General dentistry during continuous anticoagulation therapy.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Dental procedures in patients on anticoagulation therapy require careful management to prevent hemorrhagic complications.
• Maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation levels is crucial for preventing thromboembolic events but poses bleeding risks during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and management of postoperative hemorrhagic complications in anticoagulated patients undergoing general dental procedures.
• To determine the safety of performing dental procedures without altering anticoagulant regimens.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four dental visits involving eighty-five procedures were monitored in anticoagulated patients.
• Patients' prothrombin time was assessed immediately before dental procedures to ensure levels were below the maximum therapeutic range.
• The anticoagulant regimen was not modified for any of the procedures.

Main Results:

• No significant postoperative hemorrhagic complications were observed.
• All instances of minor hemorrhage were effectively controlled using local measures.
• The absence of altered anticoagulant regimens did not lead to unmanageable bleeding.

Conclusions:

• General dental procedures can be safely performed in anticoagulated patients without altering their medication.
• Pre-procedural prothrombin time monitoring is an effective strategy to minimize bleeding risks.
• Local hemostatic measures are sufficient for managing minor hemorrhages in this patient group.