ORAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
GREAT LAKES ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are the most effective and longest-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They have the same look, feel, and function as healthy natural teeth. Great Lakes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will provide you with durable options for tooth replacement that will help you smile with confidence.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium. A complete dental implant has three components:
- Implant – a titanium root form that is surgically placed into the jawbone.
- Abutment – a connector, placed on top the implant root form before a crown is secured to it.
- Crown – a restoration to replace the visible, white portion of your tooth.
One of our oral surgeons will place the implant and the abutment, and your dentist will place the crown.
Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants have over a 98% success rate and can last much longer than real teeth. Since implants have no parts that can decay like teeth they are in essence much stronger and longer lasting. To learn more about implants and if they are the right treatment for you, please contact our Petoskey office for a consultation.

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the final set of molars that grow into the mouth. A majority of adolescents and adults do not have enough room to accommodate the extra teeth and will require removal to avoid oral health issues. Great Lakes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is highly experienced in wisdom teeth removal and will make the procedure as smooth as possible for you.

WHY REMOVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH?
Removing wisdom teeth is often recommended because of the potential for oral health problems, such as:
- Swelling and pain
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Risk of tumors and cysts
- Infections
- Bad breath
- Dental crowding or shifting, which can lead to misalignment
JAW SURGERY
If the teeth and jaws are misaligned, and braces cannot provide successful treatment, then orthognathic surgery may be the right solution. Orthognathic surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. The oral surgeons at Great Lakes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can help determine if corrective jaw surgery is best for you.
CONDITIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
- Excessive wear of the teeth
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury
- Birth defects
- Receding lower jaw and chin
- Protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)
WHO DO I SEE FOR CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY?
Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery) is a complex surgery and must be carefully planned. Because of its complexity, a team approach is used, consisting of your orthodontist, oral surgeon and occasionally your general dentist.

CONTACT US
OFFICE (231) 487-1020
FAX (231) 489-8388
ADDRESS
405 DIVISION RD SUITE 2
PETOSKEY, MI 49770
HOURS
MON – THUR 8:30AM – 4:30PM
FRI 8:30AM – 1:30PM