Knowledge on the guideline-recommended use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy during dental extractions: a contemporary survey among Polish dentists

Abstract

Background: The number of dental patients requiring periodic or lifelong antiplatelet or anticoagulanttherapy is constantly growing.

Aims: We aimed to determine the level of knowledge on antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy among Polish dentists.

Methods: self‑designed online questionnaire was distributed among dentists to evaluate their knowledge on the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in clinical dental practice.

Results: The study included 352 dentists. Patients requiring vitamin K antagonists were referred for a cardiac consultation by 64.52%, 57.29%, and 58.55% of dentists with < 5, 5–15, and > 15 years of experience,respectively (P = 0.003). A similar trend was observed for non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants among nonsurgical dentists. However, an equal percentage of surgical dentists (39.7%) performedextraction with and without consultation, and they were more likely to perform extraction withoutconsultation than nonsurgical dentists (39.7% vs 27.8%; P = 0.01). Most surgical and nonsurgical dentistspreferred to consult a cardiologist about dual antiplatelet therapy before an invasive procedure (56.9%and 73.81%, respectively; P = 0.03). Extractions in patients on aspirin were accepted by 75.81%, 70.83%, and 49.34% of dentists with < 5, 5–15, and > 15 years of experience, respectively (P = 0.004), and by 79.31%of surgical and 57.14% of nonsurgical dentists (P = 0.003).

Conclusions: Knowledge on antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in patients undergoing dental procedures is unsatisfactory among Polish dentists. Both therapies were discontinued before extractionsmore frequently than recommended in the guidelines, while extractions in patients on aspirin were common.