Introduction

An increasing number of patients are taking oral anti-clotting agents. As a result, there is an important patient safety concern in relation to a potential risk of bleeding complications following oral surgery.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the contemporary management of patients undergoing anti-clotting therapy treated by Polish dentists, and to assess the most commonly observed complications following tooth extraction in that group of patients.

Material and methods

The survey study was designed to include dentists and medical doctors. During the analysis, several aspects of medical professionals were considered, including years in the profession, field of specialty, medical sector (private or public), and size of the town where treatment was provided. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

Most of the dentists treat patients undergoing anti-clotting therapy more than once a week. Such patients are admitted more frequently into public sector clinics in minor cities, and treated by dentists specialized in oral or maxillofacial surgery. Most of general dentists do not exactly provide recommendation of international normalized ratio (INR) test. Most frequently observed complication in patients taking anti-clotting therapy after tooth extraction was hematoma.

Conclusions

Medical professionals should evaluate their knowledge in the scope of most recent recommendations regarding dental treatment in special groups of patients, including patients on anti-clotting therapy. On the other hand, patient should be effectively informed by physician and pharmacist about the way of action of these drugs as well as the importance of providing information about their intake to every medical professional, including dentist.