Dental work and minor procedures when you have liver disease or liver cancer | CION Cancer Clinics

In most cases, yes. The dentist needs a recent platelet count and INR, and your liver team decides whether any support is needed first. With that planning, most extractions go ahead safely. Delaying treatment of an infected tooth carries its own risk.

Paracetamol is usually preferred, at an amount your doctor sets for your liver. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin and similar tablets should be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise, because they raise bleeding risk and can harm the kidneys. Avoid combination cold and pain medicines.

Most people do not. It depends on the platelet count, the INR and the procedure planned. If your team thinks support is needed, they will arrange it just before the procedure. A larger extraction is more likely to need planning than a filling.

Yes, a local anaesthetic is normally used. What needs care is heavier sedation, which can bring on confusion in people with cirrhosis. Tell the dentist about your liver so they choose the right approach.

Never stop a medicine on your own. Beta-blockers given to protect against variceal bleeding should usually continue. Blood thinners are a decision for the doctor who prescribed them, made together with your liver team and the dentist.

It can. Some treatments lower the white cell count, which raises infection risk, and some slow healing. Your oncologist may suggest timing the procedure at a particular point in your treatment cycle. Ask before booking.

Bite firmly on clean, folded gauze and keep the pressure on without checking it often. Avoid rinsing hard, spitting and hot drinks on the first day. If the bleeding does not settle, or soaks the gauze again and again, go to hospital today.

No. CION is a cancer clinic. Your oncologist can check your blood tests and write a note for your dentist explaining your liver condition, the bleeding risk and safe medicines. Call the helpline if you need that note before a procedure.