The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage after tooth extraction in patients with thrombocytopenia

OBJECTIVES: The risk of bleeding after tooth extraction in thrombocytopenia patients remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the risk of bleeding after tooth extraction in patients with thrombocytopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 220 patients who had a medical history of thrombocytopenia and underwent tooth extraction (330 teeth). The patients were divided into those who had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150k) immediately before the tooth extraction, and those who had platelet counts that were between 150k and 250k before the extraction. Bleeding complications were recorded and compared between the patient groups. RESULTS: Of the 220 patients, 130 underwent tooth extractions while having thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150k), and 90 had platelet counts that were between 150k and 250k before tooth extractions. Bleeding complications occurred in 11 patients (5.0%) of the 220 patients. Among those 11 patients with bleeding complications, 10 patients (7.7%) had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150k) of the 130 patients, and 1 patient (1.1%) had a normal platelet count of the 90 patients. There was a significant difference between the patient groups regarding bleeding after extractions (P<0.001). No significant difference in the incidence of post-extraction bleeding was found between the subgroups by platelet count within the thrombocytopenia group. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150k) increases the risk of post-tooth extraction bleeding. Therefore, bleeding control under the proper evaluation of hemostasis and performing delicate tooth extraction procedures using hemostatic plugs is necessary during the tooth extraction of patients with thrombocytopenia.