Implants In Patients On Anti-platelets

If necessary, it is advised to stop anti-platelet drugs for 48 to 72 hours before surgery and for 24 to 48 hours thereafter based on the advise of concerned physician before the implant surgery. In most cases of compromised cardiac issues or stroke etc; anti-platelets are prescribed by the cardiologist/physician.

If your dentist is using the pin-hole technique there is minimal bleeding and you may not require to stop the anti-platelets. Issue of anti-platelets would not have any adverse consequence in most cases. It would be advisable to control the blood pressure before starting your implant surgery wherein the dentist may be required to raise the flap and insert implant. The most common adverse effect could be excessive or rapid bleeding. Dentists ought to take care of excessive blood loss of patients and also keep haemoglobin level of patients normal. In the event things seem to be going out of control it is best advised to start I.V. drip and keep the volume of blood maintained. Patients may need oxygen if breathing is an issue. Usually the things come under control once the bleeding stops. Dentists may use the normal techniques specially of pressure at the site of bleeding to control bleeding. You may call a maxillofacial surgeon or any senior surgeon to help you if need arises. Constantly monitoring the vital parameters of blood pressure, oxygenation, pulse is important.

Use of aspirating needle and aspirate before giving local anaesthesia to prevent the drug going into the blood vessel directly is vital. Keep handy all the necessary medicines and equipment/s before starting the procedure of surgery to help you deal with the situation without any stress. In most cases the surgeries are uneventful and you may not require outside help.