An evidence summary of the management of patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) undergoing dental surgery

The impact of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on early implant failure following sinus floor augmentation: A retrospective cohort analysis

INTRODUCTION

The effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on the outcomes of sinus floor augmentation remains unclear.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from electronic medical records of consecutive patients undergoing sinus floor augmentation at a single medical center. Patients were categorized into three categories: patients under antiplatelet medications, patients under anticoagulation medications, and healthy individuals. Data collected included tobacco smoking, residual alveolar bone height, timing of implant placement, materials used, vertical bone gain, early implant failure (EIF), and complications such as Schneiderian membrane perforation and postoperative bleeding. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess risk factors for EIF. Statistical significance was considered below 5%.

RESULTS

Among 110 patients with 305 implants, EIF occurred in 10% of patients and 4.65% of implants. No significant difference in postoperative bleeding or EIF was found between study groups. Univariate and multivariable analyses highlighted tobacco smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 7.92), lower residual alveolar ridge height (OR = 0.81), and staged implant placement (OR = 4.64) as significant EIF risk factors in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies do not significantly elevate the risk of EIF or postoperative bleeding following sinus floor augmentation. Tobacco smoking, residual alveolar ridge height and staged sinus floor augmentation were risk factors for EIF in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications undergoing sinus floor augmentation.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Bleeding Management Following Tooth Extractions-A Prospective Cohort Study

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of intra-, peri-, and post-operative bleeding following tooth extractions in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Consecutive patients requiring at least one dental extraction were enrolled. The DOAC regimen was either maintained or suspended. Patients were classified in subgroups depending on the number of teeth extracted per procedure (≤3 or >3), the need for flap elevation, and the performance of osteotomy. Bleeding was recorded intra-operatively; peri-operatively at 20, 40, 60, and 80 min after the procedure; and daily in the first seven days following tooth extractions. Forty-nine patients treated with DOACs (17 with rivaroxaban, 16 with apixaban, 8 with edoxaban, and 8 with dabigatran) were enrolled. Of them, 33 refrained from DOAC administration pre-operatively. The performances of >3 teeth extractions, flap elevation, and osteotomy were significantly associated with higher bleeding rates (p < 0.05). In patients treated with rivaroxaban and apixaban, bleeding episodes were more frequent. Although DOAC treatment may increase the rates of intra-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative bleeding, the recorded episodes were mild and manageable. DOAC suspension may reduce peri-operative bleeding, while no effect could be observed for post-operative bleeding.

Dental implant considerations in patients with systemic diseases: An updated comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Various medical conditions and the drugs used to treat them have been shown to impede or complicate dental implant surgery. It is crucial to carefully monitor the medical status and potential post-operative complications of patients with systemic diseases, particularly elderly patients, to minimize the risk of health complications that may arise.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to review the existing evidence on the viability of dental implants in patients with systemic diseases and to provide practical recommendations to achieve the best possible results in the corresponding patient population.

METHODS

The information for our study was compiled using data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases and searched separately for each systemic disease included in our work until October 2023. An additional manual search was also performed to increase the search sensitivity. Only English-language publications were included and assessed according to titles, abstracts and full texts.

RESULTS

In total, 6784 studies were found. After checking for duplicates and full-text availability, screening for the inclusion criteria and manually searching reference lists, 570 articles remained to be considered in this study.

CONCLUSION

In treating patients with systemic conditions, the cost-benefit analysis should consider the patient's quality of life and expected lifespan. The success of dental implants depends heavily on ensuring appropriate maintenance therapy, ideal oral hygiene standards, no smoking and avoiding other risk factors. Indications and contraindications for dental implants in cases of systemic diseases are yet to be more understood; broader and hardcore research needs to be done for a guideline foundation.

Managing direct oral anticoagulants in accordance with the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme guidance for patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery

Introduction The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) guidance on the management of dental patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs provides recommendations on the management of patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This guidance was developed by a multidisciplinary Guidance Development Group, based on available resources at the time of publication. We aim to describe our experience of managing a cohort of adult patients prescribed DOACs, undergoing dentoalveolar procedures in accordance with the SDCEP guidance, between April 2017 and March 2020.

Methods As part of our routine practice, patients received a telephone consultation one week following treatment, to assess any post-operative bleeding. Review of the clinical notes was used to assess clinician adherence to the guidance recommendations.

Results In total, 98 patients underwent 119 dentoalveolar procedures. Persistent bleeding followed 17 (14.3%) procedures, of which 11 (9.2%) procedures required specific intervention. Absolute compliance with the recommendations was 43.7%, supporting the recommendation for audit and staff education.

Discussion A diagnosis of heart failure and advanced age were identified as contributory factors to post-operative bleeding.

Conclusions The SDCEP guidance is safe to follow, with no patients experiencing major haemorrhage. Consulting a medical specialist for patients with heart failure of likely significance, based on the medical or drug history, in addition to those who report an advanced heart failure diagnosis and the frail/older person, could reduce the incidence of post-operative bleeding.

Details the SDCEP guidance recommendations, at the time of writing, regarding the management of dental patients taking DOACs.

Informs of the bleeding outcomes for patients taking DOACs who undergo dentoalveolar surgery.

Assesses the safety and appropriateness of the SDCEP guidance recommendations.

Highlights the determinants of post-operative bleeding risk.

Tranexamic acid and bleeding in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants undergoing dental extraction: The EXTRACT-NOAC randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Oral bleeding after dental extraction in patients on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is a frequent problem. We investigated whether 10% tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases post-extraction bleeding in patients treated with NOACs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The EXTRACT-NOAC study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 10% TXA or placebo mouthwash and were instructed to use the mouthwash once prior to dental extraction, and thereafter for 3 times a day for 3 days. The primary outcome was the number of patients with any post-extraction oral bleeding up to day 7. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural, early, and delayed bleeding, and the safety outcomes included all thrombotic events. The first patient was randomized on February 9, 2018 and the last patient on March 12, 2020. Of 222 randomized patients, 218 patients were included in the full analysis set, of which 106 patients were assigned to TXA (74.8 (±8.8) years; 81 men) and 112 to placebo (72.7 (±10.7) years; 64 men). Post-extraction bleeding occurred in 28 (26.4%) patients in the TXA group and in 32 (28.6%) patients in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.42; P = 0.72). There were 46 bleeds in the TXA group and 85 bleeds in the placebo group (rate ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.05; P = 0.07). TXA did not reduce the rate of periprocedural bleeding (bleeding score 4 ± 1.78 versus 4 ± 1.82, P = 0.80) and early bleeding (rate ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.37). Delayed bleeding (rate ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.89) and bleeding after multiple extractions (rate ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78) were lower in the TXA group. One patient in the placebo group had a transient ischemic attack while interrupting the NOAC therapy in preparation for the dental extraction. Two of the study limitations were the premature interruption of the trial following a futility analysis and the assessment of the patients' compliance that was based on self-reported information during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients on NOACs undergoing dental extraction, TXA does not seem to reduce the rate of periprocedural or early postoperative oral bleeding compared to placebo. TXA appears to reduce delayed bleeds and postoperative oral bleeding if multiple teeth are extracted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03413891 EudraCT; EudraCT number:2017-001426-17; EudraCT Public website: eudract.ema.europa.eu.

Management of patients receiving novel antithrombotic treatment in endodontic practice: Review and clinical recommendations

Cardiovascular diseases are a major component of non-communicable diseases and death, with thrombosis constituting the most common underlying pathosis of the three major cardiovascular disorders: ischaemic heart disease (acute coronary syndrome), stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in recent years has necessitated a more complex approach to periprocedural and perioperative anticoagulation management and the need for revised management strategies and protocols. Currently, patients taking classic oral anticoagulants are advised to stop taking the drugs and have their INR values checked 72 h prior to dental surgery (e.g., apical surgery, tooth extraction, and periodontal surgery) and checked again 24 h prior to the procedure to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. However, the current incorporation of these novel DOACs in routine medical practice requires changes in the way patients are managed preoperatively in dentistry, and specifically in endodontic surgery. The methodology applied in this review included searching for relevant articles in the PubMed database using keywords listed in the Entree Terms databases. Articles published on human blood clotting mechanism, antithrombotic drugs, as well as treatment guidelines and recommendations for dentistry were retrieved. In addition, textbooks and guidelines that may not have surfaced in the online search were searched manually. The aim of this paper was to review the mechanisms of action of classic and novel antithrombotic medications and their impact on endodontic treatment and the management of local haemostasis in endodontics.

Direct oral anticoagulants in oral surgery: a prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Quantitative assessment of bleeding in dental extractions is rarely reported in the literature. The assessment of bleeding might provide additional evidence to predict and minimize postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of bleeding in individuals taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) submitted to dental extractions.

METHODS

Intraoperative bleeding was evaluated by using total collected bleeding corrected by absorbance reading (dental bleeding score). To monitoring bleeding episodes from the day of surgery, this cohort was followed up until the seventh postoperative day.

RESULTS

Forty-five procedures were performed in three comparative groups, patients under DOACs, individuals taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and without anticoagulant therapy. No bleeding events were observed in procedures carried out in individuals of the DOAC group. Additional hemostatic measures were required in two procedures in the VKA group and one in the non-anticoagulated group. The dental bleeding scores obtained for the DOAC and VKA groups were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the DOAC therapy did not result in increased bleeding outcomes in this sample.

Implant Placement in Patients under Treatment with Rivaroxaban: A Retrospective Clinical Study

The management of patients under treatment with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) has led clinicians to deal with two clinical issues, such as the hemorrhagic risk in case of non-interruption or the risk of thromboembolism in case of suspension of the treatment. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of perioperative bleeding events and healing complications in patients who were under treatment with Rivaroxaban and who received dental implants and immediate prosthetic restoration. Patients treated with Rivaroxaban (Xarelto 20 mg daily) and who needed implant rehabilitation were selected. Four to six implants were placed in mandibular healed sites or fresh extraction sockets. All patients, in agreement with their physicians, interrupted the medication for 24 h and received implants and immediate restorations. Twelve patients and 57 implants were analyzed in the study. No major postoperative bleeding events were reported. Three patients (25%) presented slight immediate postoperative bleeding controlled with compression only. The implant and prosthetic survival rate were both 100% after 1 year. Within the limitations of this study, multiple implant placement with an immediate loading can be performed without any significant complication with a 24 h discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in conjunction with the patient’s physician.

A review of drugs that contribute to bleeding risk in general dental practice

The risk of postoperative bleeding is a daily concern for many general dental practitioners. A thorough medical and medication history must be taken to consider all risk factors, particularly drugs, that contribute to bleeding risk. While the risk from drugs such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel are well known, the extent to which new antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants affect bleeding risk is less well understood. In addition, there are drugs other than antithrombotics, such as antidepressants and complementary medicines that also impair haemostasis. The aim of this paper is to provide dentists with an updated overview of the drugs commonly encountered in general dental practice that can contribute to a patient's postoperative bleeding risk.

The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation

The current manuscript is the second update of the original Practical Guide, published in 2013 [Heidbuchel et al. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013;15:625-651; Heidbuchel et al. Updated European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2015;17:1467-1507]. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and have emerged as the preferred choice, particularly in patients newly started on anticoagulation. Both physicians and patients are becoming more accustomed to the use of these drugs in clinical practice. However, many unresolved questions on how to optimally use these agents in specific clinical situations remain. The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) set out to coordinate a unified way of informing physicians on the use of the different NOACs. A writing group identified 20 topics of concrete clinical scenarios for which practical answers were formulated, based on available evidence. The 20 topics are as follows i.e., (1) Eligibility for NOACs; (2) Practical start-up and follow-up scheme for patients on NOACs; (3) Ensuring adherence to prescribed oral anticoagulant intake; (4) Switching between anticoagulant regimens; (5) Pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions of NOACs; (6) NOACs in patients with chronic kidney or advanced liver disease; (7) How to measure the anticoagulant effect of NOACs; (8) NOAC plasma level measurement: rare indications, precautions, and potential pitfalls; (9) How to deal with dosing errors; (10) What to do if there is a (suspected) overdose without bleeding, or a clotting test is indicating a potential risk of bleeding; (11) Management of bleeding under NOAC therapy; (12) Patients undergoing a planned invasive procedure, surgery or ablation; (13) Patients requiring an urgent surgical intervention; (14) Patients with AF and coronary artery disease; (15) Avoiding confusion with NOAC dosing across indications; (16) Cardioversion in a NOAC-treated patient; (17) AF patients presenting with acute stroke while on NOACs; (18) NOACs in special situations; (19) Anticoagulation in AF patients with a malignancy; and (20) Optimizing dose adjustments of VKA. Additional information and downloads of the text and anticoagulation cards in different languages can be found on an EHRA website (www.NOACforAF.eu).

Tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants: design and rationale of the EXTRACT-NOAC trial

Bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) may lead to unplanned reinterventions and interruption of anticoagulation, thereby exposing patients to a risk of thromboembolism. We have designed a study (EXTRACT-NOAC) to investigate whether tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases bleeding after extraction in such patients. The study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We plan to randomise 236 patients listed for dental extraction and treated with NOAC to 10% TXA mouthwash or placebo. Patients are instructed to use the mouthwash before the dental extraction, and three times a day for three days thereafter. The primary outcome is oral bleeding. Secondary outcomes include type of bleeding, procedural bleeding score, number of reinterventions after oral bleeding, and number of interruptions in NOAC treatment. Any bleeding from sources other than the mouth, and thrombotic events, are recorded as safety outcomes. Patients are followed-up for seven days. This study will provide evidence to guide the management of patients taking NOAC who need teeth extracted.

MIDAS (Minimally Invasive Drilling And Styptic) protocol - A modified approach to treating patients under therapeutic anticoagulants

Patients with cardiac or allied medical conditions mandating long term oral anticoagulant therapy form a sizeable database in an implant practice today. The management of such patients during surgical and dental procedures has always been debatable. Literature has documented evidence that indicates towards stopping the anticoagulant for a finite period. However, discontinuing anticoagulants is not always possible, given the risks of greater significance than the edentulous state. In such patients a minimally invasive flapless approach is preferred, having the potential to reduce bleeding, surgical time and postoperative edema. The purpose of this case series is to show a possible modified approach for dental implant placement using a CAD-CAM stent guided flapless approach without stopping of therapeutic anticoagulant medication.

Perioperative Management in Patients With Undergoing Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Oral Surgery - A Multicentric Questionnaire Survey

AIM

The purpose of this study was to survey the current opinions of hospitals and medical practices concerning the perioperative management of patients undergoing direct oral anticoagulant therapy (DOAC) and discuss recommendations for the clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire with 13 topics and multiple ordinal-polytomous subitems was designed and sent to 120 Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, as well as to 85 oral and maxillofacial/oral surgeons in medical offices in Hamburg, Germany. The data were statistically evaluated by Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

RESULTS

The rate of response was 42%. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported treating over 50 patients per year with undergoing DOAC therapy and only 18% assess a high bleeding risk [33% for vitamin K antagonists (VKA)]. In contrast to that, 62% of respondents would interrupt the DOAC therapy for extraction of one tooth, while 94% would continue VKA therapy. Significantly more clinicians apply suture than those in a medical office. The use of additional hemostatic measures varied between clinic and medical practice. There was a clear request for more detailed guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The study shows the current opinion for perioperative management of patients undergoing DOAC therapy. Multi-centric studies under controlled conditions are needed for a safer treatment of anticoagulated patients as therapy strategies differ greatly between institutions and therefore a complication analysis is hardly possible.

Perioperative management of oral anticoagulated patients undergoing an oral, implant, or periodontal procedure: a survey of practices of members of two dental scientific societies, the PRADICO study

OBJECTIVES

Studies on the perioperative management of patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) receiving oral invasive procedures are sparse. Moreover, the recommendations of the scientific societies on DOACs are discordant, and the practices are highly variable. We conducted a survey of general and specialized dentists in France to compare their practices concerning the management of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and DOACs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Members of two dental surgical societies were invited to participate in the survey. One hundred forty-one practitioners answered an online questionnaire focusing on the periprocedural management of oral anticoagulated patients (participation rate, 17.8%).

RESULTS

Practitioners at hospitals or mixed practices and specialists treated significantly more anticoagulated patients and more frequently performed procedures with high hemorrhagic risk than practitioners with private practice and general dentists. Greater than 90% of practitioners did not modify the treatment for patients on VKAs and controlled the International Normalized Ratio (INR) preoperatively. Regarding DOACs, 62.9% of practitioners did not change the treatment, 70.8% did not prescribe any biological tests, and 13.9% prescribed an INR. Practitioners at hospitals and mixed practices and specialists had better training and knowledge about DOACs.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey showed that anticoagulated patients were managed mostly by specialists in private or hospital care, notably when requiring oral procedures at high hemorrhagic risk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A growing proportion of anticoagulated patients are being treated by dentists in primary care. Consequently, they need training, especially concerning DOACs. Additionally, consensus recommendations are necessary for better coordination of stakeholders and patient safety. Trial registration on ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03150303.

Safety of tooth extraction in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulant treatment versus warfarin: a prospective observation study

The aim of this study was to compare the safety of tooth extraction in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin without cessation of their antithrombotic treatment. This prospective observational study included 367 patients undergoing tooth extraction (119 receiving DOACs and 248 receiving warfarin). All extractions in DOAC patients were performed 6-7h after taking DOACs in consideration of the half-life in blood under continued antithrombotic treatment. To examine the potential postoperative bleeding risk related to the time of extraction and the drug concentration of blood, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in dabigatran and prothrombin time (PT) in rivaroxaban were measured three times after administration. A total of 390 tooth extractions were performed: 128 in the DOAC patients and 262 in warfarin patients. Postoperative bleeding occurred in four extractions (3.1%) in the DOAC group and in 23 (8.8%) in the warfarin group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (odds ratio: 2.362, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.819-6.815, p=0.112). APTT and PT prolongation in almost all cases decreased with time after taking the medicine. Our findings suggest that interruption of DOAC therapy is not necessary for tooth extraction if the procedure is performed at least 6h after the last dose.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Medical Comorbidities in Patients Needing Dental Extractions: Management of the Risk of Bleeding

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to measure the frequency of bleeding during and after tooth extraction in patients exposed to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and identify risk factors for prolonged or excessive bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study involved 100 patients who underwent tooth extractions according to the European Heart Rhythm Association protocol: continuation of DOAC therapy for extractions of up to 3 teeth in the same session performed at the (presumed) time of DOAC trough concentration. We respected an interval of at least 4 hours between extraction and last DOAC intake. The outcome of interest was incidence of mild, moderate, and severe bleeding during the intervention and in the 7-day follow-up period. Data analysis considered the presence of comorbidities as the primary predictor for bleeding; additional predictors were age, gender, type of comorbidity, indication for DOAC therapy, DOAC agent, and extraction of contiguous teeth.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 64 had comorbidities (diabetes in 50%). The distributions of demographic, clinical, and dental variables were similar for patients with and without comorbidities. We observed 4 bleeding episodes (1 moderate episode 1 hour after the extraction and 3 mild episodes the day after the extraction) in the comorbidity group and none in the non-comorbidity group (4 of 64 vs 0 of 36, P = .29; overall bleeding rate, 4 of 100). The factor significantly triggering bleeding in patients with comorbidity was extractions of couples and triplets of multirooted teeth (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth extractions in patients with comorbidities taking DOACs may be safely managed as long as they are performed at least 4 hours after the last DOAC intake and do not involve 2 or 3 contiguous premolars and molars.

Management of dental patients receiving antiplatelet therapy or chronic oral anticoagulation: A review of the latest evidence

The perioperative management of patients treated with antithrombotic medications who undergo surgical procedures represents a common clinical problem. Dental interventions are usually associated with a low risk of bleeding; however, the dental implications of new antithrombotic agents are not yet fully understood. The present review is based on the latest evidence and recommendations published on the periprocedural management of dental patients treated with single or dual antiplatelet therapy, vitamin K antagonists, or direct oral anticoagulants for a variety of indications.

Assessing an oral surgery specific protocol for patients on direct oral anticoagulants: a retrospective controlled cohort study

Chronic therapy with the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) poses new challenges for dental practitioners assessing the risk versus benefit of cessation versus non-cessation of anticoagulant therapy for dentoalveolar procedures. A retrospective controlled cohort study was designed to evaluate a non-cessation protocol for patients taking DOACs in the setting of dental extractions. A records review covering the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 identified 43 patients on DOAC therapy; 53 dentoalveolar procedures were performed under local anaesthesia, of which 15 included varying degrees of peri-procedural cessation. A control group of 50 patients on uninterrupted warfarin therapy undergoing 59 dentoalveolar procedures was identified. The incidence, severity, and timing of bleeding events were recorded for each group. Four (10.5%) minor bleeding events were recorded in the non-cessation DOAC group and nine (15.3%) minor bleeding events in the warfarin group. No bleeding events were recorded in the DOAC cessation group. Comparison of the incidence of bleeding events between the non-cessation DOAC group and the warfarin group showed no statistically significant difference (odds ratio 0.65, P=0.56). Within the limitations of this study, dental extractions in the context of continuing DOAC therapy can be performed safely provided extra local haemostatic measures are applied.

Is it necessary to alter anticoagulation therapy for tooth extraction in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants?

BACKGROUND

The number of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) instead of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is increasing and there is limited data on the safety of tooth extractions in patients taking DOACs. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of bleeding (AOB) and postoperative complications after tooth extractions between patients taking VKAs and patients taking DOACs without altering the anticoaguation therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study consisted of four groups: Direct thrombin inhibitor group, factor Xa inhibitor group, warfarin group and a control group. A single tooth was extracted in each patient and routine coagulation test values were recorded prior to extraction. AOB was measured for 20 minutes after tooth extraction. The patients were evaluated on 2nd and 7th days after extraction for bleeding. Status of bleeding was classified as no bleeding, mild bleeding controlled by gauze pads, moderate bleeding controlled by hemostatic agents and severe bleeding required hospitalization. Analysis of variance, chi square test and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis of data.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients (48 male, 36 female) were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 57 (38-87) years. Mean AOB was 1388.6±913.0, 1909.29±1063.1, 3673±1415.4, 1593.33±672.5 mg for direct thrombin inhibitor, factor Xa inhibitor, warfarin and control groups respectively. Mean AOB was significantly higher for warfarin group, compared to other groups (p<0.05). The number of patients showing mild and moderate bleeding was significantly higher in warfarin group compared to other groups on the 2nd postextraction day (p=0.001). No bleeding was occurred in control group on 2nd and 7th postextraction days and no bleeding was occurred in direct thrombin inhibitor group on 7th postextraction day. The number of bleeding events among groups was not statistically significant on 7th postextraction day (p=0.251).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients taking warfarin had more bleeding compared to patients taking direct oral anticoagulants after tooth extractions. In patients taking direct oral anticoagulants simple tooth extractions can be safely carried out without altering the anticaogulant regimen with the use of local hemostatic agents.

Dental management in patients with antiplatelet therapy: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death in the Western world. Its treatment frequently needs therapy with antiplatelet agents, which increases the haemorrhage risk after oral surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to present a review on the dental management of the patients under antiplatelet treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review was carried out following PRISMA recommendations including studies searched in Pubmed-Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases.

RESULTS

The current trend is to maintain the treatment during the surgical procedure, assuring a good control of the haemorrhage with local haemostatic measures. However, new antiplatelet drugs protocols are not firmly established.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the existing recommendations, it is always advisable to consult with the internist or cardiologist of every patient before any intervention. Key words:Antiplatelet, Oral Surgery, Exodontia, Dental Management.

Delayed bleeding after implant surgery in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants: a case report

The use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has increased in recent times in an effort to overcome the shortcomings of warfarin. They are being used primarily for the prevention of thrombosis caused by atrial fibrillation and offer the advantages of having fewer drug interactions than warfarin, no dietary restrictions, and no requirement for regular blood tests. Although there is reportedly less postoperative bleeding even if the drug is not discontinued during procedures that can cause local bleeding, such as dental procedures, no well-designed clinical studies have assessed postoperative bleeding associated with the use of these drugs. This article reports a case of a 74-year-old male patient who was taking rivaroxaban. The patient underwent a dental implant procedure after discontinuing rivaroxaban for one day and subsequently suffered delayed bleeding on postoperative day 6. Accordingly, this article also reports that the use of NOACs may also lead to delayed bleeding.

Managing patients taking edoxaban in dentistry

Background

Anticoagulation therapy is used in several conditions to prevent or treat thromboembolism. A new group of oral anticoagulants with clear advantages over classic dicoumarin oral anticoagulants (warfarin and acenocoumarol) has been developed in recent years. The Food and Drug Administration has approved edoxaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban. Their advantages include: predictable pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and limited food, rapid onset of action and short half-life. However, they lack a specific reversal agent.

Material and Methods

This paper examines the available evidence regarding rivaroxaban and sets out proposals for clinical guidance of dental practitioners treating these patients in primary dental care. A literature search was conducted through July 2016 for publications in PubMed and Cochrane Library using the keywords “edoxaban”, “dabigatran”, “rivaroxaban”, “apixaban”, “new oral anticoagulants”, “novel oral anticoagulants”, “bleeding” and “dental treatment” with the “and” boolean operator in the last 10 years.

Results

The number of patients taking edoxaban is increasing. There is no need for regular coagulation monitoring of patients on edoxaban therapy. For patients requiring minor oral surgery procedures, interruption of edoxaban is not generally necessary. Management of patients on anticoagulation therapy requires that dentists can accurately assess the patient prior to dental treatments.

Conclusions

Their increased use means that oral care clinicians should have a sound understanding of the mechanism of action, pharmacology, reversal strategies and management of bleeding in patients taking edoxaban. There is a need for further clinical studies in order to establish more evidence-based guidelines for dental patients requiring edoxaban.

Key words:Edoxaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, novel oral anticoagulants, bleeding.

Dentists' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Treating Patients Taking Oral Antithrombotic Medications - A Survey

INTRODUCTION

India lists high on patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. Hence, a large proportion of the population is on long term Oral Antithrombotic Medications (OAM). Though several guidelines exist on dental management of these patients, previous surveys have shown variation among the dentists.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of dentists in Chennai, India, towards dental management of patients taking OAM using a questionnaire survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The survey was conducted among 256 dentists in Chennai, India using a printed questionnaire containing 16 questions, at their university location. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Of the final population of dentists who were included in the survey (n =212), majority of them were aware about drugs such as warfarin and aspirin compared to other newer drugs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban). Most participants took physician's opinion before proceeding with any invasive dental procedure and thromboembolic events were their major concern while treating patients on OAM.

CONCLUSION

The survey revealed dentists are knowledgeable about management of patients on OAM. However, they tend to overestimate the bleeding risk, thus being cautious in their treatment approach. Based on the results of the study, the authors suggest that continuing dental education programs and further training on management of such medically complex patients will be beneficial in order to provide optimum dental care to people taking OAM.