Tooth Extractions
Grand Junction, CO
 We try to repair broken, fractured, or decayed teeth with cosmetic procedures such as dental crowns and fillings. However, if a tooth is beyond repair, our last resort is to remove it from its socket into the bone.
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are multiple situations that require tooth removal. We will need to extract a baby tooth if it doesn't come out at the proper time and prevents the adult tooth from coming in. Extremely loose teeth that bone grafts can't fix will also need extraction. Sometimes we need to extract extra teeth that prevent the eruption of other teeth.
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD will also extract teeth if they interfere with other dental or medical procedures. For example, if a patient is getting braces, we may need to remove teeth that are getting in the way of the repositioning process. If you're receiving radiation in the area of the head and neck, you may need teeth extracted if they're within the range of the radiation. Cancer medication can weaken the immune system and result in infected teeth, which may need extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are among the teeth extracted most often. They usually erupt during the late teens or early twenties, and we extract them either before or after they erupt. Some people's wisdom teeth cause no problems, but if they cause pain, infections, cysts, or become decayed or impacted (stuck in the jawbone) then we must remove them. If you need all four of your wisdom teeth removed, we'll try to do it all at once.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Tooth extractions are subdivided into simple and surgical extractions. Our choice is determined by the condition of the tooth or teeth scheduled for extraction.
Simple Extractions
We'll perform a simple extraction if the tooth in question is visible in the mouth. In this procedure, Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD will use a device called an elevator to loosen the tooth, then remove it with forceps.
Surgical Extractions
This type of extraction is more complex. If a tooth has broken off at the gumline or hasn't erupted into the mouth yet, then we will do a surgical extraction. Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD will make a small cut into the gum, but sometimes he may need to remove some of the bone around the tooth or even cut the tooth in half to remove it.
Simple extractions are usually done with only an injection (that is, local anesthesia). You might need medication to help you relax. You will need a local anesthetic for a surgical extraction, and you may also need anesthesia via a vein. Some patients, such as those with certain medical or behavioral considerations and younger children, often need general anesthesia.
Bisphosphonate Treatment Precaution
If you are set for a treatment using bisphosphonates (a type of intravenous medication), make sure you see us first because we should extract your teeth before this treatment begins. If we extract a tooth after bisphosphonate treatment, your chance of osteonecrosis (bone death) in the jaw will increase.
For more information, please contact our office at (970) 812-3959. |
Hours
(970) 812-3959 
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD