Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appropriate management for a patient with a prosthetic heart valve who is taking warfarin before an extraction involves stopping the warfarin therapy to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Given the increased risk of thromboembolism associated with warfarin, particularly in patients with prosthetic heart valves, administering heparin provides a safe alternative for anticoagulation while still protecting against clot formation. Heparin acts quickly, allowing for better control of anticoagulation during the extraction procedure.

Additionally, suturing after surgical removal is effective in controlling any potential bleeding and promoting better healing post-extraction. This strategy ensures that the patient is not left unprotected from blood clots while also minimizing the risk of bleeding complications during and after the surgical intervention.

In contrast, options involving antibiotics like Amoxil or Gentamycin without addressing anticoagulation effectively do not provide a comprehensive management approach, since they fail to account for the critical balance needed between anticoagulation therapy and bleeding control during dental procedures.