title: Is anti-platelet therapy interruption a real clinical issue? Its implications in dentistry and particularly in periodontics.
abstract: The use of anti-platelet therapy has reduced the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular disease remarkably. A considerable number of patients presenting before a dentist or periodontist give a history of anti-platelet therapy. A clinical dilemma whether to discontinue the anti-platelet therapy or continue the same always confronts the practitioner. Diverse opinions exist regarding the management of such patients. While one group of researchers advise continuation of anti-platelet therapy rather than invite remote, but possible, thromboembolic events, another group encourages discontinuation for variable periods. This study aims at reviewing the current rationale of anti-platelet therapy and the various options available to a clinician, with regard to the management of a patient under anti-platelet therapy. Current recommendations and consensus favour no discontinuation of anti-platelet therapy. This recommendation, however, comes with a rider to use caution and consider other mitigating factors as well. With a large number of patients giving a history of anti-platelet therapy, the topic is of interest and helps a clinician to arrive at a decision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: A Jaya
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: M Meena
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kumari
authors.forename: Nupur
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haritha