Prophylactic extraction of third molars in cancer patients

Most studies on third molar extractions focus on the potential of tooth-associated pathoses when justifying or questioning the extraction. Scant attention is paid to potential medical problems of the patient "attached" to the third molar. This study presents 28 consecutive cancer cases seen by one dentist over a 2-year period in which third molars had a significant impact on the health of the patient and on their course of cancer therapy. In 15 patients on whom extractions were performed, 40% experienced postoperative complications. Prophylactic extraction of partially erupted or impacted third molars in cancer patients before their cancer therapy is recommended on the basis of the following observations: (1) the increased risks and difficulties associated with post-cancer-treatment extraction, (2) the potential for third molars to produce pathoses in immunocompromised patients before, during, or immediately after their anticancer treatment, and (3) the management of third molars may interfere with the patient's cancer treatment.