Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

LED Application Following Dental Extraction in Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

This study is investigating if a special LED light can help reduce bleeding after a tooth extraction, especially for people who are taking certain blood-thinning medications called DOACs (like rivaroxaban or apixaban). Many people taking these medicines need dental work, and preventing bleeding is very important. Researchers at Eastman Dental Hospital will involve 50 participants, split into two groups. One group will receive the LED light treatment plus a small spongestop bleeding, while the other group will only receive the sponge. The main goal is to compare how well these treatments stop bleeding. The study will also look at how different factors might affect bleeding, such as the type of DOAC taken or the patient's general health.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

17 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2025

Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)

What is this study about?

When you have a tooth removed, it's common for there to be some bleeding. If you're taking blood-thinning medications, known as Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs), the risk of bleeding can be higher. More and more people are taking these medicines, so finding good ways to manage bleeding after dental procedures is very important.

This study, called DENT-DOAC, is exploring whether using a special LED light after a tooth is pulled can help reduce bleeding for people taking DOACs. The researchers want to compare this treatment with the usual method of using a sponge to help stop bleeding. They are conducting the study at the Eastman Dental Hospital and will include 50 people. Participants will be divided into two groups by chance: one group will get the LED light treatment along with the sponge, and the other group will just get the sponge.

The main aim is to see if the LED light makes a difference in how much someone bleeds or how long the bleeding lasts. The study will also look at other details, such as if certain types of DOACs or other personal factors affect bleeding. By finding better ways to manage bleeding, this research hopes to make dental extractions safer and easier for people on blood thinners.

Key takeaways

This study tries to reduce bleeding after tooth pulling for people on blood thinners.
It tests a special LED light against usual care (a sponge).
You'll be at Eastman Dental Hospital for the procedure.
Follow-up is by phone after the dental work.
Your involvement helps improve care for others.
Participation is entirely voluntary.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be taking specific blood-thinning medications called DOACs (these include rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, or dabigatran). You also need to be scheduled to have a tooth removed at the Eastman Dental Hospital. Finally, you must be willing to give your agreement to participate.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. This includes if you are taking other blood-thinning drugs apart from your DOAC. If you have an allergy to a medicine called tranexamic acid, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have recently taken part in another research study, you also wouldn't be able to participate. You need to be between 18 and 80 years old, and the study is open to both men and women.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I taking rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, or dabigatran?
Am I having a tooth extracted at Eastman Dental Hospital?
Am I between 18 and 80 years old?
Am I not taking any other blood-thinning medicines (besides my DOAC)?
Am I not allergic to tranexamic acid?
Am I not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group will have a special LED light used on the area where your tooth was taken out, along with a special sponge to help stop bleeding. The other group will only receive the special sponge. The LED light treatment is applied immediately after your tooth extraction.

You'll be seen right after your procedure to check on any bleeding. Then, a couple of days later and again about a week later, the research team will contact you by phone to ask how you're feeling and if you've had any bleeding. The total time you'll be involved in the study will be very short, essentially just the follow-up calls after your dental procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part could be that the LED light treatment might help you experience less bleeding after your tooth extraction. Even if it doesn't help you directly, your participation will help doctors learn more about the best ways to care for patients taking blood thinners who need dental work. The risks involved are expected to be very low, as the LED light is a non-invasive treatment, and both treatment approaches aim to prevent complications. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

UCL
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are DOACs?

DOACs are types of blood-thinning medicines, like rivaroxaban or apixaban, used to prevent blood clots. They are also known as Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

Will I know if I'm getting the LED light or not?

No, you won't know if you're getting the LED light treatment or just the standard care with the sponge. This ensures the results are fair and unbiased.

How long does the LED light treatment take?

The LED light is applied immediately after your tooth extraction as part of the procedure.

What if I have bleeding after I go home?

You will have phone check-ups on day 2 and day 7 after your procedure to monitor any bleeding. You should always follow your dentist's instructions for post-extraction care.

Do I need to change my DOAC medication for this study?

The study does not involve changing your DOAC medication. Your participation will be based on you already taking a DOAC as prescribed.