Objective: The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding during dental procedures among individuals receiving oral anticoagulation therapy.
Introduction: Dental procedures may increase the chance of bleeding in individuals receiving oral anticoagulation therapy. The literature suggests different hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding in these individuals but offers no consensus regarding their effectiveness.
Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of different hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding during oral procedures among individuals 18 years or older receiving oral anticoagulation therapy will be included.
Methods: Computerized searches will be conducted in seven electronic databases. Gray literature and searches in the reference lists of the included articles will also be screened. Two independent reviewers will assess titles/abstracts for potential inclusion against the eligibility criteria. References that meet the eligibility criteria will be included without restriction on the language or date of publication. Assessment of the methodological quality of the included articles and data extraction will be performed. Statistical heterogeneity of meta-analysis will be assessed. In the event of high statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis will be performed. Subgroup analysis will be planned. The certainty of the evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019136744.