The effect of ibuprofen on bleeding during periodontal surgery

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used medications for both medical and dental ailments. These drugs have been shown to increase bleeding during surgeries, which may prompt practitioners to discontinue their use before surgical procedures. The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of a common NSAID, ibuprofen, on bleeding during periodontal surgery.

The study group consisted of 10 patients who were scheduled to undergo periodontal surgery of similar type, complexity, and duration. Each subject acted as control as well as case group. The case group consisted of 10 surgeries in which patients were administered ibuprofen prior to surgery, whereas ibuprofen was not administered in control group. Bleeding time was measured at first visit and prior to first and second surgeries. The volume of blood loss during each surgery was measured by subtracting the amount of water used for irrigation from the total volume of fluid collected in the portable aspirator at the end of the surgery.

The result showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in intraoperative bleeding during periodontal surgery when ibuprofen was preadministered. In addition, there was statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in bleeding time.

Ibuprofen taken prior to periodontal surgery increases intraoperative bleeding and should be administered cautiously before periodontal surgeries.