The dental patient on oral anticoagulant medication: a literature review.

Specific diseases and medications may considerably influence the delivery of oral care and the course of dental therapy. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between oral anticoagulant medication and dental treatment. Electronic and manual searches were conducted for clinical studies in the English literature for the years 1988-2010. The review process provided a total of 110 pertinent literature references, out of which 38 studies dealt with oral anticoagulants and dental treatment. Different treatment strategies relative to dental periprocedural anticoagulation regimens have been identified, and their accompanying thromboembolic and bleeding risks are being presented and discussed. Regarding to what extent a safe and successful dental treatment in patients on anticoagulant medication is feasible, the level of evidence is lacking. Until high-level data are provided, an individualised treatment approach after consultation with the physician of the patient is highly recommended.