Efficacy of chitosan dressing as a local haemostatic agent in the management of dental extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy. A prospective randomized study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Introduction: Dental extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy pose a bleeding risk. Current guidelines support continuing antiplatelet therapy during surgery, but effective local hemostasis is crucial. Chitosan, a biopolymer with haemostatic, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, may offer advantages over cotton gauze. This study evaluated chitosan dressing vs. standard gauze during dental extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy. Methodology: A prospective randomized study was conducted over 18 months at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, with 100 patients on antiplatelet therapy. Extraction sites were randomly assigned to Group A (chitosan) or Group B (cotton gauze). The primary outcome was time to hemostasis, with secondary outcomes including pain (VAS), Landry healing index, postoperative bleeding, and complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0. Results: Group A showed significantly faster hemostasis (median 0.67 min) compared to Group B (median 4.5 min; p < 0.001). Bleeding ceased within 3 min in all Group A sockets vs. 11 % in Group B (p < 0.001). Group A also had lower pain scores and higher healing index values at Day 7 (both p < 0.001). Dry socket incidence was low and similar between groups. Conclusion: Chitosan dressing appears to be a promising adjunct for achieving rapid hemostasis, reducing postoperative discomfort, and improving early healing following dental extractions in patients on antiplatelet therapy. Larger multicenter studies with longer follow-up are recommended to confirm these findings and explore broader clinical applications.
Authors: Deepak Agrawal, Sabah Zaheer, Vilas Newaskar
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W4415258047