If you have ever had a dental extraction, you probably enjoyed an uneventful recovery. While having your tooth pulled is typically a very common and safe procedure, certain factors can heighten the risk for post-procedure complications. Here are three medications that may lead to problems after a dental extraction and what you can do about it:

Anticoagulants

Aspirin and prescription anticoagulants such as warfarin are powerful anticoagulants. These medications diminish platelet aggregation, which means that they render your blood platelets less sticky. Although this phenomenon is desirable in people who are at high risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, it can be risky for people undergoing surgical procedures such as oral surgery.

Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, raise the risk for excessive and prolonged bleeding and, in some cases, can lead to post-extraction hemorrhaging. If you take blood thinners, let your dentist know prior to your appointment. You may be advised to stop taking your anticoagulants a week before surgery, and your dentist may want to monitor you more closely after the procedure to make sure you are not bleeding abnormally from your surgical site. 

Antihistamines

If you're an allergy sufferer, you're probably taking antihistamines. These medications are very effective in managing a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing. Antihistamines dry up secretions, including those in your oral cavity.

This can result in a very dry mouth, which can lead to delayed healing after you get your tooth extracted. If you take antihistamines and are facing dental surgery, talk to your oral surgeon about ways to prevent dry mouth. You may be prescribed an oral rinse made with special lubricating enzymes that will help keep your mouth moist to help wash away infection-causing bacteria that can develop after getting your tooth pulled. 

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are drugs that are used in the management of cardiac abnormalities, migraines, anxiety, high blood pressure, and hand tremors. They can also interfere with platelet function and cause a dry mouth, raising the risk for bleeding or infection after your dental surgery.

If you take beta blockers for a heart condition, do not stop taking them unless you get prior clearance from your physician. Doing so may put you at risk for developing a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia, or abnormal heart beat. Beta blockers need to be discontinued gradually, so if you want to stop taking them, your doctor may need to gradually wean you off. 

If you take any of the above medications and are anticipating dental surgery, talk to both a dentist, such as those at Renovo Endodontic Studio, and a physician before your extraction appointment. When both your medical provider and your dentist know about your medications, the less likely you are to experience complications during your recovery.