A patient taking both clopidogrel and aspirin for cardiovascular disease requires a simple dental extraction. What modification to the dental treatment plan is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B. No modification — proceed with extraction without altering antiplatelet therapy

• A. Stopping clopidogrel alone increases thromboembolic risk without adequate evidence of benefit for routine extractions.
• B. CORRECT. Current evidence and guidelines support performing routine dental extractions without stopping antiplatelet therapy. The risk of a thromboembolic event (stroke, MI) from discontinuing dual antiplatelet therapy far exceeds the risk of post-extraction bleeding, which can be managed with local hemostatic measures (pressure, sutures, gelatin sponge).
• C. Vitamin K reverses warfarin (a Vitamin K antagonist), not antiplatelet drugs. Clopidogrel and aspirin work on platelet function, not on coagulation factors.
• D. Stopping both antiplatelet medications significantly increases the risk of cardiac or cerebrovascular events. This is not recommended for routine dental procedures.