Dental Patients and Anticoagulants – A Short Review

Dentists are often required to manage bleeding as part of routine oral surgery or dental procedures as altered hemostasis can lead to complications. Dental patients taking anticoagulant medication pose a challenge for the clinician. Several medications can affect the clotting mechanism, potentially compromising hemostasis. Use of these medications is generally important for the patient's health, and any alterations in the anticoagulant regimen may have unwanted consequences. This article will review a variety of anticoagulant medications and the medical conditions that necessitate their use.