they progress
When you choose Montana Dental Works for your general dentistry needs, you’re not just getting routine care — you’re partnering with a team dedicated to keeping your smile healthy, beautiful, and functional for years to come.
Dental Exams at Montana Dental Works
Preventive Care & Comprehensive Exams
Preventive care and comprehensive exams are the foundation of a healthy smile. These routine visits allow our team at Montana Dental Works to thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. Using advanced diagnostic tools and years of clinical experience, Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson identify potential problems before they become painful or costly to treat, like:
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Detect cavities early, before they require large fillings or crowns
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Monitor gum health to prevent or manage periodontal disease
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Screen for oral cancer, which has the best outcomes when caught early
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Identify bite alignment issues or TMJ (jaw joint) concerns that can lead to headaches, jaw pain, or uneven tooth wear
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Track changes over time to ensure long-term oral health
What Is a Comprehensive Exam?
A complete check-up of your oral health using advanced technology and professional expertise. Our exams look for:
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Cavities and early signs of decay
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Gum disease and periodontal concerns
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Oral cancer or abnormal tissue changes
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Bite alignment or jaw joint (TMJ) issues
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Signs of wear from grinding or clenching
What’s Included in Your Visit
When you come in for a comprehensive exam, we may perform:
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Thorough Visual Exam: A careful look at each tooth, your gums, tongue, and all soft tissues.
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Periodontal (Gum) Assessment: Measuring gum pockets to detect early gum disease.
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Oral Cancer Screening: Quick, painless check for signs of abnormal cells or growths.
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Bite & Jaw Joint Evaluation: Checking for TMJ disorders, grinding, or misalignment.
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Digital X-Rays (as needed): High-resolution images to detect hidden cavities, bone loss, or infection.
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Personalized Home Care Tips: Guidance on brushing, flossing, and diet to keep your smile healthy between visits.
How Often Should You Schedule an Exam?
Most patients benefit from a visit every six months, though some may need more frequent care depending on their oral health.
Fluoride Treatments & Dental Sealants in Kalispell, MT
Protect your smile with two of the most effective preventive dentistry options — fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and dental sealants to shield against cavities, offered by Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson at Montana Dental Works.
What Is a Fluoride Treatment?
A fluoride treatment is a quick, painless, professional-strength application of fluoride — a naturally occurring mineral essential for strong, healthy teeth. At Montana Dental Works, Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson use concentrated fluoride gels, foams, or varnishes to help remineralize tooth enamel and make it more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria.
Who Benefits Most From Fluoride Treatments:
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Children and teens whose teeth are still developing
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Adults with a history of cavities or weakened enamel
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Patients with exposed tooth roots due to gum recession
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Individuals with dry mouth or reduced saliva flow
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Orthodontic patients wearing braces
Why It Matters
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Prevents Cavities: Especially important for children and patients prone to decay.
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Repairs Weak Enamel: Can reverse early signs of demineralization before cavities form.
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Reduces Sensitivity: Helps protect exposed tooth roots and sensitive areas.
What to Expect
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Fluoride treatments take just a few minutes during your regular check-up, applied as a varnish, gel, or foam.
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Takes only a few minutes
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Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward to allow fluoride to absorb
How Often Should You Get Fluoride?
Most patients benefit from fluoride twice a year, though those at higher risk for decay may need it more often.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to seal out plaque and food particles.
Why They Matter
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Protects Hard-to-Reach Areas: Molars have deep grooves that can trap bacteria.
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Prevents Cavities: Creates a smooth surface that’s easier to clean.
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Ideal for Kids & Teens: Especially helpful when newly erupted molars are most vulnerable.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
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Fast and painless application
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Long-lasting protection (often several years)
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Clear or tooth-colored for a natural look
What to Expect
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Teeth are cleaned and dried
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A special gel prepares the tooth surface
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Sealant material is applied and hardened with a curing light
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The bite is checked to ensure comfort
How Long Do Sealants Last?
With good home care and regular check-ups, sealants can protect teeth for years and can be reapplied as needed.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Restore your smile with natural-looking, durable composite fillings from Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson at Montana Dental Works — safe, mercury-free, and designed to blend seamlessly with your teeth.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite resin fillings, are a modern, mercury-free solution for repairing teeth affected by cavities, cracks, or minor damage. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color for a restoration that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Why They Matter
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Cavity Repair: Fillings restore the strength and structure of a tooth damaged by decay.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Composite resin matches the natural shade of your teeth, making the filling virtually invisible.
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Preserves Tooth Structure: Requires less drilling than metal fillings, keeping more of your natural tooth intact.
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Safe & Biocompatible: Free from mercury and designed to bond directly to your tooth for added stability.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
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Natural Appearance: Perfect for visible areas like front teeth.
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Durable & Long-Lasting: Designed to withstand everyday biting and chewing.
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Versatile Use: Can repair chips, cracks, or worn edges in addition to cavities.
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Minimally Invasive: Composite material bonds to the tooth, often requiring less removal of healthy enamel.
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Protects Against Further Decay: Seals the affected area to block bacteria.
What to Expect During the Procedure
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Comfort First: The tooth and surrounding area are numbed for a pain-free experience.
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Decay Removal: Any decayed tooth material is carefully removed.
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Tooth Preparation: The area is cleaned and prepared for bonding.
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Layered Composite Application: The tooth-colored resin is applied in layers, each cured with a special light.
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Shaping & Polishing: The filling is shaped to match your natural bite and polished for a smooth finish.
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups, composite fillings can last 7–10 years or longer. Good brushing, flossing, and avoiding excessive sugar intake help extend their lifespan.
Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
They are ideal for:
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Patients with small to moderate cavities
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Those who want a natural-looking restoration
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People replacing old silver fillings for cosmetic reasons
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Anyone seeking a safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing repair
Caring for Your Fillings
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Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
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Floss at least once a day to prevent decay around the filling edges
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Visit us regularly for exams and professional cleanings
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Avoid chewing extremely hard objects (ice, pens, etc.) to prevent chipping
At Montana Dental Works, Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson use only high-quality, BPA-free composite materials for tooth-colored fillings, ensuring a healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting result for every patient.
Custom Night Guards & Mouthguards
At Montana Dental Works, Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson design custom-fitted oral appliances to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.
Night Guards (for Bruxism):
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, a night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This helps prevent enamel wear, cracks, jaw pain, and headaches caused by bruxism.
Sports Mouthguards:
For athletes of all ages, a professionally made sports mouthguard cushions and protects teeth from injury during contact or high-impact sports. Custom guards fit more comfortably and offer better protection than store-bought versions.
Benefits of a Custom Guard:
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Superior fit and comfort compared to over-the-counter options
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Better protection against chips, fractures, and soft tissue injuries
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Durable materials designed to last longer
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Easy to clean and maintain
Protecting your teeth now helps prevent costly and painful dental problems later.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection for Your Health & Peace of Mind
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat — and often develops without pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages. That’s why routine screenings are a vital part of your preventive dental care at Montana Dental Works.
During every comprehensive exam, Dr. Dan McAllister, Dr. Sarah Fontana, and Dr. Riley Hanson perform a thorough oral cancer screening to check for early signs of abnormal tissue. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more successful treatment can be.
What We Look For
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Red or white patches in the mouth
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Sores that don’t heal within two weeks
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Unexplained lumps, bumps, or thickened areas
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Persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
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Changes in texture or color of oral tissues
The Screening Process
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Visual exam: We carefully examine all soft tissues, gums, and throat under bright lighting.
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Palpation: Gentle feeling of lymph nodes, jaw, and neck for any swelling or irregularities.
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Patient discussion: We ask about lifestyle factors (like tobacco/alcohol use) and symptoms you may have noticed.
Why It Matters
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Early diagnosis saves lives — oral cancer has a much higher survival rate when found in its initial stages.
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Painless & quick — it adds only a few minutes to your routine dental visit.
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Part of comprehensive care — our screenings are included in your regular exams at no extra charge.
At Montana Dental Works, we believe your smile is more than just your teeth — it’s an important part of your overall health. Oral cancer screenings are just one of the ways we provide thorough, proactive care for patients in Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork.
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Where is your office located?We’re proud to provide general dentistry services at our conveniently located office at 3 Sunset Plaza, Kalispell, MT 59901.
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Do you accept Dental Insurance?We are in-network with Careington and Allegiance; however, insurance provider networks can change over time. We recommend verifying your coverage with your provider or giving our office a call—we’re happy to help you confirm your benefits.
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How often should I visit a General Dentist for a check-up?It’s recommended to visit a general dentist every six months for a dental exam and professional cleaning to prevent issues like cavities and gum disease.
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What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?General dentistry focuses on maintaining and improving your oral health through cleanings, exams, and restorative procedures. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is centered around enhancing the appearance of your smile with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
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How do I choose the right Dentist in Kalispell, MT for my family?Our locally owned practice offers a warm, personalized experience with top-tier dental care. Whether you need routine cleanings or advanced cosmetic services, Dr. Fontana and Dr. McAllister bring years of expertise in general and aesthetic dentistry to help you and your family feel right at home.
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Do you place dental implants at Montana Dental Works?Yes, we do. Our doctors have advanced training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants, whether you need a single tooth replacement or a full-arch solution like All-on-4®. Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to restore your smile, and we take pride in guiding our patients through every step—from consultation and planning to placement and long-term care.
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Do you offer sedation options for patients?Absolutely. We understand that many patients feel anxious about dental treatment, so we offer several sedation options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Depending on your needs, we provide laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Our team will review your health history and help you choose the right option so you can have a calm, stress-free experience.
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