Dental management of patients taking antiplatelet medications.
Antiplatelet medications are drugs that decrease platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus (clot) formation. They are widely used in primary and secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease. The most common antiplatelet medications are the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (aspirin) and the adenosine disphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitors clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid). The dental management of patients taking these drugs is reviewed here.
Henry
Robert G
RG
Dental Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, USA.