Is the Practice of Discontinuing Aspirin Therapy Prior to Dental Extraction Correct? A Review

Abstract

Aspirin is routinely used drug in patients with cardiac problems. When a patient on aspirin requires dental treatment that has the risk of bleeding, the physician or dental surgeon often advices the patient to stop aspirin for few days. This however can lead to thromboembolic events to recur that may cause myocardial infarction, stroke or even death. The decision to stop the medicine prior to dental extraction or oral surgical procedure is critical.