I suffered a heart attack in April 2020 and upon discharge was prescribed, amongst other medications, the anti-platelet ticagrelor; I was already taking another blood thinner (aspirin). Next week I am due to undergo a tooth extraction at my local dental surgery and my dentist has requested that I stop taking the aspirin and ticagrelor for 2-3 days prior to the surgical procedure because of the increased risk of bleeding more easily and over a prolonged period. I am aware, from patient notes which accompany the ticagrelor medication, that if I stop taking it my chances of having another heart attack are increased. I would very much welcome details, please, from those of you who have gone ahead with dental surgery despite taking the drugs to which I refer and your overall experience, whether positive or negative.
Dental surgery post heart attack - British Heart Fou...
Dental surgery post heart attack
Hi I had a heart attack in Dec 20 had stents fitted and now in recovery. I need to have a tooth extracted as its broken and and have been advised by the hospital to wait six months before stopping the aspirin and ticagrelor medication for a few days. Thats the plan at the moment but if the the tooth becomes infected then it becomes an emergency extraction maybe in hospital. I would be advised by your doctor for the best option.
Thankyou for your prompt and helpful reply. My problem is also caused by a broken tooth.
I had a tooth extracted without being advised to stop taking medication. A few days after the extraction it became very painful, as it hadn't clotted properly and I ended up with something called "dry socket". Further treatment, including antibiotics, eventually fixed the issue.
I don't want to whinge too much, worse things happen at sea and all that, so let's just say it was a decidedly uncomfortable episode.
Part of the issue is that your dentist is unlikely to use antibiotics as standard during an extraction. So you're relying on your blood clotting quickly to fend off any infection. I've now discovered that "dry socket" is pretty common amongst people taking any kind of blood thinners, even if it's just basic aspirin.
I'm not qualified to advise you, but I would say take the dentist's advice seriously,. And, if you decide to have the extraction while taking medication, then have the extraction done on a Monday, so if you do get "dry socket" it'll be about two or three days later, that way you won't be suffering over a weekend unable to access treatment.
Good luck!
I'm on Aspirin daily too, As far as I'm aware Aspirin isn't a blood thinner, it just makes it less sticky.
Aspirin reduces the clotting properties of blood, that's the key issue as far as dental extractions are concerned.
Thankyou for your prompt and informative reply.
dont worry i had 2 teeth out 1 molar 1 wisdom im on ticagrelor and aspirin and 6 others and have a brilliant dentist said no way would he stop the meds not needed and could be dangerous , didnt feel athing had astitch in the holes and was absolutely fine before i was so worried and was posting on here all the time all that worrying for nothing. AND honestly no pain
Thats reassuring to know, as I am scheduled to have tooth remove soon, still taking the meds at present
Your experience is very comforting. Thankyou.
I had HA in April
2020 too 1 stent fitted in RCA.
I had a tooth extraction 2 weeks ago for s broken tooth and happy to report a very plaice experience.
I’m on asprin and riveroxaban I was just told not to
Take blood thinners on day of extraction. Everything luckily went well as I was a bit anxious with bleeding etc .
It’s fantastic not to have sharp bits in my mouth and it’s made such a difference eating food .
Hope you go on ok
I’d follow your dentists advice mine was spot on .
Keep us informed how you get on .
Thankyou for your very helpful reply. Coincidentally, I also had a stent placed in the RCA, plus a further one in another artery. My current problem also involves a broken tooth and next week's procedure will tackle the lower part of the tooth within the gum!
Oh how similar our circumstances are !
Please let me know how you get on at the dentist .
Good Luck I’m sure you will be ok 👍
Yes, we have had a very similar experience and I hope that the similarity continues next week with the outcome of the extraction of what remains of my affected tooth! I was pleased to hear that you had a successful outcome. I also made contact yesterday with the helpful cardiology department at the hospital where I had my heart attack and the cardiologist has advised that I stop taking the ticagrelor for two days before the dental treatment but keep taking aspirin. Thankyou for your concern.
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