Blood thinners and dental implants: What you need to know

Are you taking blood thinners and considering dental implants? Many people wonder if implant treatments are possible while on anticoagulation medication. The good news: in modern implantology, blood thinners usually don’t prevent successful treatment. This article covers everything you need to know about combining blood thinners with dental implant treatment.

What are blood thinners?

Do you take blood thinners? Then you’re using medications that prevent your blood from clotting too quickly. Your doctor prescribes these if you have an increased risk of blood clots, for example due to cardiovascular disease. This protects you against dangerous conditions like thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes. 

If you’re taking blood thinners, you need to be extra careful with medical procedures. This is because your blood continues to flow longer when you have a wound.

What different types of blood thinners are there? 

For implant treatments, we distinguish between three main groups of blood thinners:

Platelet Inhibitors 

With one platelet inhibitor (e.g. Asaflow), you can undergo implant treatment immediately. If you’re using multiple medications, your implantologist will consult with your doctor to determine which medication may need to be temporarily discontinued.

Vitamin K Antagonists 

If you’re using these medications (e.g. Marevan) and are monitored for thrombosis, implant treatment is possible but your medication has to be stopped 5 to 7 days before surgery. Your medication will be replaced by subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparins (e.g. Clexane). Always discuss this with your doctor first.

DOACs (newer blood thinners) 

When using these modern blood thinners (e.g.Lixiana), skipping one or two days before treatment is usually sufficient, provided your health allows it. Always discuss this with your doctor first.

What is the risk of blood thinners with dental implants? 

Thanks to modern and minimally invasive placement techniques, the risk of postoperative bleeding is now very limited. Implants can be safely placed through a small opening in the gums with careful suturing afterward – even when using blood thinners. Want to learn more about dental implants? Click here.

The right placement technique makes the difference 

For 95% of patients on blood thinners, their medication doesn’t prevent dental implant placement. Thanks to modern placement techniques used today, the risk of postoperative bleeding is now minimal. However, since implant placement remains a medical procedure, it’s important to always discuss your medication use with your implantologist beforehand to ensure a customized treatment plan.

Do you have questions about dental implants or are you looking for more information about your options? Take a look at our blog or contact specialist Doctor Frank Vanhove!

Doctor Frank Vanhove has more than 20 years of experience as an oral, maxillofacial and maxillofacial surgeon. Today he focuses exclusively on implantology. Dr. Frank Vanhove is the specialist in the field of dental prostheses and implants. He and his team place implants, a fixed and provisional dental bridge in one day. So you walk out the same day with a radiant smile.

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