LAUSR

The risk of post-operative bleeding is a daily concern for many general dental practitioners. A thorough medical and medication history must be taken in order to consider all risk factors, particularly drugs, that contribute to bleeding risk. While the risk from drugs such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel are well-known, the extent to which new anti-platelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants affect bleeding risk is less well understood. In addition, there are drugs other than anti-thrombotics, such as antidepressants and complementary medicines that also impair haemostasis. The aim of this paper is to provide dentists with an updated overview of the drugs commonly encountered in general dental practice that can contribute to a patient's post-operative bleeding risk.