What the Team at Dural Dental Practice Needs You to Tell Us
At Dural Dental Practice, your safety and comfort are always our top priority. Many patients are surprised to learn that medications they take every day — even common prescription or over-the-counter medicines — can affect dental treatment.
Certain medications can influence bleeding, healing, infection risk, and how your body responds to dental procedures and anaesthetics. This is why we always ask for a full medical and medication history before starting treatment. It’s an important part of providing you with safe, personalised dental care.
Below are some of the most common medications that may affect dental treatment, along with how we manage them at our practice.
Blood Thinners
Examples include:
Warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, apixaban, rivaroxaban
Blood-thinning medications reduce your blood’s ability to clot, which can increase bleeding during and after dental procedures such as extractions, gum treatment, oral surgery or your average clean.
What this means for your care at Dural Dental Practice:
We may take extra steps to manage bleeding and, where necessary, communicate with your GP or specialist. Please never stop blood-thinning medication without medical advice, as this can be dangerous.
Osteoporosis and Bone Medications
Examples include:
Bisphosphonates and denosumab
These medications affect bone healing and, in rare cases, may increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after invasive dental treatment.
Our approach:
- Careful assessment before extractions or implants
- Emphasis on preventive dental care
- Early treatment of dental issues to reduce risk
Always let us know how long you’ve been taking these medications and whether they are taken orally or intravenously.
Medications That Cause Dry Mouth
Many commonly prescribed medications can reduce saliva flow, including:
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Anxiety and pain medications
Saliva is essential for protecting your teeth and gums. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and oral infections.
How we can help:
We may recommend additional fluoride protection, saliva-supporting products, and more regular check-ups to help maintain your oral health.
Immunosuppressants and Cancer Treatments
Medications used for autoimmune conditions, organ transplants, or cancer treatment can lower the body’s ability to fight infection and heal properly.
Dental considerations:
- Increased infection risk
- Slower healing
- Mouth ulcers and gum inflammation
At Dural Dental Practice, we plan treatment carefully and, if needed, coordinate with your medical team to ensure the safest possible outcome.
Long-Term Steroid Use
Patients taking corticosteroids such as prednisone may experience reduced immunity and delayed healing. This is especially relevant for surgical dental procedures.
We take this into account when planning your treatment and apply additional precautions where required.
Smoking, Vaping, and Recreational Substances
Smoking, vaping, excessive alcohol use, and recreational drugs can significantly affect oral health. These substances increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, poor healing, and complications during dental treatment.
We provide care in a supportive, non-judgemental environment, and honest disclosure helps us keep you safe.
Why It’s Important to Tell Us Everything
Even medications that don’t seem related to dentistry can:
- Affect bleeding and healing
- Interact with dental anaesthetic
- Increase the risk of complications
By keeping us informed, you help the team at Dural Dental Practice:
- Plan your treatment safely
- Minimise risks
- Achieve the best possible results
Your Health Comes First
If you’re unsure whether a medication is relevant, please let us know. Sharing complete and up-to-date information allows us to tailor your care and look after your overall wellbeing.
If you have any questions about how your medications may affect your dental treatment, our friendly team is always happy to help.
