When you go to the dentist, you probably understand why they have you fill out insurance paperwork and sit peacefully as dental professionals probe about in your mouth with tools. What you might not quite wrap your head around is why the staff takes your blood pressure at the beginning of your exam. After all, why should a dentist be worried about your heartbeat? Here’s why this is another valuable service your dentist provides for your oral and overall health.
Why Does My Dentist Take My Blood Pressure?
Dentist’s offices check their patients’ blood pressure before routine appointments for many reasons. This can be to establish your baseline blood pressure so that the staff can be aware of any abnormal spikes during treatment that might be due to hypertension or anxiety levels. This can be especially important if the patient is undergoing dental sedation.
Another reason your dentist does this is because most people see their dentists far more frequently than their general doctors. Checking a patient’s blood pressure during routine appointments can sometimes reveal cardiovascular trouble, leading them to seek potentially life-saving help from an appropriate medical specialist.
Do Dental Problems Lead to High Blood Pressure?
The human body has distinct reactions to pain or high levels of anxiety, and your dentist may have to adjust your treatment plan if your blood pressure is too high. If a patient exhibits high blood pressure due to dental anxiety, their dentist may offer a light sedation option to help them stay comfortable through the whole process. Similarly, a patient who is in pain due to an infected tooth will exhibit a drop in blood pressure after the issue has been resolved. However, people with severe hypertension may wish to ask their primary care doctors about how to reduce their blood pressure before any dental treatment.
What If I Refuse to Let My Dentist Take My Blood Pressure?
Taking your blood pressure confirms to your dental healthcare provider that you are healthy enough to receive treatment while also helping them determine which anesthetics to use if any are needed. Refusing to allow the staff to take your blood pressure can put your health at risk and your dentist will probably refuse to proceed with the examination.
Taking a patient’s blood pressure is an important part of dental care even if it doesn’t seem to make sense at first glance. By establishing your baseline blood pressure, your dentist can more safely and effectively serve you so you can enjoy a healthy smile for life.
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and has completed more than five hundred hours of continuing education. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the Louisiana Dental Association. His office in New Orleans, LA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact the office online or dial (504) 584-4225.