Q: I have a major dental procedure coming up. Do I need to stop taking any of my medications?

A: That’s an answer only your healthcare team can provide, and it depends on several factors, including the type of dental work you’re having and the specific drugs (and supplements) you take. But you’re not alone in wondering.

Many people find information online suggesting that before a dental treatment, they should stop medications such as blood thinners, osteoporosis drugs, or certain therapies that affect the immune system. In most cases, however, continuing your medication is safer than stopping it. That’s because pausing a medication can worsen the health condition it was prescribed to treat.

One of the most important things to do before a dental procedure is to provide your dentist with an up-to-date list of all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies and supplements. If you have concerns about a particular medication, ask the clinician who prescribed it and your dentist — and it may be wise for them to confer as well. Together, you can weigh any potential risks and determine the safest approach.

The bottom line? Be proactive. But never stop taking a medication without first consulting your prescribing doctor.

(Brittany Seymour, DDS, MPH, is a contributor to Harvard Heart Publications)

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