Yes, you can typically get dental implants while on blood thinners. However, there are some important safety precautions you must follow.
It’s crucial to disclose your full medical history to your oral surgeon, including all of your prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements.
Your dental implants surgeon will then determine the steps needed to ensure dental implant surgery is as safe as possible for you.
Why Might Blood Thinners Interfere With Dental Implant Surgery?
Blood thinners are important medications for people at risk of blood clots. You may be prescribed blood thinners if you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), if you’ve received a stent after a heart attack, or if you have atrial fibrillation, among other reasons.
Blood thinning medications work by reducing the ability of the blood to form clots. While the clotting action of blood is important for stopping wounds from bleeding, blood clots within the bloodstream can lead to adverse events, like heart attack and stroke.
Because blood thinners reduce the ability of the blood to form clots, they can also raise the risk of excessive bleeding during any type of surgery. This is why blood thinners may be a concern for those planning to receive dental implants.
At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we prioritize patient health and safety. We will conduct a thorough review of your medical situation before recommending the best possible treatment option.
Can You Get Dental Implants While on Blood Thinners?
Being on blood thinners doesn’t automatically disqualify you from considering dental implants. However, your oral surgeon will likely need to consult your prescribing physician (e.g., your primary care doctor or cardiologist) to discuss the situation.
You may be asked to undergo a medical evaluation and/or have a blood test. Your dentist may also want to check your blood clotting times.
Based on your specific medical circumstances, your oral surgeon may ask you to do one of the following:
- Request that you continue taking your blood thinners as prescribed.
- Coordinate a change of medication type or dosage with the prescribing doctor.
- Ask you to temporarily stop taking blood thinners for a set period of time.
It’s very important to continue taking your prescribed medications as usual unless you are directed otherwise.
In many cases, the risks of discontinuing blood thinners will outweigh the risks of bleeding during dental implant surgery. Your oral surgery team can use a variety of methods to control bleeding before and after your surgery.
Consult Our Oral Surgeons for Personalized Guidance
The most important factor in determining the success of your dental implant procedure is the oral surgeon you choose.
At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our team is comprised of highly credentialed and experienced oral surgeons who are committed to helping each patient enjoy optimal dental health. Our state-of-the-art, fully equipped surgical suites and full range of anesthesia options make our practice an attractive option to patients throughout Bucks County and Montgomery County in Pennsylvania.
Contact us today to request a consultation. We’ll review your medications list and full medical history before providing personalized recommendations.