Objectives: To present our experience treating patients who have undergone dental implantation under no change in their constant anticoagulant treatment.
Patients and methods: A retrospective study on patients who have undergone dental implantation. The study group consisted of patients under oral anticoagulants for at least 6 months before dental implantation. The control group was consisted of healthy patients with no oral anticoagulant treatment. Bleeding events were recorded and treated during the first 2 weeks postoperatively.
Results: A total of 193 patients were included in the study. Seventy-two of them who were under anticoagulants served as a study group and the rest (121 patients) served as a control group. Mean age: 65 years old in the study group and 59 years old in the control group. Gender: male to female ratio was higher in the study group and lower in the control group. Four patients in the study group and 7 patients in the control group presented postoperative bleeding and were treated successfully by additional local hemostasis methods.
Conclusion: With the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that patients under oral anticoagulant treatment can undergo dental implantation safely. Bleeding events are rare and can be controlled by local hemostasis.
Clinical relevance: Prior to dental implant insertion, patients under oral anticoagulants can continue their constant medical treatment. The procedure can be performed on outpatient basis under local hemostasis.
Keywords: Dental implants; Oral anticoagulants; Oral surgery.