You may expect to have your blood pressure taken when you visit your primary care practitioner. After all, it is an important health metric that your doctor wants to keep an eye on. However, you might be surprised when your dental team also wants to record your blood pressure. Have you ever wondered, “Why does my dentist take my blood pressure?” This blog post provides the answer to that question.
Dental Treatment Can Affect Blood Pressure
Some aspects of dental treatment may cause your blood pressure to rise. For example, if you are a little nervous about a procedure, your blood pressure may be higher than usual. Your dentist should be aware of this so they can take extra steps to help you relax and reduce your risk of a cardiac event. They might use a mild form of sedation to help you stay calm while you are undergoing treatment.
Local anesthesia may also affect blood pressure. It often contains epinephrine to prolong its numbing effect. Since epinephrine can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, your dentist should be aware of your baseline measurements so they can adjust your anesthesia dosage and medications if necessary.
Your Dentist Is Part of Your Medical Team
There is a common misconception that dentists focus only on their patients’ teeth and gums. In reality, dentists are medical professionals who are deeply interested in the overall wellness of their patients. If they notice that your blood pressure is unusually high or low, they can urge you to seek appropriate care for the problem. Since you probably see your dentist more often than you see your primary care practitioner, this simple health check can play a valuable role in helping you manage your head-to-toe health.
Can Blood Pressure Be Too High for Dental Treatment?
High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or above. If your reading is above that line, you may need to visit your primary care practitioner for help to get your blood pressure under control, whether that is through medication, lifestyle changes, or other means.
Your dentist will determine whether it is safe to perform treatment based on your blood pressure, the specific procedure you are planning to undergo, and other factors. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to perform a certain service boils down to a risks-rewards analysis. If the rewards of carrying out a procedure significantly outweigh the risks, your dentist is likely to move forward.
It might seem odd that your dental team wants to take your blood pressure, but rest assured that it is in the interests of keeping you as healthy as possible! If you have questions about this aspect of your care, feel free to ask during your next preventive appointment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are pleased to offer a wide range of dental services to the Prestonsburg community. They are able to provide sedation to help patients relax during appointments, and they are always mindful of how their actions may affect their patients’ overall health. To learn more about them and how our team may be able to serve you, contact us at 606-874-9311.