Evaluation of bleeding following dental extraction in patients on long‑term antiplatelet therapy: A clinical trial.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the bleeding after dental extractions among patients on uninterrupted antiplatelet therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 190 patients under oral antiplatelet drugs requiring extraction of a single molar tooth were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A consisted of 95 patients on uninterrupted antiplatelet therapy and Group B consisted of 95 patients who have discontinued antiplatelet medication 5 days prior to extraction. The bleeding time of all patients was checked prior to extraction. The surgical procedure involved simple extraction of a single molar tooth under local anesthesia. The extraction socket was sutured with 3–0 silk. Pressure pack with gauze was given for 1 h. Bleeding after 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 5 days were compared between two groups. Chi‑square test was used to compare the variables. P <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: None of the patients in either group had any significant uncontrollable bleeding after extraction. Conclusion: Hence, we recommend routine single tooth extractions in patients on long‑term antiplatelet medication, without interruption or alteration of their medication. Such patients do not have an increased risk of prolonged or excessive postoperative bleeding.