In dental practice, anticoagulated patients represent a clinical challenge due to the delicate balance between bleeding control and preventing thromboembolic events. Modifying or adjusting anticoagulant therapy without a proper protocol can lead to severe complications. Therefore, understanding the importance of evidence-based decision-making is essential to ensure patient safety and the success of surgical treatments like dental implant placement.
Common Anticoagulants and Their Dental Implications
Common anticoagulants, such as SINTROM (acenocoumarol), warfarin (Coumadin), and antiplatelet agents like ADIRO 100 or 300 (aspirin), act in different ways to prevent clot formation. In a surgical context, these medications increase the risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. However, discontinuing them without considering the patient’s thromboembolic risk can also be dangerous.
The key lies in individualizing the management of each case through a thorough evaluation and evidence-based protocols.
Proper management of anticoagulated patients during dental implant procedures not only ensures patient safety but also contributes to treatment success. Informed decision-making, based on clear protocols and tailored to the patient’s individual needs, is fundamental.
Providing dentists with practical tools like the decision-making table allows them to approach these cases with confidence and efficiency, ensuring high-quality care. If you would like to download the table presented in this Masterclass, you can access it through this link: Decision-Making Process for Anticoagulant Management
