Well, I just got my teeth cleaned this morning for the first time since being on Coumadin/Warfarin and it was totally fine. I just made sure that the dental hygienist was aware of the fact that I was on blood thinners and I think she was a bit more careful than she would have normally been, but she still poked and prodded and scraped and did a good job and there was no excessive bleeding from my mouth : ) I was scared when I first went on blood thinners in August about everything (paper cuts, bruises, etc.), but now that I've seen that as long as I'm in the correct range (2-3) I DO clot, just not as fast as everyone else. I asked my hematologist when he told me I was on blood thinners for life (I'm 26) and he told me I could do pretty much anything I wanted to do, just to be aware of how my body will react a bit differently if I'm injured. This was a huge relief as I love road biking, running, rock climbing, etc. I know this is a long answer, but I just want to give you hope that you can live an almost "normal" life on blood thinners! Also you should floss consistently so your gums don't bleed as much! : )

Im actually headed to the dentist this Friday for a teeth cleaning so this really helps! Thanks PDX!

I've had 2 dental appointments since becoming a lifer, each involving the drill.

Unless you have reason to believe INR and PT time is higher than therapeutic (longer to clot), just about anything up to but not including extraction or root canal is fine. Of course, advise the dentist beforehand in case he/she wishes to coordinate additional cautions with your anticoagulation advisors.

I've been on warfarin the last two years and have never had an issue at the dentist. They want to know my INR each time, but it has never affected anything. I'm getting a filling replaced in a few weeks and they didn't seem to care that I was on warfarin for that.

Just be sure to let 'em know. Most dentists don't care.

I go every 6 months for a cleaning, and also have had some old fillings removed and replaced, and had no issues. My dentist is aware I'm on warfarin.

It is important to keep us your regular cleanings and what not. Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health issues.

Glad you brought this up. I haven't been to the dentist in several years I'm embarrassed to say. I'm supposed to go 3x a year! I've avoided it since my PEs over a year ago. I'm glad to see it's not that big of a deal. I better get my butt to the periodontist soon.

I'm supposed to go next week! I saw my PCP today and forgot to ask. Ran into my dentist in the hallmark store and she said it really wasn't a big deal. Good to know that others have no problem! Thanks!
KS

Thanks for all this wonderful information. I have been dealing with all this insurance stuff trying to see what is covered after this whirlwind of diagnostic tests, doctor visits and prescriptions and remembered my dental insurance would renew in January.....so of course, then came the thought.....can I even get a cleaning?!

Stoked that I can! I will be sure to let my dentist know that I am on Coumadin.

As I posted in another thread today, I am a fearful dental patient - even more so now that I'm on blood thinners. My PCP says it's not a big deal - people on thinners go to dentists every day. Still, I have been looking into "Sedation Dentistry" which has become a lot more common. It won't affect bleeding, obviously, but for me it will affect comfort level. Just something to think about if it would make a dental visit less anxiety-provoking.

I'd give your dentist a quick call to update him/her on your condition. I was due for a filling a few weeks after I was diagnosed, and when I called to reschedule, I asked if I could speak to him directly. He was glad to talk about my concerns and chat about things I'd need to be aware of while I am on Coumadin. For me, basic fillings are fine, but I may need a dose of antibiotics before cleanings or any deeper work because I have a PFO. I have to check with the cardiologist at my follow-up and then let my dentist know. I think any information you can give your dentist ahead of time will be valuable for you both.

Triplestep - Sedation Dentistry? Never heard of it. Would love to hear about your experience if you decide to try it out.

Cleaning are really not an issues (unless your INR is considerably high) and most procedures are done without any problems. Here is an article by a blood clot specialist that discusses dental work:

http://patientblog.clotconnect.org/2010/11/12/dental-work-on-warfarin/

R/
Tom

My hygienist said my gums don't bleed anymore than her non warfarin patients. So it's not like you have bleeding gums that just won't stop, unless like Tom said, your INR is really super high.

In my late 20s I had a really crappy dentist so I stopped going, for like 10 years. Fortunately, I am a nut about keeping my mouth clean, flossing, brushing. So my mouth was in pretty good shape when I finally went in. But then I chipped a tooth and it needed to be repaired, so I had to bite the bullet and see a dentist. One of the best things I've ever done. I was so embarrassed about having not gone in so long, and said so to my new dentist and the hygienist and they both were very kind about, said that they've seen it all and not to worry about it. Totally made me feel better. Now I don't miss a visit. Don't get me wrong. I hate going. But your oral health is so important. Gum inflammation can affect your heart, and if you smoke you want to make sure your mouth is healthy.

Ok, I'm off my oral hygiene soapbox!

I hate going to the dentist, but I went in for a cleaning this month after about 7 years of not going...

I let them know I was on warfarin, I waited until my level was stable between 2-3 to be safe.

They numbed my mouth since my gums were tender, and did their thing. No issues. My teeth have always been good, I apparently have a cavity now, but I've never had one before. My gums don't easily bleed, but I don't floss either. And I typically only brush once a day. I was expecting a horrible experience especially with the blood thinners.

But the dentist said that the gums were clotting just fine and all looked good. She did recommend I change my brush to one less harsh and designed for better gum cleansing. Which I am using, don't really like it but I brush longer to get the same clean feeling as my old brush so whatever. She wants me to floss... like all dentists do... Oo can't say that will happen.

Dont worry about going to the dentist, just give them a heads up that you're on warfarin and what your INR is. They will accomodate if needed.

I have been on Warfarin for two years and have never had a problem with teeth being cleaned. Very little bleeding, if any. I do floss every day and take good care of my teeth in between cleanings.

Good luck! Hugs, Cindy