Use of the antifibrinolytics, tranexamic acid in dental procedures in patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy

Abstract:

The use of prescribed anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs increases the risk of unexpected, long-term bleeding during surgical procedures in dentistry, such as tooth extractions and other dental procedures. Antifibrinolytic tranexamic acid is widely used to reduce the bleeding after surgical procedures. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine that competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen into plasmin, Application of tranexamic acid in dental procedures locally with gauze or as a mouthwash results in high concentrations in saliva. Tranexamic acid can be considered as a powerful local hemostatic method in patients on antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy undergoing dental or oral procedures.

Key words:
anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; dental care; tranexamic acid, therapeutic use