A tooth extraction is usually performed when a tooth is badly decayed or cracked and all other options to save the tooth have been addressed. We prefer not to extract teeth unless necessary but we always respect your choice with the treatment you chose. When extractions are performed, we do all we can to make the procedure comfortable for you. Dr. Melissa trained for a year in Hospital Dentistry at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and is well prepared to handle tooth extractions. We routinely extract teeth for denture treatment or emergency treatment. And we can extract wisdom teeth when needed.

Here are a few reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary:

• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
• People planning to have radiation to the head and neck may need to have teeth extracted before they begin radiation treatment.
• People receiving cancer drugs may develop infected teeth. These drugs weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Infected teeth may need to be extracted.
• People receiving an organ transplant may need some teeth extracted if the teeth could become sources of infection after the transplant. People with organ transplants have a high risk of infection because they must take drugs that decrease or suppress the immune system.
• People with impacted wisdom teeth (third molars) that have pain or discomfort need to have the third molars extracted. We also remove third molars if they look as if they will cause problems in the future. Third molars are much easier to remove between the ages of 15-21 before the root fully forms. If Dr. Melissa notes a problem with your third molars, we will recommend extraction.