Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Abstract

Anti-Thrombotic Therapy: Implications for Invasive Outpatient Procedures in Dentistry

Hong CH and Islam Intekhab

This article reviews the implications of traditional and novel anti-thrombotic medications in dentistry, focusing on areas relating to the prevalence of significant post procedure bleeding, measures that should be taken to minimize and manage bleeding; and current opinions regarding need for alteration of anti-thrombotic regimens prior to dental procedures in dentistry. Based on the current literature, discontinuation of anti-platelet medications, warfarin therapy, dabigatran and Factor Xa inhibitors is not needed in majority of in office dental procedures. However, it is important that treating clinician must use discretion based on the patient’s risk profile (e.g. presence of comorbidities) and extensiveness of planned dental procedures to assess each patient’s risk for significant bleeding.