The effectiveness of a new method using an extra-alveolar hemostatic agent after dental extractions in older patients on oral anticoagulation treatment: an intrapatient study

Objective. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new adhesive agent, HemCon® Dental Dressing (HDD), in patients receiving oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT), undergoing non-surgical tooth extractions, without interruption or reduction of OAT, compared to that of a common local haemostatic agent. Study design. Twenty patients on OAT with an International Normalized Ratio (INR) ranging between 1.6 and 3.5 were recruited. In the same session each patient was subjected to the extraction of two teeth: in the test site the HDD was applied, while in the control site a common haemostatic sponge (CollaPlug, Zimmer Dental®) was used. Results. The mean application time was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group and this difference is statistically significant. The mean post-operative pain was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group the morning after surgery and at the time of suture removal. Post-extraction socket healing was significantly better in the test group than in the control one. Conclusions. Tooth extraction in OAT patients with an INR lower than 3.5 is a safe procedure without OA regimen discontinuation. The HDD seems to reduce post-operative side effects and obtain a rapid and soft tissue healing.