Prevalence and Type of Anticoagulation before Dental Procedures

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the use of anticoagulant medication in patients undergoing dental procedures. Dental treatment for patients on anticoagulation therapy can result in bleeding complications,making it essential to understand the prevalence and type of anticoagulants used before dental procedures and how dentists manage these patients during invasive dental procedures to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the prevalence and types of anticoagulant therapy used and the management strategies employed by dentists. Methodology: For this study,we analyzed 6 different research studies. We studied the prevalence of patients using anticoagulant medications. We also examined how the anticoagulant medications were being managed and the bleeding outcomes associated with them. Results: The studies included a total of 2,136 patients,with prevalence rates ranging from 6.57% to 48,7%. The anticoagulant treatments used included vitamin K antagonists,direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs),and platelet aggregation inhibitors. All studies reported minimal risk of bleeding after dental procedures in patients on anticoagulant therapy,and local hemostasis was effective in managing post- operative bleeding. However,patients on vitamin K antagonists had an increased risk of bleeding when bridged with low molecular weight heparin. Conclusions: The prevalence of anticoagulant use has been rising,especially among older patients who often have underlying medical conditions. Therefore,dentists may encounter more patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. Studies showed that continuing anticoagulation during dental procedures did not increase the risk of bleeding in most cases. However,heparin bridging was associated with a higher incidence of bleeding. As a result,it is recommended to maintain oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants for most dental procedures,along with the use of local hemostatic agents to ensure patient safety