Aspirin use and post-operative bleeding from dental extractions

J Dent Res. 2008 Aug;87(8):740-4. doi: 10.1177/154405910808700814.

Abstract

Aspirin is a common, chronically administered preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease, but is often discontinued prior to invasive dental procedures because of concern for bleeding complications. We hypothesized that aspirin does not cause increased bleeding following a single tooth extraction. Thirty-six healthy persons requiring a tooth extraction were randomized to receive 325 mg/day aspirin or placebo for 4 days. Cutaneous bleeding time (BT) and platelet aggregation tests were obtained prior to extraction. The primary outcome measure, oral BT, and secondary bleeding outcomes were evaluated during and following extraction. No significant baseline differences, except for diastolic blood pressure, were found between groups. There were no differences in oral BT, cutaneous BT, secondary outcome measures, or compliance. Whole-blood aggregation results were significantly different between the aspirin and placebo groups. These findings suggest that there is no indication to discontinue aspirin for persons requiring single-tooth extraction.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / adverse effects*
  • Bleeding Time
  • Female
  • Hemostasis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Oral Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Tooth Extraction / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin