In today's complex healthcare environment, there is an increasing incidence of patients with serious medical issues who may present for dental care. Excessive post-operative bleeding is always a concern of the dentist. It is essential that the contemporary oral healthcare provider be familiar with: 1. The basics of bleeding and coagulation; 2. the medications that can affect these processes; 3. published guidelines which provide the framework for patient evaluation and management; and 4. adjunctive procedures necessary to control post-treatment bleeding.