1648 Ellis St, Suite 301
Bozeman, MT 59715​
Monday - Thursday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
​
​Friday
7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Brennan T. Dodson, MD, FARS
Ear Conditions and Treatments
The head and neck encompass a vital area of our anatomy, housing many of our primary senses—hearing, sight, smell, and taste—along with the intricate physical structures of the head, face, and neck. At Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of disorders affecting these areas. Our focus is on restoring both form and function, ensuring that our surgical treatments provide not only effective correction but also optimal cosmetic results.
Common Head & Neck Conditions We Treat:
Facial Fractures: Injuries to the bones of the face can occur due to trauma, sports injuries, or accidents. We provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to promote healing and restore facial aesthetics.
Nasal Fractures: Fractures of the nose can result from various causes, leading to pain, swelling, and potential airway obstruction. Our team is skilled in realigning the nasal structure to ensure proper function and appearance.
Head, Face, and Neck Lacerations: Traumatic injuries can lead to lacerations requiring careful assessment and repair. Our approach focuses on minimizing scarring while ensuring proper healing.
Facial Pain and Headache: Chronic facial pain and headaches can stem from various conditions, including sinus issues, TMJ disorders, or nerve-related problems. We conduct thorough evaluations to determine the underlying causes, develop personalized treatment plans and direct specialty referrals.
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD): TMD affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement. We conduct thorough evaluations to determine the underlying causes, develop personalized treatment plans and direct specialty referrals.
Neck and Lymph Node Cancers: Head and neck cancers encompass several diseases that affect the mouth, nose, throat, and other surrounding areas. Over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year, accounting for 3 to 5 percent of all cancers. These cancers most often begin in the lining of moist, mucosal surfaces, primarily involving squamous cells.
The different types of head and neck cancers include:
Oral Cavity
Salivary Glands
Nasal Cavity
Pharynx (including nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx)
Larynx
Lymph Nodes
Common risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, sun exposure, HPV, and radiation exposure, with tobacco linked to 85 percent of head and neck cancers. Symptoms often prompt early diagnosis and may include:
Lump in the neck
Hoarseness or changes in the voice
Growth in the mouth
Blood in saliva
Difficulty swallowing
Earache
New or changed growths on the skin
If you experience any of these symptoms, we may perform an in-office endoscopy, recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans, and consider a biopsy to diagnose the condition. Treatment options vary based on the type and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health, often including surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Discussing treatment methods with your healthcare team is crucial, as some approaches may have long-term effects on your appearance and functionality. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, can help prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of other diseases.
At Bridger ENT, our surgical interventions are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Our experienced team utilizes the latest techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. If you are experiencing issues related to the head and neck, our compassionate team at Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat is here to provide the care you deserve.