June 12, 2017
Typically, patients with heart issues, stroke, and/ or blood clotting issues are on blood thinners. Some common names of blood thinners are Coumadin, Heparin, Zarelto, and Eloquis. Patients SHOULD NOT discontinue any medications without first consulting their doctor.
Bleeding can occur from the simplest of tasks including brushing and flossing. Bleeding following any dental procedure including brushing, flossing, dental cleanings, and dental restorative procedures can be prolonged. We are trained to manage regular ,as well as, extreme amounts of bleeding. More times than not dental procedures do not require blood thinners to be discontinued and when anticoagulant therapy must be interrupted, it is done with the careful attention of the patient’s doctor.
Patients should always ask prior to adjusting any of their medication schedules. We will carefully review the patient’s medical health history and individualize treatment specific to the patient’s needs without disrupting medications. And for those specific cases that warrant something different, we will work closely with their physician to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!