EVALUATION OF POSTEXODONTIC BLEEDING IN PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY WITH LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN: PILOT STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the volume of bleeding during exodontia and postoperative hemorrhagic complications in patients using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Study Design: Ten patients receiving LMWH (study group), 40 mg, once daily, were operated on compared to the control group composed of 10 patients not receiving heparin. Molar teeth were extracted, using a local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor, and a local hemostatic medium was used. Results: We did not observe alterations in laboratory tests in both groups, showing that LMWH does not alter routine laboratory exams. The mean blood volume lost during the exodontia was 0.12 mL per minute for patients using LMWH, and 0.1 mL per minute control group composed by health patients. There were no postoperative hemorrhagic complications in both groups (bleeding, hematoma, or blood transfusion). Conclusion: There was no change in laboratory tests during the use of LMWH. There was little loss in blood volume compared with the control group, as well as the absence of postoperative complications in patients using LMWH, and it was not necessary to suspend the drug for dental procedures.