If you are just getting a dental examination or routine cleaning, you might wonder why we check blood pressure. First, it is a vital sign that is considered as a standard of care procedure to check for as it may have total health considerations. It gives us a baseline reading that we can compare over time for the long-term health of our patients. As a screening tool it can catch individuals that might be at risk for heart disease, kidney disease, lung issues, stroke, eye problems, or other medical conditions. 120/80 or less is considered an ideal blood pressure with the top number, or systolic pressure usually more variable under stress than the bottom or diastolic reading.
Additionally, stressful situations tend to raise blood pressure as well. Since any type of dental treatment may be considered stressful in some individuals, it is an important test for us to make sure patients are not harmed in any way. Sometimes the anesthetics we give to numb patients can raise blood pressure in individuals as well. If a person has a high blood pressure reading and oral surgery is performed there is a tendency for increased bleeding as a complication as well. Since many people have no outward symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension it is especially important that we get a baseline prior to any dental treatment. If we get a reading of close to 180/120 or higher for example, this is considered a hypertensive crisis and could cause severe heart or brain issues such as a heart attack or stroke. In this case we usually refer these patients to the medical doctor or emergency room for immediate treatment. Sometimes the patients have borderline results, and we would suggest they see their medical doctor to monitor and/or treat.
So remember, if your dental office is taking or monitoring your blood pressure it is for your benefit and shows that their office cares about your total health, not just your teeth.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal dentist/physician.)
