Nose & Sinuses

We specialize in diagnosing and treating various nose and sinus conditions. The nose and its sinuses—frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid—are vital for health. Lined with a mucous membrane containing cilia, they clear dust, pollen, and irritants from the air. The nose also warms and humidifies inhaled air and allows for our sense of smell.

Exposure to environmental irritants, viruses, or bacteria can cause the nasal and sinus lining to become swollen, leading to bacterial infections known as sinusitis, affecting nearly 50 million Americans annually. Some experience recurrent sinus infections (four or more episodes per year), while others suffer from chronic sinusitis, with symptoms lasting more than three months.

Dr. Dodson has received the honor of Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society (FARS). FARS designation indicates Dr. Dodson’s expertise and commitment to excellence in the field of rhinology (treatment of the nose and sinuses).

Dr. Dodson is the only ENT in Montana with the FARS designation.

Common Nose & Sinus Conditions treated at Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat:

• Nasal Allergy & Hay Fever

• Nasal Valve Collapse

• Nasal Polyps

• Recurrent Acute Sinus Infections

• Nasal Congestion

• Deviated Nasal Septum

• Nasal Obstruction

• Recurrent Nosebleeds

• Sinus Infections

• Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

• Chronic Rhinitis

• Taste & Smell Disorders

• Non-Invasive Sinus Procedures

• Recurrent & Chronic Tear Duct Disorders

Innovative Treatments We Provide:

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments to improve your nasal and sinus health, including:

• VivAer: A minimally invasive procedure designed to improve nasal breathing caused by conditions such as inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve (side-wall) collapse, and enlarged septal swell bodies. VivAer uses radiofrequency to reduce or stiffen tissue in the nasal passages, enhancing airflow and alleviating chronic congestion. VivAer is an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia with little to no downtime.

• RhinAer: RhinAer utilizes radiofrequency energy to weaken the posterior nasal nerves improving excessive runny nose, a condition called vasomotor rhinitis or non-allergic rhinitis. This non-invasive option provides lasting relief from chronic runny nose. RhinAer is performed in-office under local anesthesia with little to no downtime. RhinAer is a good option for excessive runny nose due to vasomotor (age or other-related) or allergic (allergy-caused) rhinitis.

• Endoscopic Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow using advance surgical techniques.

• Nasal Turbinate Reduction: Reduces enlarged turbinates for better nasal breathing.

• Functional Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to improve nasal function.

• Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to improve the external appearance.

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): A surgical option for recurrent and chronic sinusitis using advanced surgical techniques with image-guided surgical navigation.

• Septal Swell Body Reduction: Alleviates nasal congestion by reducing swollen tissue via VivAer, an office-based treatment.

• Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation: Opens blocked sinus passages non-invasively which can be performed in the office with local anesthetic or in the operating room.

• Nasal Fracture Reduction: Realigns broken nasal bones, performed in the office in most adults.

• Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (Endoscopic DCR): Treats chronic tear duct infections and obstructions with a minimally invasive approach which avoids an unsightly skin incision.

If you’re experiencing any nasal or sinus issues, our experienced ENT specialists at Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat are here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.