Dental management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders: a multidisciplinary approach

Bleeding disorders can be inherited or acquired and demonstrate different levels of severity. Dentists may be called on to treat patients who have bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease (vWD). Dental extraction in any patient with clotting factor defects can result in a delayed bleeding episode. Local hemostatic measures provide effective results in a majority of cases but are insufficient in patients with severe hemophilia A and vWD. Therefore, consultation with the patient's hematologist is required to ensure preoperative prophylactic coverage. Dental care providers have to be aware of any signs of bleeding disorders and refer patients for further medical investigations. This article aims to provide dental care providers with the knowledge to manage patients with inherited bleeding disorders, especially hemophilia A and vWD.