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), who were undergoing nonsurgical tooth extractions without interruption or reduction of OAT, compared with that of a common local hemostatic 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, and in the control site, a common hemostatic 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 postoperative 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 group. Conclusions. Tooth extraction in patients receiving OAT and have an INR lower than 3.5 is a safe procedure without discontinuation of the OA regimen. The HDD seems to reduce postoperative side effects and obtain rapid soft tissue healing.