Meet Stephen Folson, DDS, MS, PC
Education & Experience
Dr. Folson received his DDS at Loyola University of Chicago in 1979. He subsequently completed a VA General Practice Residency with the University if Michigan. Thereafter, Steve returned to Loyola for a two-year Residency in Periodontics and received a Masters Degree and Certificate of Specialty. In 1982, Dr. Folson started a private practice Limited to Periodontics in Peoria-Sun City, AZ. In 1988, Steve completed the rigorous examination process to become Board Certified with the American Board oaf Periodontology. After 38 years in private practice, Steve transitioned to independent contracting in 2020. He was honored to join Dr. Wildung's practice in September 2024. At Family Care Dentistry, Dr. Folson collaborates closely with Dr. Wildung. Together, they strive to help patients maintain their natural dentition and achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
Practice Philosophy- Dr. Folson has surgically placed dental implants since 1991. At Family Care Dentistry, he collaborates with Dr. Wildung's registered dental hygienists to ensure our patients can maintain their teeth, dental implants and lasting smiles.
- Extraction of hopeless teeth and immediate implant placement with bone graft and barrier membrane. 4 months later, the implant is cosmetically restored by Dr. Wildung to enhance the patient's smile.
- Clinical surgical crown (tooth) lengthening enabling the tooth to be maintained and not extracted.
- Gingival (gum) grafting to restore lost gum tissue from receding gums and, if feasible, cover exposed roots with donor gum tissue. Dental implants are especially prone to gum recession which can lead to bone loss and exposure of titanium threads. Gum grafting by Dr. Stephen A. Folson, our Board Certified Periodontist, can prevent implant failure, if treated sooner than later.
- Pocket reduction surgery to treat moderate to severe bone loss on teeth (periodontitis) and implants (peri-implantitis) in conjunction with optimal oral hygiene.
- Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gingival (gum tissue) lesions cause by trauma or disease. If indicated, oral biopsy will be taken and submitted to the renowned Oral Pathology Lab at the University of Florida.
Away From The Office Dr. Folson and his wife of 45 years, Gretchen, are from Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were high school classmates of Norweigen heritage. They have a special needs adult daughter, Berit. Son, Paul, and daughter in law, Tamar, reside in California. Steve and Gretchen enjoy cruises, gardening, going to movies, and their wire fox terrier, Finnegan.
