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Warfarin and SRP — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyWarfarin and SRPNDEB AFK

A patient on chronic warfarin therapy has an INR of 2.5 and requires scaling and root planing. What is the recommended approach?

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Correct answer: C — Continue warfarin at the current dose and proceed with SRP — local haemostasis is adequate for this non-surgical procedure

Scaling and root planing (non-surgical periodontal therapy) is not a high-bleeding-risk procedure. Patients on stable warfarin therapy with an INR within the therapeutic range (typically 2.0-3.0) should continue their anticoagulant and undergo SRP without modification. Local haemostatic measures (pressure, haemostatic agents if needed) are sufficient for managing any minor bleeding. The thromboembolic risk of discontinuing warfarin far exceeds the bleeding risk from periodontal scaling.

Reference: SDCEP – Management of Dental Patients Taking Anticoagulants or Antiplatelets, 2022