Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 12/15/2004

Question
Hello.  I am going to have a tooth pulled tommorow.
I have many worries about this but what I am wondering about is the risk of fatal blood clots because I am on birth control pills.
I know that after you have a baby you are at an increased risk of blood clots (as you are while pregnant) because your body is not wanting to bleed to death.  
Is the same true of having a tooth pulled?  Is my body going to clot easier because of blood loss and does the birth control put me at an even greater risk?
I am healthy 26, I exercise and my weight is okay.
Thanks.

Answer
R,
As the oral surgeon about the risk of blood clots because you are on BC pills. I have not heard of any connections. The surgeon should have the definitive answer for you. I have always thought that the connection between BC pills and extractions is a greater incidence of dry sockets (when the clot dislodges). If you are healthy, then all should go well. To put your mind at ease, sit down with the oral surgeon or dentist at the beginning of the appointment and ask all of your questions...and hear all of the possible side effects. Then you should be more relaxed. Good luck...feel free to recontact me if you have any further questions.

Jeff Dalin, DDS