title: Antiplatelet therapy and exodontia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This is a review of the management considerations regarding exodontia for patients taking antithrombotic medications that affect platelet function or aggregation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors reviewed the literature, focusing on the indications and mechanisms of antiplatelet therapy and the perioperative management of patients taking these agents who require exodontia or other dentoalveolar surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dentists making management decisions regarding patients taking antiplatelet therapy should consider the patient's risk of experiencing perioperative hemorrhage against the risk of experiencing complications associated with thromboembolic events. The risk of perioperative bleeding complications is low for patients taking single or dual antiplatelet therapy. Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding can be controlled with local hemostatic measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For patients taking antiplatelet medication, bleeding risk for exodontia is generally lower than the risk of experiencing thromboembolic events owing to cessation of therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dentists can safely complete exodontia in patients who continue taking antiplatelet therapy. The dentist should consult the patient's prescribing physician before considering altering the patient's antiplatelet therapy regimen.
authors.forename: Willem H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Schreuder
authors.forename: Zachary S
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Peacock
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
keywords: NSAID; Tooth extraction; antiplatelet; aspirin; clopidogrel; dipyridamole; exodontia; postoperative bleeding; thienopyridine