Managing anticoagulant patients undergoing dental extraction by using hemostatic agent: Tranexamic acid mouthrinse

Abstract

Background: Patient who is on antiplatelet therapy had an impaired fibrin formation which leads to fibrinolysis which is the main reason behind postextraction bleeding. Objectives: The aim of the study is to manage anticoagulated patient who has to undergo dental extraction by using hemostatic agent and the objective is to rule out potential risk factor which may trigger bleeding. Methods: One hundred patients with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy and having International Normalized Ratio (INR) in-between 1.9 and 3.5 were selected. Postextraction instruction use 5 ml of 10% tranexamic acid mouthrinse four times a day for next 7 days was suggested. All demographic data, history of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, details of bleeding, and treatment requirement were recorded to identify potential risk factor. Results: Of 100 subjects, 16 were reported postextraction bleeding on days 1 and 2 which was controlled by tranexamic acid pressure pack. Bleeding from extraction socket of 10 patients was stopped by gelatin foam. No life-threatening risk was observed. In patients with age group of 41–60 years whose INR value was ≥2.5, the number of teeth undergoing extraction, whose bleeding time was increased, and were on long duration of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy might increase the risk of bleeding. Conclusion: Use of tranexamic acid mouthrinse after extraction is an effective way to control bleeding on patients who are under antiplatelet therapy with at therapeutic INR level is a secure and allowable method of minimizing postextraction oozing.

Keywords

• anticoagulant therapy
• antiplatelet therapy
• hemostatic agent
• tranexamic acid