It’s your teeth, for goodness sake, why does a dentist need to know what medications you take? Why is he or she asking about antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication? Is your dentist crossing the line in asking about the prescriptions received from your medical doctor? The short answer: “No.”

The blood clotting process has two phases:

  • Platelet bonding – These small red blood cells stick together and adhere to blood vessels to slow down the flow of blood.
  • Coagulation – Protein chemicals in the blood interact, fill in the gaps between the clumps of platelets, and form a strong clot to help the bleeding process stop.

The purpose of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication

  • Antiplatelet agents – These agents prevent the first phase—platelet bonding.
  • Anticoagulant agents – These agents prevent the second phase—the formation of protein chemicals that give the clumps of platelets a stronger bond.

How can these medications affect dental procedures?

Many dental procedures can cause bleeding. In the vast majority of cases, bleeding is minimal, even when patients are taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication. Your dentist or oral surgeon will take into consideration the risks of performing a particular procedure while the medication is in your bloodstream versus performing the procedure when you have not taken the medication.

Some dental procedures that can cause bleeding are:

  • Regular and deep dental cleaning
  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental implant placement
  • Biopsies
  • Periodontal (gum surgery)

This must be handled on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, discontinuing the medication is very dangerous. You should not automatically stop taking your medication before a dental procedure without the advice or your medical doctor or dentist. Always keep your dentist informed of your list of medications and herbal supplements.

Precautions

Your dentist will take precautions to minimize bleeding and give you instructions for aftercare that will help prevent excessive bleeding. Follow the instructions closely. For example, after surgical treatment, you will be advised to avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, spitting, and rinsing your mouth for at least the first 24 hours. Sharp, sticky, and hard foods should be avoided because they can aggravate an oral surgical site and dislodge blood clots.

Ensure that your medical doctor and dentist are aware of medical prescriptions and herbal supplements that you take. Some herbal-based products can interfere with—or enhance—the effects of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication.

If you are prescribed any new medication, ensure that the provider of the new medication and the provider of the antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication are both aware of all the medications prescribed to you.

Keep your dentist informed of any changes in your medication and herbal supplements.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.