Top image: AI-generated illustration.
If you take a blood thinner and have been told a tooth may need to come out at Absolute Smiles in Bassendean, this guide explains what to tell the team, who makes the medicine decision and what to expect afterwards.
Absolute Smiles practice notes:
- Absolute Smiles offers tooth extractions in Bassendean.
- Absolute Smiles lists Dr Sandeep Sharma as its Principal Dentist.
Maybe you take warfarin after a heart valve procedure, a newer tablet for an irregular heartbeat, or a low-dose aspirin every morning. Then your dentist mentions that a tooth may need to come out, and the first question that pops into your head is: do I stop my tablets? It’s a sensible thing to wonder, and it’s also the one decision you shouldn’t make on your own.
Here’s the short answer. Keep taking your blood thinner exactly as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. healthdirect says “Your doctor will decide if you should stop taking your blood thinner,” and that you should also let your dentist know which medicine you are taking. At Absolute Smiles, your first visit starts with a chat about your concerns and medical history, so that’s the moment to tell us.
Contents
- 1 Should you stop your blood thinner before a tooth extraction?
- 2 Which medicines count as blood thinners?
- 3 What should you tell your dentist when you book?
- 4 Your dentist or your doctor: who answers which question?
- 5 What happens at your appointment at Absolute Smiles?
- 6 What to expect on the day of the extraction
- 7 Looking after the socket at home
- 8 When is bleeding urgent?
- 9 Your checklist before an extraction
- 10 Booking at Absolute Smiles
- 11 Frequently asked questions
- 12 Final thoughts
- 13 Sources
Should you stop your blood thinner before a tooth extraction?
Not by yourself. healthdirect’s guidance is clear: don’t stop taking it or change the way you take it without talking to your doctor first. It explains that if you take a blood thinner and need a procedure, your doctor may ask you to stop your blood thinner for a short time around the time of your procedure, but that this is the doctor’s call.
Why does it depend? healthdirect says the decision depends on the type of blood thinner you take, your medical history, and the type of procedure or surgery you will have. healthdirect notes you may be prescribed blood thinners if you have had a stroke or heart attack, an abnormal heart rhythm or a procedure on your heart. For surgery, it says your doctor will weigh up your need to stop clots against your chance of bleeding during and after surgery. That’s why the person who prescribed the medicine makes the call.
What your dentist brings to the conversation is the dental side: which tooth, how it’s likely to come out, and how the socket will be managed. Your doctor brings the medical side. You’re the link between them, and the clearer the information you pass on, the smoother the plan.
Please note: This article is general information, not advice about your own medicines or treatment. Please don’t change any medicine because of something you’ve read here. Talk to the doctor who prescribed it.
Which medicines count as blood thinners?
More than people expect. healthdirect explains that blood thinners include anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, and that they are medicines used to help prevent blood clots from forming. The table below lists the examples healthdirect names. It isn’t a complete list, so if you’re unsure about a tablet, bring the box or a printed medicine list.
Common blood thinners named by healthdirect
| Type | Examples healthdirect lists |
|---|---|
| Anticoagulant tablets: DOACs | dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban |
| Anticoagulant tablets: older type | warfarin |
| Anticoagulant injections | heparin, enoxaparin or dalteparin |
| Antiplatelet medicines | aspirin, clopidogrel, a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole |
Two things often get missed. First, aspirin can be bought over the counter in Australia, so some people don’t think of it as a medicine worth mentioning. Second, things from the health food aisle count too. Dental Health Services WA’s information sheet for extraction patients notes that if you take prescription anticoagulant medication or non-prescription medication such as aspirin, fish oil or St.John’s Wort, you are at an increased risk of unexpected, prolonged bleeding following your dental extraction.
If you take warfarin, healthdirect says you will need to have regular blood tests to check how fast your blood is clotting. Bring your most recent result or your monitoring booklet, because your dentist and doctor may both want to see it.
What should you tell your dentist when you book?
Tell us when you make the appointment, not just on the day. healthdirect advises: “If you need surgery or a medical or dental procedure, let your healthcare team know that you are taking blood thinners when you book the appointment.” That gives everyone time to check with your doctor before the extraction rather than on the morning of it.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) lists what your dentist should know about you, including all current and previous medications and any vitamins, minerals, supplements, or medications bought without a doctor’s prescription. It also explains why: some medications and supplements can increase bleeding or increase the risk of problems in your mouth after certain dental treatments.
What to share and why it helps
| What to tell the dentist | Why it matters for an extraction |
|---|---|
| The name and dose of every blood thinner | healthdirect says the type of blood thinner is part of the decision about whether to stop it. |
| Why you take it and who prescribed it | Your dentist may need to contact that doctor, and the reason for the medicine affects the plan. |
| Supplements such as fish oil or St John’s Wort | The WA Dental Health Services sheet lists these with aspirin as raising the chance of prolonged bleeding. |
| Your latest INR result if you take warfarin | Warfarin needs regular blood tests, so a recent figure helps your care team. |
| Any other medical conditions or recent hospital stays | The ADA includes medical conditions and recent hospitalisations in the history your dentist needs. |
The ADA also suggests that if your medical history is complicated, it may be helpful for you to bring a copy of your medical history or medications from your doctor. A printed list from your GP or pharmacist is often the quickest way to get it right.
Your dentist or your doctor: who answers which question?
It can feel like you’re stuck between two clinics. A simple way through is to know which questions belong where.
Questions to ask, and who is best placed to answer
| Question | Who answers it |
|---|---|
| Should I keep taking my blood thinner, pause it, or change the timing? | The doctor who prescribed it. healthdirect says your doctor decides. |
| Do I need a blood test before the extraction? | Your doctor, with input from your dentist about the procedure. |
| How many teeth will come out, and is it a simple or surgical removal? | Your dentist, after examining the tooth and any X-rays. |
| How will bleeding be controlled at the clinic and at home? | Your dentist. |
| Which pain relief can I take with my blood thinner? | Your doctor or pharmacist. healthdirect says always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new medicine. |
What happens at your appointment at Absolute Smiles?
Before any tooth is removed, you’ll have an assessment. Absolute Smiles describes a first dental appointment like this: “Usually a chat about your concerns and medical history, then an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. X-rays come up if the dentist needs a closer look. You’ll hear what was found and what your options are before anything is booked in.”
For someone on a blood thinner, that sequence works in your favour. In practice it looks like this:
- You tell the team about your blood thinner when you book, and bring your medicine list.
- The dentist talks through your concerns and medical history, including the medicine and why you take it.
- The dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth, and takes X-rays if a closer look is needed.
- You hear what was found and what your options are, which may or may not include an extraction.
- If an extraction is planned, you check the medicine question with your doctor before the extraction appointment.
Our tooth extractions page says our dental team works closely with patients to determine the ideal course of action for each of their dental needs. If you’re nervous about the bleeding side of things, say so. It’s a fair worry and it’s worth talking through.
What to expect on the day of the extraction
Dental Health Services WA’s sheet for patients taking anticoagulants describes what usually happens once the tooth is out. The dental practitioner will place a piece of gauze over the socket and ask that you bite firmly on the gauze for 20 minutes to stop the bleeding. The sheet adds that the dental practitioner will ensure the bleeding is controlled prior to you leaving the clinic.
The same sheet mentions one extra step for some people. It says tranexamic acid mouthwash is generally used for patients who are at a higher risk of post-operative bleeding, with that higher risk usually determined by a blood test or on the advice of a medical practitioner. Whether you need anything like this is for your dentist and doctor to decide together.
Plan your day so you’re not rushing. Have someone who can pick you up if you’d feel more comfortable, and leave time to sit quietly before you head home.
Looking after the socket at home
Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions for your own extraction, and those come first. As a general picture, the WA Dental Health Services sheet for patients taking anticoagulants includes these points:
- If bleeding occurs at home, gently wash your mouth out with cold water and then place a fresh piece of gauze over the extraction site, biting firmly and steadily for at least 20 minutes.
- Remain quiet and sit down with your head elevated.
- It is better not to eat or drink until the numbness wears off.
- Avoid very hot food and drink for a 24 hour period.
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the wound site.
- Avoid strenuous activity following surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, and refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours following your procedure.
Keep taking your blood thinner as your doctor has told you, including after the extraction. If your doctor did ask you to pause it, check when to restart before you leave.
When is bleeding urgent?
A little oozing in the first day is something your dentist will talk you through. Heavy or ongoing bleeding is different. The WA sheet says: “If heavy bleeding continues, please contact the clinic.” For Absolute Smiles patients, that’s (08) 9279 7956 during opening hours.
healthdirect lists symptoms that mean you should call your doctor straight away or visit your nearest emergency department if you take a blood thinner, including coughing up blood, black stools (poo) or blood in your poo, red or brown urine, and bleeding that doesn’t stop or lasts a long time. If you’re short of breath or have swelling of the face, lips or tongue, call triple zero (000).
Your checklist before an extraction
Use this when you book, and again the day before:
- I’ve told the clinic I take a blood thinner, and named it.
- I’ve listed supplements and over-the-counter medicines, including aspirin and fish oil.
- I’ve asked the doctor who prescribed my blood thinner what to do around the extraction.
- If I take warfarin, I know when my last blood test was and have the result.
- I have a printed medicine list or a copy of my medical history from my GP.
- I know how to reach the clinic if bleeding doesn’t settle at home.
- I’ve checked with my doctor or pharmacist which pain relief suits me.
Booking at Absolute Smiles
Absolute Smiles is at 1 Old Perth Road, Bassendean. We’re open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Call (08) 9279 7956 or use our booking page.
When you call, you could say: “I may need a tooth out and I take a blood thinner called [name]. Can I book an assessment, and what should I bring?” Bring your medicine list, your health fund card and any recent X-rays from another clinic.
If cost is part of the decision, our extractions page lists flexible payment plans, and our payment options page lists the providers. Check each provider’s terms before you sign up. If your gums have been bleeding more than usual while you’re on a blood thinner, our bleeding gums page notes that blood thinners, anti-platelet drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can all cause your gums to bleed. Mention it at your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a tooth out if I take a blood thinner?
WA Dental Health Services publishes a dedicated aftercare sheet for patients taking anticoagulants following a dental extraction. Whether and how it goes ahead for you depends on your assessment and your doctor’s advice about your medicine.
Should I skip my dose on the morning of the extraction?
Only if the doctor who prescribed it tells you to. healthdirect says don’t stop taking it or change the way you take it without talking to your doctor first.
Do fish oil and aspirin really matter?
Yes, tell your dentist about them. The WA Dental Health Services sheet names aspirin, fish oil and St John’s Wort alongside prescription anticoagulants as raising the chance of prolonged bleeding after an extraction.
Will the dentist contact my doctor?
Ask at your assessment whether the dentist would like to contact your doctor or would prefer you to check with them. Bringing the doctor’s name and practice details to your appointment makes either option easier.
Final thoughts
A blood thinner doesn’t have to make a tooth extraction stressful. Tell the team when you book, bring a full medicine list, let your doctor make the medicine decision and ask your dentist how bleeding will be managed. With everyone working from the same information, you can go in knowing the plan.
By Dr Sandeep Sharma, Principal Dentist, Absolute Smiles.
Sources
General published information, not advice about your own medicines or treatment. Sources checked 29 October 2026.
- healthdirect: Blood thinners, last reviewed February 2026.
- Australian Dental Association: Why do I have to tell my medical history to my dentist?
- Dental Health Services, Government of Western Australia: Advice following dental extraction and oral surgery for patients taking Anticoagulants (IS103, version 08/16).
- Absolute Smiles: Tooth extractions, Choosing a dentist in Bassendean, Bleeding gums, Payment options, Dr Sandeep Sharma and Contact us.
- Photos in this article are AI-generated illustrations, not photos of Absolute Smiles, its staff or patients.
General health disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual results may vary.
