Clinical evaluation of role of dual antiplatelet therapy on bleeding after dental extraction

Aims and Objectives: Altered platelet function and increased bleeding time (BT) can occur with antiplatelet therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the need for stoppage of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing dental extractions. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients indicated for dental extraction were grouped as Group I: Consisted of 75 patients on dual antiplatelet therapy and Group II: Consisted of 75 patients who have discontinued antiplatelet therapy 1 week before dental extraction. BT of all the participants was recorded before extraction procedures. Under local anesthesia, single molar tooth indicated for simple extraction was done in both the groups. Suturing along with pressure pack was done after extraction. BT after extraction was statistically checked between the groups after 1 h and 24 h using Chi-square test with P < 0.05. Results: Postoperatively, none of the patients in both the groups showed active bleeding 1 h and 24 h. No bleeding was seen in 73 patients in Group I and 78 patients in Group II after 24 h. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is no significant difference in BT in both the groups. Antiplatelet monotherapy or even antiplatelet dual therapy needs no alteration or stopped before minor oral surgical procedures. Most of the postoperative bleeding can be easily controlled by local hemostatic measures.