Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the duration of bleeding after dental extractions amongst subjects with uninterrupted single antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and to compare the bleeding time after dental extractions amongst those subjects undergoing various antiplatelet therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Post-extraction bleeding time was categorised as within 30 min, within 1 h and within 24 h. The bleeding time in different categories was compared and analysed using Chi-square. The antiplatelet agents assessed were aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor and a combination of aspirin with clopidogrel and ticagrelor. RESULTS: Bleeding time was significantly higher in patients under DAPT, compared to those under single antiplatelet therapy, and with an increase in the number of teeth extracted, there was an increase in bleeding time. All cases with prolonged bleeding could be managed with local haemostatic measures. DISCUSSION: Simple extraction can be undertaken safely in patients under single antiplatelet therapy, considering that local haemostatic measures are available for use in the setup to control bleeding if necessary. Patients under DAPT are better managed if the therapy is altered, as there was a definite increase in bleeding time in patients under DAPT after extraction.