You may have noticed that your dentist or dental hygienist checks your blood pressure during your appointment. While it might seem unusual at first, monitoring blood pressure is an important part of providing safe and effective dental care. Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health, and checking vital signs helps your dental team identify potential risks before beginning treatment.
Ensuring Your Safety During Dental Procedures
One of the primary reasons dentists check blood pressure is to ensure patient safety. Certain dental procedures, including extractions, implant placement, or treatments involving anesthesia, can temporarily increase stress levels or affect heart rate and circulation. If a patient already has high blood pressure, these procedures could increase the risk of complications.
By checking your blood pressure before treatment, your dentist can determine whether it is safe to proceed or if adjustments are needed. In some cases, treatment may be delayed until your blood pressure is better controlled, helping prevent medical emergencies during your visit.
Detecting Undiagnosed High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the “silent condition” because it frequently has no noticeable symptoms. Many people are unaware they have elevated blood pressure until it is detected during a medical or dental appointment.
Dental visits provide an additional opportunity to screen for hypertension. If your dental team notices consistently high readings, they may recommend that you follow up with your primary care physician. Early detection of high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Guiding Medication and Anesthesia Decisions
Blood pressure readings also help dentists make informed decisions about medications and anesthesia. Certain dental anesthetics contain epinephrine, which helps numb the treatment area and control bleeding. However, epinephrine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate.
If your blood pressure is elevated, your dentist may adjust the type or amount of anesthetic used to ensure your safety. Monitoring blood pressure allows your dental provider to customize treatment based on your overall health needs.
Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Research has shown strong connections between oral health and systemic health. Conditions such as gum disease have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical concerns. Monitoring vital signs like blood pressure supports a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
Having your blood pressure checked at the dentist is a quick, painless process that plays an important role in protecting your well-being. It helps your dental team provide safe treatment, detect potential health concerns early, and tailor care to your individual needs.
About the Author
Dr. April Korte graduated at the top of her class from Midwestern University. She has completed more than 450 hours of continuing education over the course of her career, covering a wide variety of dental topics. Dr. Korte also stays current through her membership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Need preventive care? Schedule an appointment online or call (952) 448-2868.