Should Antiplatelet Drugs Stopped Before Dental Extraction?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative bleeding after dental extraction in patients without interruption of single or dual antiplatelet therapy. Material and Metods: The study comprised a total of 195 consecutive subjects who underwent dental extractions performed by the same qualified dentist in Baskent University Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between the date of February and May 2016. Patients were divided into three groups (n=65 in each group): dual antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel), first control (no antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy) and second control group (antiplatelet therapy ceased for 3-10 days prior to dental extraction). Results: There was no significant difference in sex distribution, mean age, or in the types or number of teeth extracted between the groups. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was higher in the study group than in the control groups, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). In the study group, the incidence of postoperative bleeding was higher in patients on dual therapy than in those on acetylsalicylic acid alone or clopidogrel alone; however, the differences were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that there is no need to stop single or dual antiplatelet therapy prior to dental extraction.