Treatment of patients with bleeding disorders.

Management of the patient with a bleeding disorder must be based on a complete understanding of the disease. The dentist should consult with the patient's primary physician or hematologist to discuss (1) the severity of the disease; (2) the dental and oral/maxillofacial procedures planned and nature of the bleeding risk; (3) the patient's response to previous dental treatment, surgery, and trauma; and (4) the patient's response to various modes of systemic therapy, including blood component replacement therapies. With appropriate management strategies, nearly all bleeding disorder patients can benefit from the full range of dental procedures available to establish and maintain good oral health.