General dentistry during continuous anticoagulation therapy.

Abstract

A group of anticoagulated patients undergoing general dental procedures was monitored for assessment of postoperative hemorrhagic complications. The anticoagulant regimen was not altered, but patients were checked by prothrombin time laboratory tests immediately prior to dental visits to assure that each patient was below the maximum therapeutic level of anticoagulation. Patients were monitored following seventy-four separate visits, which included eighty-five procedures. All episodes of hemorrhage were easily controlled locally without complication.