Comparison of the effects of warfarin and heparin on bleeding caused by dental extraction: a clinical study.

PURPOSE: Replacement of warfarin with heparin for dental extractions in patients on long-term warfarin therapy is associated with wasted time, consumed labor, and increased treatment expenses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of dental extraction without altering the warfarin regimen in patients with an international normalized ratio from 1 to 4. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients who underwent tooth extraction were divided into 4 groups: continuation of warfarin without interruption (group 1), warfarin bridged with low-molecular-weight heparin (group 2), warfarin bridged with unfractionated heparin (group 3), and a control group of healthy individuals (group 4). Total amount of bleeding (milligrams) was measured for 20 minutes after tooth extraction. International normalized ratio values on the operative day and number of extra gauze swabs used for bleeding control in the first 48 hours were recorded for each patient. Results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance, Fisher least-significant difference post hoc test, Pearson correlation, χ(2) test, and Student t test. RESULTS: Mean amounts of bleeding were 2,486 ± 1,408; 999 ± 425; 1,288 ± 982; and 1,736 ± 876 mg for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. There was no severe postoperative bleeding in any patient and the number of used extra gauze swabs did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSION: With the aid of local hemostatic agents, dental extraction in patients receiving warfarin who have an international normalized ratio from 1 to 4 could be carried out without a significant risk of bleeding and without altering the anticoagulant regimen.

Comparison of the effects of 2 doses of methylprednisolone on pain, swelling, and trismus after third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intravenous administration of 1.5 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MP) on pain, swelling, and trismus after third molar surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-six healthy patients with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars were included in this double-blind, cross-over study. Either 1.5 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg of MP was administered by intravenous route one hour prior to the first operation. At the second operation the other dose was applied. Trismus was determined by measuring maximum interincisal opening and facial swelling was evaluated using a tape measuring method. Pain was determined using visual analogue scale and recording the number of pain pills taken. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in trismus, facial swelling, and pain between the two groups. CONCLUSION: No clinical benefit of the higher dose of MP was demonstrated.