The term “blood thinner” may ring a bell for those patients with heart conditions. It is a common medication that prevents multiple heart problems and is vital to millions of Americans these days.

This type of medication helps countless patients, but some things need to be considered when taking blood thinners. Patients need to be careful with certain procedures, and oral surgeries are undoubtedly one of them.

Read this blog to find out what patients on blood thinners need to know about oral surgery!

What are Blood Thinners?

Well, most patients on this type of medication know what they are and why they need to take them. However, not many people are acquainted with how these drugs work. Although there are different types of blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin and heparin and antiplatelets like aspirin), they all have the same target: blood clots.

Blood thinners prevent blood clots from forming, or at least they slow down this process. As a result, they help blood circulation, so they are typically indicated to avoid heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and blockages. They are essential for some people, but the issue is that sometimes, our bodies need those clots. Blood clots are meant to stop blood loss, so these patients must be extremely careful with bleeding injuries and wounds (and surgical procedures, of course).

Can I Undergo Dental Procedures If I Am Taking Blood Thinning Medication?

Patients on blood thinners can undergo any dental procedure that doesn’t cause blood loss. They can come to the dental office for fillings, teeth whitening treatments, veneers, dental crowns, and many other treatments with no inconvenience. However, with oral surgery, they need to take some precautions. This doesn’t imply that you cannot have dental implants placed or teeth removed if you are taking this medication – you just need to follow a few additional steps before the oral surgery.

How Should I Proceed if I Need a Teeth Extraction or Dental Implants?

Oral surgery causes inevitable bleeding. It doesn’t represent a risk for most patients – the human body is prepared to stop blood loss through a physiological process that involves clots. Unfortunately, if you are taking blood thinners, this process is deliberately interrupted so your body cannot stop the bleeding caused by surgery on its own. For this purpose, you will need to stop or adjust medication for a few days before undergoing a surgical procedure.

However, this also represents a risk as patients take this medication for a good reason. That’s why it is always convenient to visit your cardiologist after you consult with the oral surgeon. Although our surgeons know how to deal with this situation and follow a strict protocol with patients on blood thinners, it is always advisable to visit the doctor that has prescribed the medication. Your doctor is the one who knows your case the best, and they might suggest specific measures for your particular situation.

The steps to follow before oral surgery can vary from patient to patient. The doctor usually stops the medication 5 to 7 days before the surgery. But if you are at high risk of suffering a heart problem, they might choose to reduce the dose or change it for another drug to minimize the risks.

Highly-Trained Oral Surgeons in Austin, TX

Our team of experts at Hill Country Oral Surgery is ready to deal with any personal situation. If you or your family are taking any medications and you still have some doubts, please schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. We will be happy to assist you and answer all your questions!