Diagnostic

• X-rays
  Early diagnosis and removal of impacted teeth provides the best outcome, so children should receive dental x-rays around age seven. Identifying impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, early in childhood allows us to remove them before tooth roots have fully established into the jaw bone, making surgery simpler and healing quicker. If an impacted tooth is left until late adulthood, the tooth may fuse with the jaw bone and require more extensive surgery if extraction is needed.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning

Restorative

• Crowns
  Dental implants are considered the gold standard to tooth replacement due to their security in the jaw, natural appearance and lifelike function. Implants are composed of three parts; a biocompatible titanium post securely placed in the jaw, a natural-looking dental crown above the gum lime, and an abutment used to connect the two together. Dental implants are surgically placed within your jaw bone, so choosing an experienced oral surgeon can help you avoid potential complications that those without advanced medical training and backgrounds may not have experienced. We utilize advanced computer-generated implant guides when placing dental implants, to remove guesswork and guides our doctors into the exact depth, angle and position for optimum aesthetic and functional results.
• Bridges

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment

Periodontics

• Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
  When a patient has excessive gum tissue around their teeth, often called a “gummy” smile, it can make teeth appear shorter and allow bacteria to hide and thrive. With a gingivectomy, this excessive gum tissue is gently removed to enhance the appearance of the teeth. Gingivectomy soft tissue treatment is also used if a cavity has formed under the gum line as a way to access the location for treatment. If periodontal disease has affected gum tissue, infected gums can be carefully removed to leave only healthy tissue behind and improve oral health.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  For most patients seeking full-arch tooth replacement, dentures are NOT the only option! While dentures do provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to missing teeth, they are by no means the only option available. Dental implants have paved the way for teeth to be replaced permanently, providing patients who have a failing dentition or a full arch of missing teeth with a more secure and healthy alternative. What does this mean? Significantly improved self-confidence, the ability to eat a virtually unrestricted diet, speaking with clarity, and the assurance of a full arch of stabilized, strong prosthetic teeth. Though dentures are an adequate solution for replacing missing teeth, they cannot compare to the appearance and restored oral function that comes with implant supported dentures !

Implants

• Dental Implants
  We are delighted that you have chosen Associated Oral and Implant Surgeons. This website is to share some information with you that may help you to prepare for your appointment. Please read the following in its entirety in order to expedite your visit.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  At Associated Oral and Implant Surgeons your comfort and well-being are our top priority. We understand oral surgery can be stressful for some, and is why we offer multiple sedation dentistry services. Together, we can determine which level of sedation is appropriate for you, based on your comfort level and the type of procedure being completed. All of our doctors are certified in administering sedation and can help you feel relaxed, comfortable and anxiety-free during treatment.
• Jaw Surgery
  Orthognathic, or jaw surgery, is required when the top and bottom jaws don’t come together correctly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, and can cause issues that affect speech, appearance, cause pain, and affect your oral health. Our team of five board-certified oral surgeons have extensive training and are considered experts in correcting areas of the jaw to improve biting, speech, look, TMJ pain, and misaligned bites. Our goal during jaw surgery is to help restore your health, appearance and self-confidence and alleviate any problematic symptoms you face daily, through expert care and modern techniques.
• Maxillofacial Surgery
  Dr. Michael Foster, DMD, MPH graduated with high distinction from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He then completed 4 years of advanced specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville Tennessee. Prior to dental school he concurrently earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Physician Assistant studies and a Masters of Public Health Degree from Nova Southeastern University.
• Tooth Extractions
  An impacted tooth is one that becomes blocked as it attempts to erupt through the gums and bone of your mouth. To remove these impacted teeth, surgery is often needed to carefully remove the tooth from the jaw without harming surrounding structures or nerves. Our team of oral surgeons have the skills and years of experience to successfully remove impacted teeth right in our office. While many dentists offer tooth extractions, oral surgeons are better equipped and trained to handle complications and prevent infections.
• Bone Grafting
  We utilize advanced guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) when performing bone grafting to improve the healing time and ensure your new bone is strong. This involves placing a protective barrier (GTR) around the bone graft and suturing your gums around it, so the bone heals without interference from the gums. We can also add specific proteins (BMP) to stimulate the bone and enhance the healing process. These technologies give our patients an improved bone grafting experience, allowing them to enjoy a healthier mouth quickly.

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  When the frenum holds the tongue too tightly, it can make speaking and eating difficult as the tongue cannot move as freely. A lip frenum can cause a gap to form between the two front teeth and often prevents the lips from closing fully. Frenectomy soft tissue treatment involves the gentle severing of the tissue that is holding the tongue or lip in place, freeing them for proper movement. Frenectomy treatment is often a prerequisite for orthodontics or being fitted for dentures.