How Do Blood Thinners Affect Extractions and Implants?

Here at Willow Glen Dental Specialists, we strive to ensure that our patients always take a knowledgeable approach to their treatment. Continue reading for more information about how blood thinners affect dental extractions and implants.

What are Blood Thinners?

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, ensure that harmful blood clots do not form inside the bloodstream. Blood clots have the potential to lead to a number of serious health conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, and more.

These medications are extremely important for preserving the overall health of the body, but they can pose a few risks in the case of invasive surgery, as they make it difficult to control or stop bleeding. They can also prevent blood clots from forming, which significantly hinders the healing process.

Medical History

It is extremely important to disclose your entire medical history to your dentist, especially when planning invasive treatment such as an extraction or dental implant. It is important for your dentist to be aware of any medical conditions you may have, any medical emergencies you may have experienced in the past, as well as the prescription medications that you take daily. All of these factors will be a great help to your dentist in planning your treatment and ensuring that you are as safe and healthy as possible from start to finish. It will also alert your dentist of any details that will be helpful and beneficial for them to discuss with your primary care physician.

Preparing for Invasive Treatment

In order to ensure that you can safely undergo an invasive dental treatment such as extractions or implants, your dentist may recommend lowering your dosage or stopping your blood thinners altogether prior to your appointment. In many cases, your dentist will ask for a medical clearance from the doctor that prescribed your blood thinners. This is to ensure that both of your medical providers are on the same page about what will be best for you, considering your medical history as well as your planned treatment.

In most cases, after a procedure has been completed, you will be able to resume your blood thinners right away to ensure that you will not face any health risks.

When properly approached and managed, having a dental procedure such as an extraction or implant completed can be completely safe and manageable. It’s always best to speak to your dentist in length about their personal recommendations for you. For more information about extractions and implants in San Jose, give Willow Glen Dental Specialists a call at (408) 478-9081.