Welcome to Shumway Family Dentistry
Trusted Family Dentist in Billings, MT
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A Dentist Who Truly Knows You
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Comfortable Visits You’ll Actually Enjoy
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A Healthy, Confident Smile for Life
What Our Patients Say About Us
Some of the Dental Services We Offer Are:
Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Regular teeth cleaning & dental exams catch problems before they become expensive emergencies. We check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during every visit. Montana’s dry air can affect your mouth, so we provide tips for staying healthy between appointments. Most insurance plans cover preventive care completely, and we’ll handle the paperwork for you. It’s an easy way to protect your smile and avoid surprise dental bills.
Implant Restorations
When you’re missing teeth, eating becomes a challenge and smiling feels awkward. Dental implant restorations offer a solution that actually works long-term, unlike dentures that slip or bridges that can sometimes be damaged. The process takes a few months, but patients tell us it’s worth the wait. The surgeon uses local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during placement, and most people return to work the next day.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges fill the space left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Each bridge is carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural smile, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably again. Dr. Shumway uses durable, high-quality, esthetic materials for strength, longevity, and visual appearance. With proper care, your new bridge can last for many years while keeping your bite balanced and your smile confident.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns protect and strengthen damaged or worn teeth while restoring their natural shape and appearance. Whether you have a cracked tooth or a large filling that needs support, dental crowns offer a long-term solution. Dr. Shumway, DDS designs each crown to match your bite and blend in beautifully with surrounding teeth. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years; keeping your smile healthy, strong, and confidently natural.
Teeth Whitening
If your teeth are stained from coffee, wine, or just getting older, professional teeth whitening can make a big difference. Dr. Shumway, DDS offers both in-office and take-home options that are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. You’ll see real results without the sensitivity that comes with store-bought kits. A brighter smile is one of the easiest and fastest ways to boost your confidence. Ask us which whitening option is right for you at your next visit.
About Shumway Family Dentistry
At Shumway Family Dentistry, we believe every Montana family deserves a smile they can feel confident about; without the stress of confusing insurance, rushed appointments, or surprise bills. Led by Dr. Charles Shumway, DDS, a caring and experienced general dentist with nearly a decade in the field, we’re proud to provide compassionate, high-quality dental care to patients across Billings, MT and the surrounding Yellowstone County communities.
We’re not a corporate dental chain; we’re your neighbors. And like you, we value honesty, comfort, and long-term relationships built on trust. That’s why we take the time to explain your options, involve you in your treatment decisions, and never pressure you into anything you don’t need.
Whether you’re here for your child’s first cleaning, your own routine exam, a cosmetic touch-up, or an urgent dental emergency, you’ll always be treated with respect and care. For more information see our about us page.
Meet Dr. Shumway
Dr. Charles Shumway has been practicing dentistry for more than eight years and has proudly served the Billings community since acquiring this long-standing practice in 2023. Born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, he developed a love for people and service early on, including two years in Taiwan learning Mandarin Chinese while serving a mission.
A graduate of Brigham Young University–Idaho and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Dr. Shumway is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and stays active in continuing education to keep his skills current. Known for his calm chairside manner and genuine compassion, he combines clinical excellence with a neighbor-friendly approach that helps even anxious patients feel at ease.
Neighbor-Friendly Service for the Greater Billings Area
At Shumway Family Dentistry, we’re proud to be part of the Billings community. Our office serves families from all over the greater Yellowstone County area, including Lockwood, Laurel, Shepherd, Huntley, and the nearby towns that make this region feel like home. Whether you need a regular cleaning, urgent dental care, or help improving your smile, we offer a friendly, honest approach that puts your comfort first.
Dr. Shumway and the team take time to explain your options, answer questions, and make sure every visit fits your needs and your budget. We care for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, all in one place; so your whole family can get the care they need. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just another appointment. You’re a neighbor, and we’ll treat you that way every time.
Our team offers a full range of services for patients of all ages, so you can get everything from routine cleanings to crowns, dentures, and emergency care without bouncing between offices. Wherever you’re from, whether it’s Billings Heights, the South Side, or a ranch just outside Laurel; you’re more than a patient here. You’re a neighbor, and we’re glad to have you. See our service areas page for more specifics of the areas our patients come from.
4021 Avenue B
Billings, MT 59106
Phone: (406) 248-7500
Other Shumway Family Dentistry Services
Cosmetic Dentist:
If you’ve been hiding your smile because of stains, chips, or uneven teeth, our cosmetic dentist services can help you feel confident again. From professional whitening to veneers and bonding, we create natural-looking results tailored to your goals. At Shumway Family Dentistry, we’ll help you love your smile; comfortably, affordably, and without pressure. Schedule your cosmetic consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile. Discover how a few small changes can make a big difference in the way you look and feel.
Emergency Dental Service:
Dental emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you. If you’re dealing with pain, a broken tooth, or sudden swelling, our emergency dental service is here when you need us. We offer same-day appointments whenever possible and focus on fast relief with compassionate care. Call now and let Shumway Family Dentistry help you feel better, fast. Call today to see how our denture solutions can help you eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence.
Denture Care Center:
Missing teeth shouldn’t keep you from smiling, speaking, or enjoying your favorite foods. At Shumway Family Dentistry, our denture care center, we offer full and partial dentures, repairs, and implant-supported solutions tailored to your comfort and lifestyle. Whether you’re new to dentures or need an adjustment, we provides personalized care to help you smile with confidence again. We’re just a phone call away when dental care you can trust. Call today to schedule a consultation and discover the denture solution that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is a dental crown recommended instead of a filling?
A crown is recommended when too much of the tooth structure is damaged, decayed, or weakened for a filling to hold up long-term. This commonly happens after a large cavity, a fracture, or a root canal. The crown covers and reinforces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Fillings work well for smaller areas of damage, but when the remaining tooth structure can’t reliably support a filling, a crown is the more durable and protective option. Dr. Shumway will walk you through the difference during your exam at our Billings office so you understand exactly why one approach is recommended over the other.
2. How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist in Billings, Montana?
Look for a dentist with hands-on experience in the specific cosmetic procedures you’re considering, not just general dentistry credentials. Ask to see before-and-after photos of real patients, and pay attention to whether the results look natural rather than artificially uniform. A good cosmetic dentist will talk honestly about what’s realistic for your teeth and face, not just sell you the most expensive option. At Shumway Family Dentistry, Dr. Shumway is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and invests significant continuing education hours in cosmetic and restorative techniques. We focus on results that look like your best natural smile, not like veneers, and we take the time to explain every option before you commit to anything.
3. Can a dentist treat sleep apnea with an oral appliance instead of a CPAP?
Yes. For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom-fit oral appliance can reposition the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are smaller, quieter, and more comfortable than CPAP machines, which is why many patients who struggle with CPAP compliance switch to an oral appliance. The appliance is custom-molded to your teeth right here at our Billings office, so the fit is precise and comfortable. Dr. Shumway works with your physician or sleep specialist to make sure the treatment approach is coordinated. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or snore heavily, ask us whether an oral appliance might be a good fit for you.
4. Can I get a same-day emergency dental appointment in Billings?
Yes. Shumway Family Dentistry reserves time in our schedule for same-day emergency appointments because dental emergencies, a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, sudden severe pain, or an abscess; can’t wait days or weeks. The sooner you’re seen, the more options we have to save the tooth and prevent complications like infection or bone loss. Call our Billings office as soon as the problem happens and we’ll do everything we can to get you in the same day. Delaying treatment for a dental emergency often leads to worse outcomes, more invasive procedures, and higher costs down the line.
5. Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers, and what does the process involve?
If your teeth are healthy but you’re unhappy with chips, gaps, staining, or uneven shapes, porcelain veneers may be an excellent option. Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth to create a natural, uniform appearance. The process at Shumway Family Dentistry starts with a consultation where Dr. Shumway evaluates your teeth and designs the smile you’re looking for. A small amount of enamel is removed to allow the veneers to sit flush, impressions are taken, and your custom veneers are fabricated and placed — typically in two visits. Because we’re a fee-for-service practice, Dr. Shumway selects the highest-quality porcelain materials without being limited by insurance network restrictions.
6. What are the differences between dentures, dental implants, and implant-supported dentures?
Traditional full dentures replace all teeth on an arch and rest on the gums — they’re removable and affordable but can slip or feel loose over time as the jawbone naturally shrinks. Partial dentures fill gaps when you still have some natural teeth remaining. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone that act as permanent artificial tooth roots, supporting individual crowns that look and function like natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures combine both approaches: implants anchor a full denture in place so it won’t slip, while also preserving jawbone density. Dr. Shumway offers implant crown restorations right here at our Billings office and will help you understand which option fits your situation, comfort goals, and budget.
7. What makes Shumway Family Dentistry different from other dental offices in Billings?
Dr. Charles Shumway built this practice around spending real time with each patient rather than rushing through a packed schedule. We’re not a patient mill. Because we operate as a fee-for-service practice, Dr. Shumway’s treatment recommendations are based entirely on what’s best for your teeth, not what an insurance company approves. He’s a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and invests heavily in continuing education. Our office at 4021 Avenue B in Billings previously served patients for 38 years under Dr. Donald Peretti, and Dr. Shumway is committed to continuing that legacy of thorough, personalized care. We see fewer patients per day on purpose, so you get the attention your dental health deserves.
8. Why doesn’t Shumway Family Dentistry accept dental insurance?
We operate as a fee-for-service practice so that your treatment plan is based entirely on what’s best for your teeth; not on what an insurance company is willing to cover. Insurance networks require dentists to accept reduced fees, see more patients per hour, and sometimes limit materials or procedures. Dr. Shumway chose a different model so he can spend real time with each patient, use the best materials available, and recommend treatment based on clinical need rather than policy limitations. You pay directly for your care, and we provide clear pricing upfront so there are no surprises. If you do have dental insurance, your plan may still reimburse you for a portion of the cost; we’re happy to provide the documentation you need to file for reimbursement.