Dental extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy. A study conducted by the Oral Health Department of the Navarre Health Service (Spain).

OBJECTIVES: Antiplatelet drugs are used to treat and prevent a wide range of cardiovascular pathologies and/or cerebrovascular accidents. Although the use of anticoagulants in dental extractions is highly protocolized, a clear control method has not yet been established for antiplatelet drugs. This study is directed at evaluating the clinical consequences of extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy. STUDY DESIGN: The Oral Health Department of the Navarre Health Service-Osasunbidea conducted a trial on 155 patients who underwent dental extractions and were receiving antiplatelet therapy. The patients were not requested to interrupt the medication and local measures were taken to control potential haemorrhage. RESULTS: No major haemorrhages were reported. One patient had a moderate haemorrhage that required emergency care. In the remaining patients the bleeding was controlled with local measures. With regard to subsequent bleeding, no differences were observed between the various antiplatelet drugs used. The only statistically significant relationship found was between bleeding and the number of teeth extracted. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that no more than 3 teeth should be removed at any one time, and for multiple extractions, the teeth should be adjacent to each other.