Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have led to a paradigm shift in the field of anticoagulation, providing safe and convenient anticoagulation without the need for regular blood testing. Currently, there are three major DOACs available-Factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban and rivaroxaban) and direct thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran)-that are available for use in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. While these agents have been shown to be as effective as warfarin, with a similar or better bleeding profile, there remains some concern of the use of these drugs in vulnerable populations, such as the frail elderly patients; particularly since reversal agents and drug monitoring are not routinely available. We aim to provide a review of the use of DOACs and the impact of DOACs on dental treatment in the elderly population.
Keywords: bleeding; direct oral anticoagulants; direct thrombin inhibitor; factor Xa inhibitor; frail elderly.