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Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery

  • Created in Oral Surgery

Blood thinners are a type of medicine that prevents your blood from clotting inside a blood vessel, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also keep blood clots from forming or getting larger. They are typically used to treat certain types of heart disease, heart defects, or other medical conditions that could increase your risk of developing blood clots.

A side effect to taking blood thinners is the difficulty to stop bleeding. This needs to be considered before any dental procedures take place. Always inform your dentist if you are taking a blood thinner medication, especially if you’ve just started one. It will be noted in your chart, and your cardiologist or other specialist will be consulted if you require a dental procedure with the potential for increased bleeding.

Precautions

Most general dental procedures, including teeth cleanings, fillings, and crowns, will not be affected if you are taking blood thinners. The only time an issue could arise is during an invasive surgery that has the potential to cause bleeding, such as a tooth extraction or gum surgery. Because the blood thinners don’t allow the blood to clot normally, stopping the bleeding during either of these procedures may be difficult.

After you’ve informed your dentist about which type of blood thinner you’re taking and the exact dose, and after consulting with a specialist, your dentist may suggest temporarily stopping or reducing your medication as a precaution. Other precautions may be taken, such as using hemostatic agents during your procedure to encourage blood clotting at the operation site, or being careful to suture the site to avoid hitting smaller blood vessels that can easily bleed.

Returning to Normal

If your medication was temporarily stopped or the dosage reduced for a dental procedure, you will be able to resume your blood thinners soon after the procedure is complete. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your dentist, surgeon, and doctor. By all of you working together, your health will be at a much lower risk and your dental procedure will take place without complication.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Meet the Doctors
  • Dr.
    Jordan Masson

    I am originally from the east side of Michigan and grew up about 40 minutes north of Detroit.  I attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Following WMU, I set my sites on Dental School and earned my DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.

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  • Dr.
    Andrew Knowlton

    I decided to become a dentist following a skiing accident in high school resulting in a broken jaw and a few missing teeth. My dentist made me feel great during a time that I thought my social life was over. I knew I wanted to give people the same feeling I experienced.

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History of Our Practice

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.