Sciota, Pennsylvania
You’ve arrived for your regular dental appointment. The technician asks about your brushing and flossing and, perhaps, takes X-rays. But, of all the tools of the trade used during a dental cleaning, you might be surprised to see … a blood pressure cuff? There are several reasons why a blood pressure screening is an important part of each dental checkup. Read on as we explain why your Sciota dentist checks blood pressure at every routine appointment.
It’s recommended your dentist monitors your blood pressure
As far back as 1974, the American Dental Association has advised members to measure their patients’ blood pressure on a routine basis. These recommendations were further encouraged in 2006. The general rule of thumb in the 2006 advisory was for dentists to postpone an elective procedure if the patient had a BP reading higher than 160/100 mmHg, while even urgent dental work should be postponed if the patient had a BP reading higher than 180/100.
Why does the dentist check blood pressure?
The human body reacts differently in situations of pain or where a person experiences high levels of anxiety. If your BP reading is higher than it should be, your dentist can adjust your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. If your high blood pressure is present due to dental anxiety, then your dentist may employ a method of light sedation to help keep you calm.
- Diagnostic information – It helps your dentist establish a baseline to let them know if you enter a state of distress during the appointment. Your blood pressure reading also provides valuable information about the state of your cardiovascular system, which is especially crucial if you are planning to undergo a treatment that involves sedation.
- Anxiety – If you’re one of the many people who suffers from dental anxiety, your blood pressure reading can be used to help measure your anxiety levels.
- Identifying a potential problem – If you see your dentist every six months as recommended, chances are that you visit your dentist more than your general physician if you’re in good overall health. Regular monitoring of blood pressure could allow quicker diagnosis of extreme hypertension or a developing heart problem, two medical conditions that require prompt medical treatment.
What can you expect during a dental checkup?
At Chestnuthill Dental, checking blood pressure is part of our normal routine of care. It also is why we consider oral health just part of the greater picture of good overall health.
If you come to our practice for an appointment and a member of our staff takes a reading that is high (often considered at 130 or above), we may suggest you follow up with your general physician. Rest assured that checking your blood pressure is a routine but essential part of care. If you have any questions about our protocols or procedures, feel free to contact us by calling our office in Sciota at (570) 402-4001 or completing our convenient online contact form. If you’re seeking a new dentist, we invite you to experience our patient-first methods of care for yourself.
