You are on page 1of 8

Guidance on the dental IN BRIEF

Aims to increase understanding of


management of patients bleeding disorders for all dental

PRACTICE
practitioners, including community
dental practitioners, hospital dentists and

with haemophilia and oral surgeons.


Aims to improve this patient groups
access to dental care in the community

congenital bleeding disorders and within the hospital setting.

J. A. M. Anderson,*1 A. Brewer,1 D. Creagh,1 S. Hook,1 J. Mainwaring,1


A. McKernan,1 T. T. Yee1 and C. A. Yeung1
VERIFIABLE CPD PAPER

Recommendations for dental preventive strategies and treatment planning were originally developed through consensus
meetings by the Scottish Oral Health Group for Medically Compromised Patients and published in 2003as a Guideline.
The United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation (UKHCDO) Dental Working Party has updated these rec-
ommendations following the AGREE II approach (www.agreetrust.org), involving a literature search, a review of national
and international guidelines and after seeking the opinions of haemophilia treaters in the United Kingdom by an online
survey. Where possible, evidence from the literature is graded according to the GRADE system (www.bcshguidelines.com/
bsch_process/evidence_levels_and_grades_of_recommendations/43_grade.html); however, overall there is a lack of robust
data and most studies have methodological limitations. The objective of this guidance, which is largely consensus-based,
is to assist dental practitioners in primary and secondary care to provide routine dental care for patients of all ages with
congenital bleeding diatheses in order to improve overall access to dental care. The guidance may not be appropriate in all
cases and individual patient circumstances may dictate an alternative approach. Date for guideline review: May 2016.

INTRODUCTION has often been neglected.1 In the 1960s arise. This group of patients requires the
This advisory document aims to dispel a most treatments were performed under gen- same level of routine dental care as any
number of myths concerning the manage- eral anaesthesia and extraction followed by other patient and good preventive practice
ment of patients with congenital bleeding provision of dentures was often the only is essential. A retrospective audit of the
disorders. Although patients with congeni- treatment plan. Since the introduction of dental health status of 31 consecutively
tal bleeding disorders have an increased coagulation factor concentrates and antifi- referred haematology patients attending a
risk of significant bleeding from invasive brinolytic agents this is no longer the case.8- Scottish dental hospital demonstrated that
dental and oral surgery procedures1,2 the 10
The advent of new materials, attention untreated decay and numbers of missing
majority of routine non-surgical dental to meticulous operative technique, use of teeth increase significantly with age, and
treatment can be provided in a general local haemostatic agents, and an increasing delays in intervention result in extractions
dental practice or within the community interest in the prevention of dental prob- becoming the chosen treatment.11 With a
and salaried dental service.3,4 Successful lems along with the development of mini- few exceptions (for example, exfoliation
management involves close collaboration mally invasive techniques heralds a new era of deciduous teeth, orthodontic extrac-
between haemophilia treaters and den- in dental care for patients with congenital tions, removal of impacted wisdom teeth)
tists,1,3,5-7 and dental treatment should be bleeding disorders. a dental extraction should be viewed as a
organised, especially in patients on proph- A major anxiety of patients with con- treatment failure.
ylaxis regimens, to minimise exposure to genital bleeding disorders is the risk of This guidance aims to provide:
factor replacement therapy. bleeding either during or after treatment, a) An overview of the commonest con-
The provision of dental treatment in as well as concerns about dentists under- genital bleeding disorders
patients with congenital bleeding disorders standing of their bleeding condition and its b) An outline of haemostatic agents,
management.3,6 Many patients also worry including local haemostatic measures
when their gingivae bleed on brushing c) An emphasis on the importance of
1
On behalf of the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre
Doctors Organisation (UKHCDO) Dental Working Party and so avoid brushing, which exacerbates preventive strategies
*Correspondence to: Dr Julia A M Anderson, South East the problem, especially if preventive den- d) Strategies for elective and emergency
Scotland Comprehensive Care Haemophilia Centre,
Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary of Edin- tistry is difficult to access in a primary treatment planning.
burgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA care setting. A significant number of
Email: julia.anderson@luht.scot.nhs.uk
patients have also experienced the refusal 1.0 INHERITED
Refereed Paper of treatment by general dental practices. BLEEDING DISORDERS
Accepted 31 July 2013
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2013.1097 As a result, individuals may avoid the Individuals with haemophilia do not bleed
British Dental Journal 2013; 215: 497-504
dentist until extensive treatment needs more profusely than an individual with

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013 497

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

Table1 The severity of haemophilia, clinical manifestations and recommendations for dental treatments

Degree of Factor percentage Clinical features Dental treatment


haemophilia (Normal range 50-100%)
Severe <1% Frequent spontaneous Enhanced preventive advice and treatment with general dental practitioner or com-
bleeds munity dentist.
Should have all dental treatments except for prosthetics carried out in a hospital setting
with specialist dental unit, unless prior arrangements made with the haemophilia centre
and general dental practice or community dental practice.

Moderate 2-5% May have spontaneous Enhanced preventive advice and treatment with general dental practitioner
bleeds or community dentist.
Manage as for severe haemophilia.
Mild 6-40% Bleed after trauma or Enhanced preventive advice and treatment with general dental practitioner
surgery or community dentist.
Do not require all treatments carried out at the hospital; should be seen every twoyears
by the specialist dental team at the haemophilia centre. Close liaison between dentist
and the haemophilia centre is necessary; some procedures may require prophylactic
cover and this will be arranged and provided by the haemophilia unit.

Carrier Factor level may vary If the factor level is <50% carriers should be treated as mild haemophilia.

Table2 Basic classification of von Willebrand disease: clinical features and treatment

Type Inheritance Clinical features Treatment

Commonest form of vWD accounting for up to 80% of cases; A trial of DDAVP should be given to establish the response, or
Type1 Autosomal dominant
quantitative deficiency of a normal vWF molecule. factor concentrate if response to DDAVP is unsatisfactory.
Accounts for approximately 15% of cases; reflects qualitative
Type2 Autosomal dominant Factor concentrate
defects in the vWF molecule.
Symptoms tend to be severe; reflects a severe deficiency of the
Type 3 Autosomal recessive Factor concentrate
vWF molecule.

normal coagulation, but may bleed for a bleed after minor trauma, and those with and enables platelet interaction with the
longer period of time,12 and may experience mild haemophilia bleed only after sur- blood vessel wall. Bleeding after dental
delayed bleeding due to clot instability. gery, dental extractions, or trauma. Mild extractions may be a presenting feature of
haemophilia may not be diagnosed until this condition.15,16 Clinical manifestations
1.1 HAEMOPHILIA A AND B a procedure, such as a dental extraction, include mucocutaneous haemorrhage and
There are two main types of haemophilia: causes prolonged bleeding.3 Female carri- gingival bleeding, features that are second-
haemophilia A is the commonest, account- ers of haemophilia may have low factor ary to platelet dysfunction. There are three
ing for approximately 85% of all cases of levels and may be at risk of bleeding. subtypes of vWD (Table2) and patients in
haemophilia (incidence 1:5,000 live male Patients may be on prophylactic factor each subtype may be categorised into mild,
births), and characterised by a deficiency regimens. This involves the administration moderate and severe at the time of diag-
of factor VIII (FVIII). Haemophilia B is of factor replacement therapy prescribed nosis. Dental management is the same for
characterised by a deficiency of factor on an individual basis, usually on alternate the equivalent categories of patients with
IX (FIX) (incidence 1:30,000 live male days or three times weekly, to minimise haemophilia, as outlined in Table1.In the
births).13 Both types of haemophilia are spontaneous bleeding. It is important that majority of patients with type1vWD, treat-
inherited as X-linked recessive condi- dental treatment should be scheduled to ment with desmopressin is used (Section
tions and share identical clinical mani- take place at times of factor administra- 2.2) and typeII and typeIII vWD usually
festations.14 Coagulation factor assays tion to minimise the risks of therapies and require the administration of coagulation
performed in a specialist haemostasis reduce overall treatment costs. factor replacement therapy with a FVIII
laboratory enable differentiation between concentrate rich in vWF. Currently this is
the types of haemophilia. 1.2VON WILLEBRAND derived from human plasma as no recombi-
There is a spectrum of severity of hae- DISEASE (VWD) nant vWF concentrate is yet available.
mophilia, defined as mild, moderate or von Willebrand disease is the common-
severe according to the plasma levels of est congenital bleeding disorder and is 1.3 FACTOR XI DEFICIENCY
FVIII or FIX activity (Table1). Patients with characterised by a deficient or abnormal Factor XI deficiency differs from haemo-
severe haemophilia have frequent spon- plasma protein known as von Willebrand philia A and B by the lack of bleeding
taneous bleeds into muscles and weight factor (vWF). It is an autosomal dominant into joints and muscles. The inheritance
bearing joints; those with moderate hae- condition, and affects both males and is autosomal and may occur in either sex.
mophilia have few spontaneous bleeds but females. The vWF protein stabilises FVIII There is typically an unpredictable mild

498 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

bleeding tendency that may be provoked assessed by considering: the type and sever-
2.2 DESMOPRESSIN
(DESAMINO-8-D-ARGININE
by surgery in areas with high fibrinolytic ity of the congenital bleeding disorder; the
VASOPRESSIN [DDAVP])
activity such as tonsillectomy and dental location and extent of dental surgery; and
procedures. The bleeding risk is difficult the experience of the treating dentist.1 The synthetic antidiuretic hormone, desm-
to assess from the level of severity of fac- A number of dental procedures do not opressin, stimulates release of endogenous
tor deficiency17 making this congenital require augmentation of coagulation fac- FVIII and vWF from stores in patients
bleeding disorder a challenge to treat. tor levels including examinations, fissure with mild haemophilia and vWD21,22 and
Therapeutic options include increment- sealants, small occlusal restorations with- is an established therapy for the control
ing factor XI levels by administration of out the need for local anaesthesia and of bleeding associated with injury and
fresh frozen plasma or the administration supragingival scaling. For procedures that minor general and oral surgical proce-
of factor XI concentrates and through use do require increment in the factor levels, dures. Patients with haemophilia B do not
of antifibrinolytic agents. there may be four therapeutic management respond to DDAVP.
options depending on the type of haemo- DDAVP can be administered one hour
1.4 INHIBITORS TO FVIII OR FIX philia and vWD, namely: pre-procedure subcutaneously (0.3 g/
Patients with haemophilia may develop 1. Coagulation factor replacement kg using the 15 g/ml concentration).
antibodies to factor therapy and require therapy Alternatively, DDAVP (0.3 g/kg in 50ml
concentrates known as by-passing thera- 2. Release of endogenous factor stores of normal saline) can be administered
pies to enable haemostasis to be achieved.18 using desmopressin (DDAVP) intravenously (4 g/ml concentration)
Recombinant factor VIIa (rfVIIa, 3. Improving clot stability by one hour pre-procedure as a slow intra-
NovoSeven) is administered as a bolus antifibrinolytic drugs, for example, venous infusion over 2030 minutes. The
injection and a treatment consists of 90g/ tranexamic acid intranasal dose is 150 g to one nostril
kg every two hours for three doses. The 4. Local haemostatic measures. for patients weighing <50kg and to both
half-life of rfVIIa is two hours so it is imper- nostrils for those weighing 50kg.
ative that the rfVIIa is given on time. The 2.1 COAGULATION FACTOR Patients usually undergo an elective
concurrent administration of tranexamic REPLACEMENT THERAPY trial of DDAVP at the haemophilia centre
acid enhances clot stability. An alternative For patients with moderate and severe to assess their responsiveness. Repeated
therapy is an activated prothrombin com- haemophilia A and B, coagulation factor treatments may cause a diminished
plex concentrate, FEIBA. This is a plasma- replacement therapy is the main form of response, most likely due to exhaustion of
derived product, and is given at a dose of therapy. Factor concentrate is administered the endothelial stores, in addition to fluid
50-100 units/kg, maximum daily dose of by intravenous infusion, either by the indi- retention and symptomatic hyponatrae-
200 units/kg. The use of tranexamic acid vidual or by parents and family, or by a mia.21 Fluid intake should be restricted for
should be avoided with FEIBA as it may haemophilia treater at the haemophilia cen- around 24 hours after DDAVP is given.
increase the risk of thromboembolism. tre. The timing of administration is impor- Adverse reactions to DDAVP given intra-
These treatments are highly costly. tant as factor levels will decline, therefore venously include mild tachycardia, hypo-
Patients with inhibitors to FVIII or FIX dental procedures should be performed as tension and facial flushing. Headache,
therapy should be managed by optimal close to the time of administration of factor nausea and abdominal cramps may also
prevention and early diagnosis along the concentrate as possible, normally within be reported.22 DDAVP should be avoided
philosophy of a Minimum Intervention 30minutes to an hour. Factor replacement in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
in Dentistry approach.19 This may include therapy may be prescribed on a prophy- DDAVP should be avoided in young chil-
atraumatic restorative treatment in which lactic basis to prevent bleeds, or may be dren due to risks of hyponatraemia and
the administration of local anaesthesia is administered on-demand when a bleed is contraindicated in children under two
almost never required. occurs. In the past, factor concentrates years of age.
were plasma-derived and held the possible
1.5 RARE BLEEDING DISORDERS complication of transfusion-transmitted 2.3 ANTIFIBRINOLYTIC AGENTS
There are many other inherited bleeding infections. However, the development of Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) competi-
disorders; the same first principles apply to recombinant factor replacement therapy tively inhibits the activation of plasmino-
the dental management of these disorders in has reduced the risk of blood borne infec- gen to plasmin thereby inhibiting fibrin
primary care. Patients with inherited bleed- tion.20 Factor concentrates are expensive so clot lysis. It is available in intravenous
ing disorders are provided with a haemor- it is important that as much dental work as and oral preparations as well as in the
rhagic states card that outlines the nature of possible is performed on any one occasion form of a mouthwash. Until recently the
their factor deficiency and main treatment to avoid the need for further factor concen- mouthwash preparation was commercially
strategies, in addition to the contact details trate administration. One of the most feared unavailable and an unlicensed preparation
of the local haemophilia centre. complications following the administration could only be obtained from a special-
of factor concentrate is the development order manufacturer, creating practical
2.0 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES of inhibitors or antibodies which imme- issues for prescribing in primary care.
An overall treatment plan must take diately negate the effect of the infused Orally, tranexamic acid is given at a dose
account of the patients bleeding risk; this is factor concentrate. of 1525mg/kg which approximates to 1g

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013 499

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

for the majority of adults every 6-8hours.


Ideally this should be given two hours Table3 Dental anaesthetic procedures and factor replacement therapy44
pre-operatively, and continued for up to Procedures that do not require factor cover (specifically Procedures that require factor cover
7-10days post-procedure. There is no evi- applies to adult patients only; paediatric patients may (applies to both adult and paediatric patients)
receive factor replacement therapy before local anaesthetic
dence to support a 10-day over a 7-day infiltration as directed by the haemophilia unit)
course. The distribution of orally admin-
Buccal infiltration Inferior dental block
istered versus tranexamic acid mouthwash
has been compared in plasma and saliva Intra-papillary injection Lingual infiltration
samples of 30 healthy volunteers in a study Intra-ligamentary injections
by Sindet-Paedersen.23 Following oral tablet
administration, peak plasma levels occurred
after two hours but with no detectable mouthwash after dental scaling was found levels for dental extractions and invasive
levels in saliva. Conversely, after using to be as effective as factor replacement dental procedures.1 Both resorbable and
mouthwash, salivary levels peaked after therapy in the control of gingival haemor- non-resorbable sutures are acceptable.
30 minutes and remained therapeutic for rhage (GRADE 1B). In children, practice and opinion varies
at least two hours; plasma levels were very Tranexamic acid mouthwash (10 ml of in the use of sutures. Suturing is avoided
low, indicating that fibrinolysis within the a 5% solution) should be commenced just in some centres due to concern about the
mouth could only be effectively inhibited before the dental procedure to increase higher number of puncture holes and a
by using the mouthwash preparation. salivary levels, and continued 6-hourly for view that suturing is not necessary in small
When used alone in anticoagulated 7-10days. For adults the mouthwash should sockets; there is also a view that delayed
patients, with no local haemostatic dress- be gently swilled inside the mouth for 2-3 bleeding may occur upon cessation of fac-
ing, tranexamic acid mouthwash reduces minutes and then swallowed or gently tor cover and removal of sutures. Other
postoperative bleeding compared to pla- expelled. For children the use of tranexamic centres advocate use of sutures and local
cebo mouthwash.24,25 Pooling the results mouthwash poses practical challenges as haemostatic measures if dental extractions
of five studies involving tranexamic acid the recommended dose as per the British or oral surgical procedures are carried out
mouthwash as the sole antifibrinolytic National Formulary can be exceeded if the under general anaesthetic in order to pre-
agent, delayed post-procedural bleeding mouthwash is swallowed. There may be prac- vent the requirement of a second general
occurred in 3.6% of patients compared to tical issues involved in procuring tranexamic anaesthetic to suture and pack if bleeding
a post-procedural bleeding rate of 5.4% acid mouthwash in the community.35 In the should occur. Local haemostatic meas-
when results were compared with stud- hospital setting, tranexamic acid mouthwash ures include oxidised cellulose, Surgicel,
ies involving local haemostatic measures can be prepared from the solution used for resorbable gelatine sponge, Gelfoam,
and suturing without antifibrinolytic intravenous injection as a special-order or cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives and surgi-
agents.2428 The British Committee for can be bought as a ready-made solution from cal splints.37 A number of novel haemo-
Standards in Haematology Guidelines the manufacturer. Special-order formulations static agents Lyostpt and Ankaferd Blood
recommend tranexamic acid (route non- of tranexamic acid mouthwash hold a limited Stopper38 may also be of use.
specified) for use in the control of oral short shelf life of 5-14days and are costly
bleeding in acquired coagulation disorders (cost varying from 65to over 200 depend- 3.0 PREVENTION
such as patients on vitamin K antagonists, ing on the pharmacy for a 7-day course).35 The delivery of dentistry has moved away
for example, warfarin.29 If a special-order formulation of tranexamic from a treatment-focused approach to a
In patients with congenital bleeding dis- mouthwash is supplied directly from the den- preventive model of care. To support pri-
orders, the use of systemic tranexamic acid tist to the patient, then the Medicines Act mary care teams and dental teams in the
and epsilon aminocaproic acid have been 1968 dictates compliance with the labelling delivery of a preventive approach, evi-
demonstrated in two small randomised of dispensed medicinal products.35 dence-based simplified prevention guides
controlled studies in the early 1970s to Tranexamic acid is freely soluble in have been designed by the Department of
control haemorrhage following dental water and it has been suggested that a Health39 and the Scottish Dental Clinical
extraction (GRADE 1B).30,31 A combination 500mg tablet could be crushed and dis- Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP),40,41
of systemic plus local tranexamic acid has solved in 10 ml water to make up a 5% and are available online. Based on SDCEP
been demonstrated to be associated with a mouthwash solution.36 There are no safety prevention and management of caries in
reduced amount of bleeding compared to or efficacy data to support this unlicensed children guidance, all children should have
monotherapy in retrospective single-cen- approach. The mouthwash is also reported a caries risk assessment. Standard preven-
tre observational and case-control stud- to be unpalatable. tion is suitable for children who are low
ies of dental extraction in patients with caries risk and enhanced prevention for
haemophilia (GRADE 2C).32,33 In a small 2.4 SUTURING AND LOCAL children at increased risk of caries or allo-
double blind randomised controlled trial HAEMOSTATIC MEASURES cated to a high caries risk category due
of 13 patients with all severities of hae- In adult patients suturing and local hae- to other factors (for example, a medical
mophilia A and B conducted by Lee and mostatic measures provide a useful adjunc- condition). All children with congenital
colleagues,34 the use of tranexamic acid tive therapy to the augmentation of factor bleeding disorders would be allocated as

500 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

high caries risk due to the complexity and time of the dental procedure as possible. is routinely used in restorative dentistry;
morbidity of treatment when caries does Patients with severe haemophilia, or with the use of a vasoconstrictor improves
occur in this group of patients. Emphasis inhibitors, may require assessment by the local haemostasis.1 Recently there have
is placed on the importance of regular den- haemophilia team post-procedurally and been reports that the use of articaine with
tal follow-up, with fluoride varnish (5%) may require admission for 24-hour moni- 1:100,000 epinephrine may achieve more
placed three to four times per year, and toring to ensure no late bleeding compli- optimal bone penetration. This local anaes-
the principles of toothbrushing to prevent cations arise. thetic has been described for infiltration
dental caries and periodontal disease by The use of post-procedural advice sheets as an alternative to inferior dental block
removal of the biofilm of dental plaque. should be encouraged and enables written in the restoration of mandibular molars,
A 30-year study of work performed in instruction to be given after the patient removing the need for pre-operative fac-
a single private dental surgery42 estab- leaves the surgery. This sheet should include tor cover.46,47
lished an association between patients contact telephone numbers for advice dur-
who maintain a high level of oral hygiene ing and outwith working hours for emer- 4.1 ELECTIVE TREATMENT
with a reduced incidence of caries and gencies, and should include the telephone 4.1.1 Scaling
periodontal disease. Toothbrushing tech- number for the haemophilia centre. and periodontal disease
nique, duration (two minutes twice daily Should the haemophilia centre and the
is advisable) and the regular replacement dental department be located at different Routine periodontal probing, supragingival
of toothbrushes and use of disclosing tab- sites, practical issues surrounding admin- scaling, and polish (including ultrasonic
lets to locate inadequately brushed areas istration of therapies before dental proce- scaling) is unlikely to cause prolonged
are promoted.43 Use of fluoride-containing dures, and monitoring at the haemophilia bleeding for patients, especially those with
toothpastes have been shown to reduce the centre following dental procedures should mild conditions.43,44 If the gingival health
incidence of dental caries in children, and be audited through the United Kingdom is poor, prevention of further damage to
children who are three and over should Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation periodontal tissues is necessary by insti-
be advised on toothpastes containing (UKHCDO) Triennial Audit Scheme. tuting an immediate treatment plan that
13501500ppm fluoride. Children over the may require several visits to prevent exces-
age of ten should be prescribed 2800ppm 4.0.1 LOCAL ANAESTHESIA sive bleeding.1,43 The use of tranexamic
fluoride toothpaste. Dietary advice should In adults, local anaesthetic infiltration acid (oral or mouthwash) (Section 2.3)34
routinely be given to patients to promote using a slow injection technique and and/or factor replacement therapy may
good oral health using four day food dia- modern fine gauge single-use needles can be required to control bleeding and the
ries, including advice regarding reduction usually be used without the need for fac- haemophilia centre should be consulted.9
in the frequency and amount of sugars, tor replacement therapy.1,43-45 In children The use of antibacterial mouthwashes and
restriction of foods and drinks with a high there are differing views and advice should antibiotics may be necessary.
sugar content at meal times only, and an be sought from the paediatric haemophilia
outline of cariogenic foods and drinks such centre; for children on regular prophylaxis 4.1.2 Orthodontic treatment
as carbonated beverages, fruit juices and a dose of factor replacement therapy may Fixed and removable orthodontic appli-
cereals.43 Smoking should be strongly dis- be administered before infiltration. ances may be used as long as enhanced
couraged and NHS Stop Smoking Services Augmentation of factor levels with or preventive advice including oral hygiene
are available to assist dental patients who without tranexamic acid is required in instruction and demonstrations are carried
wish to stop smoking. all age groups when inferior alveolar and out.41,44 The appliance should be designed
posterior superior alveolar dental nerve- so that the gingival and buccal mucosa
4.0 TREATMENT PLANNING blocks are given; there is a risk of mus- cannot be damaged by sharp edges or
Patients with congenital bleeding disor- cle haematoma, in addition to potential wires. Discussion with the haemophilia
ders require formulation of a comprehen- airway compromise due to haematoma centre is necessary if any surgical proce-
sive treatment plan with an overall goal formation in the retromolar or ptyerygoid dures are required.1
of achieving satisfactory haemostasis. The space.2,3,45 Factor replacement therapy is
patient should hold an understanding of also necessary for lingual infiltration and 4.1.3 Prosthodontic
the treatment aims and the process fol- floor-of-mouth injections in all age groups (construction of dentures)
lowed to reach this goal. This will involve as there may be a significant risk of hae-
treatment
detailed liaison with the haemophilia cen- matoma (Table3). Specifically in adults the The provision of any removable prosthe-
tre. General measures to reduce acciden- consensus view is that intraligamentous sis and the use of full or partial dentures
tal trauma and minimise damage to oral or intrapapillary injections do not require should not pose any additional problems
mucosa should be employed at all times haemostatic cover; however, it would be in this group of patients.43
including careful use of saliva ejectors, advised to give buccal infiltration at the
careful removal of impressions and care time of the injection to avoid pain.1,43,44 4.1.4 Restorative treatment
in the placement of radiographic films.1,43 There are no restrictions regarding the (fillings, crowns, bridges)
Factor concentrate replacement therapy type of local anaesthetic used, and 2% Restorative dentistry, including the provi-
should be administered as close to the lidocaine with 1 in 80,000 epinephrine sion of crowns and bridges, is associated

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013 501

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

with low bleeding risk and can be carried dental extraction. However, a survey of There is a small body of evidence (GRADE
out safely in general dental practice. If an 26 European Haemophilia Comprehensive 2C) to support the combined use of oral
inferior dental block or lingual infiltration Care Centres, representing 15 different tranexamic acid and tranexamic mouth-
is required, coagulation factor concentrate countries, recommended the administra- wash together.32,33,49,53
will be necessary (Table3). A survey of all tion of concentrate to raise factor levels to
United Kingdom haemophilia centres con- 60-80%, with one third of centres admin- 4.1.7.c Dental extractions
ducted in 2010by the UKHCDO indicated istering repeat doses.49 It should be noted in patients with inhibitors
that the majority of survey responders aim that the level of evidence in the majority
to FVIII and FIX
for a single pre-procedural factor level of of studies are GRADE 2C based on retro- For patients with inhibitors to FVIII and
50-80% (unpublished data). The use of spective, single centre and observational FIX, it may be advisable to extract only one
minimal invasive techniques are advanc- or case-control study design. tooth at a time and to observe the patient
ing and may be highly relevant in patients The UKHCDO Dental Working Party for a 24-hour period after the extraction.
with congenital bleeding disorders.19,41 Survey noted a similar variation in prac- The haemophilia centre will arrange by-
tice, with the majority of UK haemophilia passing factor replacement therapy to be
4.1.5 Endodontic centres aiming for a minimum single fac- given before and after the extraction. A soft
(root canal) treatment tor level of 50%, but with a range of pre- vacuum-formed splint may be constructed
Endodontic treatment should not cause operative factor levels from 3060%, and in advance of the extraction to cover the
problems.1 However, if vital pulp tissue with some centres giving repeat doses on socket completely. Following extraction,
is present at the apical foramen this may a second day. All UK centres responding to packing with Gelfoam rolled in thrombin
bleed for some time and cause pain.43 The the UKHCDO Dental Working Party Survey powder (Thrombostat) or use of Surgicel
use of 4% sodium hypochlorite for irriga- used a combination of factor therapy with may aid haemostasis. A splint can then be
tion and calcium hydroxide paste appears some form of antifibrinolytic therapy fitted and left insitu for 48hours.
to minimise this problem.43 (unpublished data). Use of tranexamic acid, either as a
It is important that factor concentrate mouthwash or in oral form, must be
4.1.6 Implants is administered as near to the time of the discussed with the haemophilia centre.
Evidence-based protocols have not been extraction as possible. In children, the rou- Tranexamic acid mouthwash may be safely
established for the use of implants in tine exfoliation of primary teeth does not used as an adjunct but systemic treatment
patients with inherited bleeding disorders. routinely require factor replacement ther- is best avoided when patients are treated
Treatment should be individually planned apy. If prolonged bleeding is encountered with FEIBA due to increased risks of
in discussion with the haemophilia centre.1 discuss with a consultant in paediatric thromboembolic complications.
dentistry who can liaise with a consult-
4.1.7 Dental extractions ant paediatric haematologist. Children 4.2 EMERGENCY TREATMENT
and oral surgical procedures with severe haemophilia requiring dental 4.2.1 Acute pulpitis
Dental extractions and minor surgical pro- extraction will usually require a general
cedures under local anaesthesia should be anaesthetic and factor replacement therapy The pain in adults can usually be con-
planned after discussion with the local will be required to cover intubation. trolled by removing pulp from the tooth.
haemophilia centre. This is especially rel- In paediatric patients local anaesthesia is
evant in patients with mild forms of con- 4.1.7.b Recommendations used as for any other patient who presents
genital bleeding disorders, or those who for antifibrinolytic therapy with acute pulpitis. If patients cannot tol-
live geographically a long distance from There is evidence from the literature erate this treatment an urgent referral to a
the haemophilia centre. that antifibrinolytic therapy plus factor specialist paediatric unit is required as use
At present there is insufficient evidence replacement therapy is more effective of sedation or general anaesthesia may be
to support the administration of topical than factor replacement therapy alone indicated. A temporary dressing should be
antiseptics and antibiotics before extrac- (GRADE 1B),30,31 and that antifibrinolyt- used if the tooth is not restorable and the
tion. Cautery may be required following ics and attention to local haemostasis haemophilia centre contacted for planning
the removal of granulation tissue from are also of benefit4953(GRADE 2C). The of the extraction.
areas of chronic inflammation and should European Haemophilia Standardisation
be considered on an individual basis.1,48 Board Survey indicated that antifibrino- 4.2.2 Dental abscess
lytic therapy is normally administered for with facial swelling
4.1.7.a Recommendations for a period ranging from 5-10 days.49 The Antibiotics should only be prescribed if
factor replacement therapy UKHCDO Dental Working Party Survey there is local spread or signs of systemic
The European Haemophilia Standardisation indicated either oral tranexamic acid or infection. Advice regarding appropriate
Board note that most studies in the lit- tranexamic mouthwash is administered antibiotic cover can be obtained from the
erature are based on replacement with for 3-7 days following dental extrac- document Drug prescribing for dentistry:
a single dose of factor concentrate to tion in 100% of survey responders, with dental clinical guidance.54 Advice should
a minimum pre-operative factor level variable practice regarding pre-operative be sought from the haemophilia centre for
of 30-50% for individuals undergoing administration of antifibrinolytic therapy. factor concentrate cover.

502 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

4.2.3 Fractured teeth referral for head and neck surgery be nec- must include emergency contact
This usually occurs following direct trauma essary; it is important that information of numbers for the haemophilia centre
to the teeth. The soft tissues are often dam- a patients at risk status is provided to the 2. Prior to inferior dental block and
aged and should be treated appropriately. patients dentist by the haemophilia cen- lingual infiltration, augmentation of
The damaged teeth should be managed tre and recorded in the dental records and coagulation factor levels is essential in
in a similar manner to any traumatised included in any referrals for surgery.58 all age groups. In adults the consensus
teeth remembering that factor cover may opinion is that this is not necessary
be required if there is significant bleeding. SUMMARY OF KEY for buccal infiltration, intra-papillary
RECOMMENDATIONS injections and intra-ligamentary injec-
5.0 OTHER ISSUES tions. In children augmentation of
Access to dental care
5.1 Analgesia coagulation factor levels is preferred
1. Every haemophilia centre should for buccal infiltration, intra-papillary
Analgesia may be necessary for the man- have ready access to a hospital dental injections and intra-ligamentary injec-
agement of dental pain or abscess, or service. Access to hospital and com- tions (consensus opinion)
for alleviation of pain post procedure. munity dental services should be 3. For invasive dental procedures,
Aspirin, and aspirin-containing medica- audited through the United Kingdom coagulation factor concentrate is
tions, should be avoided in patients with Haemophilia Centre Doctors required to a minimum level of 50%
bleeding disorders as the haemorrhagic Organisation (UKHCDO) Triennial (single dose) although an individual
tendency may worsen as a result of the Audit Scheme treatment plan is necessary for each
inhibitory effect on platelet function.54 The 2. There should be clear documenta- patient and a repeat dose may be
use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tion of liaison between the haemo- required (consensus opinion)
drugs may be beneficial to control dental philia centre, the hospital dentist and 4. In adults peri-operative anti-
pain but their prescription should be dis- general dental practice regarding the fibrinolytic agents including
cussed with the haemophilia centre as they nature of the patients congenital oral tranexamic acid and/or 5%
may increase the risk of bleeding if taken bleeding disorder, treatment plans tranexamic mouthwash should be
pre-procedure.55 Paracetamol and codeine- and the risk of transfusion-transmit- prescribed solely or in combination
based preparations are safe alternatives. ted infection before and post dental extraction for
3. For patients with mild congenital up to seven days. In children oral
5.2 Antibiotics bleeding disorders the majority of tranexamic may be used in all ages
There are no contra-indications to any routine non-surgical dental treatment but mouthwash should be restricted
antibiotics from the dental section of the can be provided in general dental to older children to avoid exceed-
British National Formulary for patients practice; close liaison with the hos- ing the recommended dose if the
with congenital bleeding disorders.43 pital dental service and the haemo- mouthwash is inadvertently swal-
philia centre are necessary. lowed. (Level of evidence for oral
5.3 Transfusion-transmitted tranexamic acid: GRADE 1B; for
infections PREVENTIVE CARE tranexamic acid mouthwash: GRADE
In the past, patients may have received 1. At each routine haemophilia follow- 2C; for combination systemic and
plasma-derived concentrates and con- up visit there should be written local antifibrinolytic therapy: GRADE
tracted hepatitis or HIV viruses. The pres- documentation about the patients 2C; for duration of antifibrinolytic
ence of HIV has been demonstrated to have oral health status and advice should therapy: consensus opinion.)
no influence on the treatment outcome for be provided on preventive care. The 5. In adult patients undergoing dental
dental procedures.56 use of patient leaflets should be extractions, bleeding may be mini-
No special precautions are required for encouraged. This may be recorded mised by the use of either resorbable
individuals with bleeding disorders and the as an outcome measure, and may or non-resorbable sutures and addi-
same level of cross-infection prevention be audited through the UKHCDO tional local measures such as Surgicel,
should be implemented for all patients.57 Triennial Audit Scheme. Gelfoam, cyanoacrylate tissue adhe-
Individuals who have been treated with sives and surgical splints (consensus
UK-sourced plasma products between PROCEDURES opinion). In paediatric patients practice
1980and 2001are viewed as at risk of 1. Treatment planning is essential for and opinion varies regarding the use
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) including good outcome and should involve of sutures. In general sutures are used
variant CJD (vCJD). The dental care of these liaison between the dentist and the less but there is no contra-indication to
patients should not be compromised, and haemophilia centre. Consideration their use (consensus opinion)
this group of patients can be treated in the should be given to careful schedul- 6. There are no restrictions regarding
same way as any member of the general ing of invasive dental procedures the type of local anaesthesia used
public. Satisfactory decontamination pro- to minimise re-exposure to factor 7. There are no contra-indications to
cedures are required. Special precautionary concentrate. Written post-procedural any of the antibiotics from the dental
measures may require to be taken should instructions should be provided and formulary of the British National

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013 503

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved


PRACTICE

Formulary for patients with congeni- Oral Maxillofac Surg 1998; 36: 112118. Using a splint in oral bleeding. NY State Dent J
17. Bolton-Maggs PHB. Factor XI deficiency and its 2001; 67: 2425.
tal bleeding disorders management, 3rd ed. Montral: World Federation 38. Ak G, akr O, Kazancolu HO, Zulfikar B. The
8. Aspirin and aspirin-containing medi- of Haemophilia, 2008. (Treatment of Haemophilia use of a new haemostatic agent: Ankaferd Blood
monograph, no 16). Stopper in haemophiliacs. Haemophilia 2010;
cations should be avoided. Paracetamol 18. Brewer A. Dental management of patients with 16 (Suppl 4): 51 (Abs no 11P12).
and codeine-based preparations are inhibitors to Factor VIII or Factor IX.Montral: World 39. Department of Health and British Association for
Federation of Haemophilia, 2008. (Treatment of the Study of Community Dentistry. Delivering better
safe alternatives for patients with Haemophilia monograph, no 45). oral health: an evidence based toolkit for prevention,
congenital bleeding disorders 19. Leal SC. Minimum intervention in dentistry: 2nd ed. London: Department of Health, 2009.
applicability for dental care of patients with 40. Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme.
9. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflam- inherited bleeding disorders. Haemophilia 2010; Prevention and management of dental caries in
matory medications may be useful to 16 (Suppl 4): 50 (Abs no 11S02). children: dental clinical guidance. Dundee: Scottish
20. United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Directors Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme, 2010.
alleviate dental pain, but should be Organization Executive Committee. Guidelines 41. Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme.
discussed with the haemophilia centre on therapeutic products to treat haemophilia Oral health assessment and review: guidance in
and other hereditary coagulation disorders. brief. Dundee: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness
(consensus opinion). Haemophilia 1997; 3: 6377. Programme, 2011.
21. Mannucci PM. Desmopressin (DDAVP) in the treat- 42. Axelsson P, Nystrm B, Lindhe J. The long-term
The Dental Task Force acknowledges the contributions ment of bleeding disorders: the first twenty years. effect of a plaque control programme on tooth
from Dr Elizabeth Chalmers, Dr Ri Liesner, members Haemophilia 2000; 6 (Suppl 1): 6067. Erratum in: mortality, caries and periodontal disease in adults.
of the UKHCDO Paediatric Working Party and their Haemophilia 2000; 6: 595. Results after 30years of maintenance. J Clin
paediatric dental colleagues and work done in reach- 22. Mannucci PM, Ruggeri ZM, Pareti FI, Capitanio Periodontol 2004; 31: 749757.
ing consensus opinion on dental guidance in children. A. 1-Deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin: a new 43. Brewer A, Correa ME. Guidelines for dental treat-
Special thanks for comments and critique to Graeme pharmacological approach to the management of ment of patients with inherited bleeding disorders.
Wright, NHS Forth Valley; Caroline Campbell and haemophilia and von Willebrands disease. Lancet Montral: World Federation of Haemophilia, 2006.
Audrey McClymont, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 1977; 309: 869872. (Treatment of Haemophilia monograph, no 40).
We also thank Dr Roger Davies, University College 23. Sindet-Paedersen S. Distribution of tranexamic 44. Brewer AK, Roebuck EM, Donachie M etal. The
London Eastman Dental Institute; Karen Gordon, acid to plasma and saliva after oral administration dental management of adult patients with hae-
NHS Lothian and Petrina Sweeney, University of and mouth rinsing: a pharmacokinetic study. J Clin mophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders.
Glasgow for helpful comments and advice. Pharmacol 1987; 27: 10051008. Haemophilia 2003; 9: 673677.
24. Ramstrm G, Sindet-Paedersen G, Hall G, Blombck 45. Freedman M, Dougall A, White B. An audit of a
1. Hewson ID, Daly J, Hallett KB etal. Consensus M, Alander U. Prevention of postsurgical bleeding protocol for the management of patients with
statement by hospital based dentists providing in oral surgery using tranexamic acid without hereditary bleeding disorders undergoing dental
dental treatment for patients with inherited bleed- dose modification of oral anticoagulants. J Oral treatment. J Disabil Oral Health 2009; 10: 151155.
ing disorders. Aust Dent J 2011; 56: 221226. Maxillofac Surg 1993; 51: 12111216. 46. Smith G, Dougall A. To audit the success rate
2. Heiland M, Weber M, Schmelzle R. Life-threatening 25. Sindet-Paedersen S, Ramstrm G, Bernvil S, Blombck using 4% articaine as buccal infiltration in
bleeding after dental extraction in a haemophilia A M. Haemostatic effect of tranexamic acid mouthwash order to anaesthetise mandibular molars for
patient with inhibitors to factor VIII: a case report. in anticoagulant-treated patients undergoing oral restorative dental treatment in patients with a
J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003; 61: 13501353. surgery. N Engl J Med 1989; 320: 840843. hereditary coagulation disorder. Haemophilia 2010;
3. Dougall A, Fiske J. Access to special care dentistry, 26. Carter G, Goss A. Tranexamic acid mouthwash a 16 (Suppl 4): 51 (Abs no 11FP11).
part 5. Safety. Br Dent J 2008; 205: 177190. prospective randomized study of a 2-day regimen 47. Robertson D, Nusstein J, Reader A, Beck M,
4. Dougall A, OMahoney B. Evaluation of a collabora- vs 5 day regimen to prevent postoperative bleeding McCartney M. The anaesthetic efficacy of articaine
tive model of shared care designed to increase in anticoagulated patients requiring dental extrac- in buccal infiltration of mandibular posterior teeth.
access to preventive and restorative dentistry for tions. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003; 32: 504507. J Am Dent Assoc 2007; 138: 11041112.
patients with haemophilia. Haemophilia 2010; 27. Carter G, Goss A, Lloyd J, Tocchetti R. Tranexamic 48. Israels S, Schwetz N, Boyar R, McNicol A. Bleeding
16 (Suppl 4): 50 (Abs no 11FP04). acid mouthwash versus autologous fibrin gluein disorders: characterization, dental considerations
5. Harrington B. Primary dental care of patients with patients taking warfarin undergoing dental extrac- and management. J Can Dent Assoc 2006; 72: 827.
haemophilia. Haemophilia 2000; 6 (Suppl 1): 712. tions: a randomized prospective clinical study. 49. Hermans C, Altisent C, Batorova A etal.
6. Fiske J, McGeoch RJ, Savidge G, Smith MP. The J Oral Maxillofacial Surg 2003; 61: 14321435. Replacement therapy for invasive procedures
treatment needs of adults with inherited bleeding 28. Blinder D, Manor Y, Martinowitz U, Taicher S, in patients with haemophilia: literature review,
disorders. J Disabil Oral Health 2002; 3: 5961. Hashomer T. Dental extractions in patients main- European survey and recommendations.
7. Stubbs M, Lloyd J. A protocol for the dental man- tained on continued oral anticoagulant, comparison Haemophilia 2009; 15: 639658.
agement of von Willebrands disease, haemophilia A of local haemostatic modalities. Oral Surg Oral Med 50. Ramstrm G, Blombck M. Tooth extractions in
and haemophilia B. Aust Dent J 2001; 46: 3740. Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999; 88: 137140. haemophiliacs. Int J Oral Surg 1975; 4: 117.
8. Vinckier F, Vermylen J. Dental extractions in haemo- 29. Perry DJ, Noakes TJ, Helliwell PS. Guidelines 51. Baudo F, de Cataldo F, Landonio G, Muti G.
philia: reflection on 10years experience. Oral Surg for the management of patients on oral anticoagu- Management of oral bleeding in haemophilic
Oral Med Oral Pathol 1985; 59: 69. lants requiring dental surgery. Br Dent J 2007; patients. Lancet 1988; 2: 1082.
9. Kats JO, Terezhalmy GT. Dental management of the 203: 389393. 52. Rakocz M, Mazar A, Varon D, Spierer S, Blinder D,
patients with haemophilia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral 30. Forbes CD, Barr RD, Reid G etal. Tranexamic acid Martinowitz U. Dental extractions in patients with
Pathol 1988; 66: 139144. in control of haemorrhage after dental extraction in bleeding disorders. The use of fibrin glue. Oral Surg
10. Gupta A, Epstein JB, Cabay RJ. Bleeding disorders haemophilia and Christmas disease. Br Med J 1972; Oral Med Oral Pathol 1993; 75: 280282.
of importance in dental care and related patient 2: 311313. 53. Waly NG. Local antifibrinolytic treatment with
management. J Can Dent Assoc 2007; 73: 7783. 31. Walsh PN, Rizza CR, Matthews JM etal. Epsilon- tranexamic acid in haemophilic children undergoing
11. Manton S, Martin A, Bhuta B. A retrospective audit Aminocaproic acid therapy for dental extractions in dental extractions. Egypt Dent J 1995; 41: 961968.
of the dental health status and treatment needs haemophilia and Christmas disease: a double blind 54. Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme.
of referred haematology patients attending a UK controlled trial. Br J Haemol 1971; 20: 463475. Drug prescribing for dentistry: dental clinical
dental hospital. Haemophilia 2010; 16 (Suppl 4): 32. Staji Z. The combined local/systemic use of anti- guidance, 2nd ed. Dundee: Scottish Dental Clinical
51 (Abs no 11FP09). fibrinolytics in haemophiliacs undergoing dental Effectiveness Programme, 2011.
12. Berry E, Hilgartner M, Mariani G, Sultan Y, Members extractions. Int J Oral Surg 1985; 14: 339345. 55. Lockhart PB, Gibson J, Pond SH, Leitch J. Dental
of the Medical Advisory Board, World Federation 33. Sindet-Paedersen, Stenbjerg S. Effect of local management considerations for the patient with an
of Haemophilia; Jones P (ed). Haemophilia: facts antifibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid acquired coagulopathy. Part 2: Coagulopathies from
for health care professionals. Geneva: World Health in haemophiliacs undergoing oral surgery. J Oral drugs. Br Dent J 2003; 195: 495501.
Organization, 1996. Maxillofac Surg 1986; 44: 703707. 56. Scully C, Watt-Smith P, Dios RD, Giangrande PL.
13. Mannucci PM, Tuddenham EG. The haemophilias 34. Lee A, Boyle CA, Savidge GF, Fiske J. Effectiveness Complications in HIV-infected and non HIV infected
from royal genes to gene therapy. N Engl J Med in controlling haemorrhage after dental scaling in haemophiliacs and other patients after oral surgery.
2001; 344: 17731779. Erratum in: N Engl J Med people with haemophilia by using tranexamic acid Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002; 31: 634640.
2001; 345: 384. mouthwash. Br Dent J 2005; 198: 33-38 57. British Dental Association. Infection control. www.
14. Bolton-Maggs PH, Pasi KJ. Haemophilias A and B. 35. Randall C (ed). Surgical management of the primary bda.org/dentists/advice/ba/ie.aspx (accessed 13
Lancet 2003; 361: 18011809. care dental patient on warfarin [updated March November 2013).
15. Keila S. Uncontrolled bleeding during endodontic 2007]. North West Medicines Information Centre, 58. Department of Health. Guidance on minimising
treatment as the first symptoms for diagnosing von 2007. Available at: www.app.dundee.ac.uk/tuith/ transmission risk of CJD and vCJD. Available at:
Willebrands disease. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Static/info/warfarin.pdf (accessed 20 August 2013). www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-
1990; 69: 243261. 36. Ambados F. Preparing tranexamic acid 4.8% mouth- from-the-acdp-tse-risk-management-subgroup-
16. Wilde JT, Cook RJ. von Willebrand disease and its wash. Aust Prescr 2003; 26: 75. formerly-tse-working-group (accessed 20 August
management in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Br J 37. Adornato MC, Penna KJ. Haemostatic technique. 2013).

504 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 215 NO. 10 NOV 23 2013

2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

You might also like