Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that can affect your overall health. Many people do not realize that gum disease is linked to systemic health conditions because a spreading infection can trigger inflammation in the body. This is why Dr. J. Steven Smith and Dr. Jennifer Smith Ellis encourage patients to come in as soon as they detect problems with their oral health. Early detection is key to getting this infection under control.

Studies show inflammation may be responsible for the link between an infection in the mouth and chronic inflammatory conditions. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease because they are more susceptible to contracting in infection, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal disease can also increase blood sugar levels which increases the risk of diabetic complications. Gum disease has also been linked to:

The good news is gum disease can be treated without surgery. Our doctors are skilled in scaling and root planing therapy for mild cases of gum disease and laser gum surgery for moderate to severe cases. Both of these treatment options are alternatives to traditional, invasive gum surgery and can help you achieve optimal oral health after gum disease. Both approaches are minimally invasive and will not require extensive healing or downtime.

We are family-owned practice run by a father and daughter team. Dr. Ellis grew up at the practice and follows in her fathers footsteps to provide exceptional care to all patients. We have a strong interest in systemic health so we focus on identifying any underlying issues that may be interfering with your oral health while correcting visual and functional problems. We specialize in family dentistry, crowns and bridges, and gold inlays and onlays. Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful smile for life and enjoy fewer dental visits as you get older.

Dr. J. Steven Smith has been in practice for 33 years and is a member of several academies and institutions including the American Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He also teaches at L.D. Pankey Institute and has been a member off several study clubs over the course his career because of his commitment to continued education. Jennifer Smith Ellis, daughter of Dr. Smith, has been in practice for eight years. She is part of several Pankey and Tanner Study clubs across the United States, including clubs in Bozeman, Montana; Jackson, Michigan; and Baltimore, Maryland.

Our patients stay with us for years and we make sure everyone feels like a member of our family. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit, to make paying for treatment that much easier. Become a patient at our practice to enjoy the following benefits:

Dr. J. Steven Smith graduated from Baylor University in 1976 with a degree in Biology. In 1979 he graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Masters of Science degree and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas in 1983. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Equilibration Society, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

He began his general dental practice in 1983 in Bozeman. His areas of interest and expertise include bite splint therapy and its relationship to restorative dentistry, complex interdisciplinary dental reconstruction and exquisite conservative cast gold restorations, aesthetic dentistry, and implants.

Dr. Smith has been a visiting faculty member of the, L. D. Pankey Institute, the premier post graduate dental education institute in the world, since 1999. He has the opportunity to teach advanced dental techniques to dentists from all over the world. He also lectures throughout the country on staging and sequencing complex cases.

He and his wife Becky have been married since 1976 and they have four daughters, three sons-in-law, a 6 year old grandson and a 3 year old granddaughter. He is an avid fisherman, skier, golfer, scuba diver, and a former glider pilot. He loves to travel for adventure, to see his daughters, family and friends. He and his family have been members of Bozeman United Methodist Church since 1983. Becky received her doctorate from Montana State University and founded Blue Ocean Innovation Center.

I've been a member of Dr. Smith and Dr. Ellis practice since May 2013. From the beginning, Ive always had a great appreciation for the up to date technology that our practice offers intraoral cameras, laser therapy, and digital technology, just to name a few. All of these allow us to better focus on each patients individual needs.

My husband and I moved out to Bozeman from the Chicago suburbs. We love soaking in the Bozeman lifestyle and exploring what our new home has to offer. We have a daughter, Piper, and a dog, Harley. Soon, there will be another little one hitting the trails with us, as we are expecting our second child. When Im not playing in the mountains, you can find me golfing, cooking, learning about photography, or cheering on my alma mater, the Kansas State Wildcats. Go State!

I have been Dr. Smiths assistant for over 26 years. I used to tease Dr. Jenny when she was growing up that someday we would work together and now here we are sharing another chapter in this wonderful journey. We welcome our patients old and new with open arms to a dental experience that is over the top, above and beyond.

I grew up in a big family and am the oldest of seven siblings. I have a wonderful husband Steve along with two amazing and talented boys, Brandon and Cody. I enjoy camping, fishing, bargain shopping, collecting cookbooks, doing artwork, animals of all kinds including cats, birds and dogs, especially Boxers. I spend a lot of time gardening and canning, listening to music, target shooting and watching old movies. I enjoy spending hours in my kitchen cooking with love for my family, friends and neighbors. I love the outdoors and am blessed to take drives with my husband soaking up the amazing views that surround us. His famous last words are always I wonder where this road goes.

I am the newest addition to the team and am blessed to be working for a great office and living here in Bozeman. I have worked in dentistry for 15 years and joined Dr. Smith and Dr. Ellis in November 2015. I enjoy meeting the great people that we serve here and try to make their experience as comfortable as possible. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family in Bozemans beautiful surroundings. Whether snowboarding in the winter, or camping, hiking and offroading in the summer, I try to take advantage of the different seasons we have here.

I started working for Dr. Smith and Dr. Ellis in August 2016. I am blessed to work with such a positive and professional team! Im enjoying getting to know the great patients that come here. Dr. Smith is also my dentist and I have to say he is by far the best dentist I have gone to. After years of trying to treat my TMJ, Dr. Smith fit me for a bite splint that has given me relief from the pain in my back and neck. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping, reading, gardening and cross country skiing. My husband and I have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

I have been privileged to work with this amazing team since 2014. I have been interested in health care for many years and particularly dentistry for the last few. I feel fortunate to work for two very talented dentists that genuinely care for the people who come in their doors.

I have enjoyed working on the team for Dr. Smith & Dr. Ellis since April of 2015. I am a born and raised Montanan & have lived in the Bozeman area for over 25 years. A graduate from MSU in elementary education, I met and married the love of my life, Jeremy, during my college years and feel blessed to have been able to remain in Bozeman. We have raised 2 children here in the valley, one of whom is newly married and the other soon to be. Family is precious to us, and I love the family-like atmosphere that is present at our office. When our patients come in the door, our entire staff strives to give excellent and conscientious care to every patient. When I am not in the office, I enjoy reading, music, hiking, and serving at our church. I love the family-like atmosphere of Dr. Smith's office.