Blood thinners and tooth extractions
If you take a blood thinner, a tooth extraction needs a little more planning, but in most cases you will not need to stop your medicine. These are the questions we are asked most often.
Blood thinners
Do I need to stop my blood thinner before an extraction?
Usually not, and please do not stop it on your own. Stopping a blood thinner can raise your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Most extractions can be done safely with the medicine continued, using careful technique, stitches and a dressing in the socket.
What will I need to do on the day?
| Medicine | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Warfarin | A blood test (INR) within 24 hours before treatment, or within 72 hours if your levels are usually stable. If it is below 4, treatment can go ahead without stopping warfarin. |
| Apixaban (Eliquis) or dabigatran (Pradaxa) | For more involved extractions, you may be asked to skip the morning dose and take the evening dose as usual. |
| Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) or edoxaban | For more involved extractions, you may be asked to take your morning dose later in the day, once the bleeding has stopped. |
| Aspirin | Keep taking it. |
| Clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, or two antiplatelets | Keep taking them. We may talk to your doctor first, especially if you have had a heart stent in the last year. |
We will give you written instructions for your own medicines before your appointment. Treatment is usually booked early in the day, and you go home once the bleeding has stopped.
What if it bleeds at home?
Bite firmly on a rolled, damp gauze pad over the socket for 20 minutes without checking. If it is still bleeding, repeat once, then call our after-hours number. See our post-operative instructions.
Other conditions
Please tell us about diabetes, kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders, heart valve replacements or previous heart infections, and any medicines that affect your immune system or bones. Some people with heart valve conditions need antibiotics before dental surgery, and we follow the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines for this. If you take a bone medicine such as Prolia, see Osteoporosis and your teeth.
Fees
| Fee | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Extraction (D311), per tooth | $610 |
| Surgical extraction (D322), per tooth | $790 |
| Anaesthetist (general anaesthetic only) | $500–$900 |
| Hospital (general anaesthetic only) | $1,350–$2,650 |
Fees are before health fund rebates. You will receive a written estimate with item numbers after your consultation.
- Zip Money: 6 months interest free
- No charge for aftercare and post-operative reviews
Getting started
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Ask your dentist (or your GP) for a referral to Dr Tom Jaunay. If you already have a referral, call us and we will book you in.
What should I bring to my consultation?
- Your referral, and any OPG X-ray
- A list of every medicine you take, with doses and times, and your doctor’s name
- For warfarin, your most recent INR result
How do I contact you?
Call 02 8513 9810 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or email reception@oromaxnsw.com.au. Sydney CBD Level 2, 225 Macquarie St · Hurstville Suite 9.06, Level 9, 288 Forest Rd · Miranda Suite 2, Level 5, 86 Kiora Rd. See our locations.
References
- SDCEP. Management of dental patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. 2nd ed. 2022. sdcep.org.uk
This page is general information to help you prepare for your consultation. It does not replace an assessment and advice about your own situation.