Pretreatment management of the patient receiving anticoagulant drugs.

This literature review suggests that certain low-risk dental treatment procedures can be performed in patients without altering their anticoagulant medications. Intermediate-risk dental procedures in these patients may be accomplished outside the hospital if the patient's prothrombin time value is within a specified range and if certain techniques are followed. In some cases, temporarily altering the dose of anticoagulant may be necessary. Patients receiving anticoagulant medications should continue to receive high-risk dental treatment in hospitals.