Analysis of Impact of Antiplatelet Therapy on Minor Dental Procedures

Background: Blood flow obstruction by a clot may cause ischemia and organ infarction. Antiplatelet therapy (APT) for a number of thrombotic conditions has increased in the last years in primary prevention (prophylactic) and secondary prevention. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing the impact of anti-platelet therapy on minor dental procedures. Materials & methods: A total of 40 patients who came to department with the aim of getting dental extractions and who were on low-dose aspirin were enrolled. All the patients were broadly divided into two study groups: Group 1: Patients in which no prior stoppage of aspirin was advised, and Group 2: Patients in whom the drugs were stopped 5 days before the procedure. All the extraction procedures were carried out by same surgeons. Suturing was done after extraction followed by pressure pack placement in the extraction socket. Evaluation of bleeding was done after one hour and after twenty hour postoperatively. Results: After one hour, no bleeding was seen in 18 patients of group 1 and 19 patients of group 2. After 24 hours, no bleeding was seen in 17 patients of group 1 and 16 patients of group 2. While comparing the postoperative bleeding at one hour and 24 hours, non-significant results were obtained. Conclusion: Antiplatelet drugs should not be withdrawn for a minor dental surgical procedure.