Dental extractions in hemophilia: reflections on 10 years' experience

During the past ten years we have witnessed a remarkable reduction in complications following dental extractions in patients with hemophilia. Thirty-six of 100 patients experienced delayed bleeding during the first half of this period; fourteen of 112 patients had a hemorrhagic problem after extraction during the second half. From a major undertaking involving hospitalization and general anesthesia, it has become a simple procedure in the outpatient office. During the entire period, no changes were made in the transfusion policy or in the oral administration of antifibrinolytic agents. Factors contributing to the favorable evolution have been the increasing experience of the oral surgeon, the improving dental status of our hemophilia patients, prophylactic measures to reduce gingival inflammation, and changes in the composition and amount of material used to pack the dental sockets.