Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery

Blood thinners are a type of medicine that prevents your blood from clotting inside a blood vessel, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also keep blood clots from forming or getting larger. They are typically used to treat certain types of heart disease, heart defects, or other medical conditions that could increase your risk of developing blood clots.

A side effect to taking blood thinners is the difficulty to stop bleeding. This needs to be considered before any dental procedures take place. Always inform your dentist if you are taking a blood thinner medication, especially if you’ve just started one. It will be noted in your chart, and your cardiologist or other specialist will be consulted if you require a dental procedure with the potential for increased bleeding.

Precautions

Most general dental procedures, including teeth cleanings, fillings, and crowns, will not be affected if you are taking blood thinners. The only time an issue could arise is during an invasive surgery that has the potential to cause bleeding, such as a tooth extraction or gum surgery. Because the blood thinners don’t allow the blood to clot normally, stopping the bleeding during either of these procedures may be difficult.

After you’ve informed your dentist about which type of blood thinner you’re taking and the exact dose, and after consulting with a specialist, your dentist may suggest temporarily stopping or reducing your medication as a precaution. Other precautions may be taken, such as using hemostatic agents during your procedure to encourage blood clotting at the operation site, or being careful to suture the site to avoid hitting smaller blood vessels that can easily bleed.

Returning to Normal

If your medication was temporarily stopped or the dosage reduced for a dental procedure, you will be able to resume your blood thinners soon after the procedure is complete. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your dentist, surgeon, and doctor. By all of you working together, your health will be at a much lower risk and your dental procedure will take place without complication.

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What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "Emergency visit scheduled same day called about problem. Short waiting time prior to seeing dentist. Staff very friendly. Answered all the questions I had. Follow up visit scheduled within a reasonable time frame."
    Betty S.
  • "Wonderful dental office. Staff is extremely friendly. Been going to this same practice for over 25 years and they have been through many changes and are always kind and courteous. Highly recommend."
    Wendy M.
  • "Excellent care here! The front desk is helpful and so friendly! Deb was gentle and took great care of me. Dr. Alec took his time explaining what he saw. I felt very well taken care of. I would highly recommend this dental practice!"
    Jennifer R.
  • "Chelsea is always so patient with my young girls. She is thorough and takes concerns seriously. She answers any questions I have and educates well! My kids do great at the dentist because they know they get to see her and her great work is much appreciated!"
    Daniele W.