If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, you may be surprised by a new step many professionals are taking to benefit a patient’s oral and overall health. While it’s commonly performed in doctor’s offices and hospitals, you may be wondering, “Why does my dentist take my blood pressure?” To better understand the reasoning behind this new development, local dental professionals are here to share why this added step is making a big difference when it comes to providing high-quality care.
It Can Determine if You Can Undergo Certain Procedures
If you are scheduled to undergo root canal therapy or have a tooth removed, your dentist will take your blood pressure at the beginning of your appointment to determine if you are capable of moving forward with treatment. Although you may appear calm and collected when you arrive, preparations for dental work can often cause stress, which can lead to emergency situations if you’re not careful. By gauging your blood pressure before any work begins, it will allow your dental team to make the right decision as to whether you are cleared to move forward or if you need to see a local physician for help.
It Ensures Anesthesia is Effective and Administered Appropriately
Without anesthesia, your dentist could not perform many of the most complex and extensive dental procedures. As helpful as it can be in keeping patients numb to avoid feeling any pain throughout treatment, it can also restrict blood vessels and raise your blood pressure. If you have hypertension, it’s important that you divulge this information early on when meeting with your dentist. During your procedure, your dental team can make sure the appropriate amount of anesthesia is administered so that you do not feel pain but also do not experience issues that can form as a result of high blood pressure.
It Can Be the First Step to Identifying a More Serious Problem
Regular blood pressure checks are a great way to stay on top of your oral and overall health. Because it is often tied to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, identifying a problem early on can ensure you get the care you need from a qualified physician. Allowing your dentist to check your blood pressure each time you visit is just one more way you can better protect your mouth and your body, especially since diabetes is closely tied to gum disease. If left unmanaged, it can make treating periodontal disease much harder, and vice versa.
Although it may seem odd to have your blood pressure checked at your next dental appointment, trust that your dentist is taking every precaution to ensure your health and safety at every visit.
About the Authors
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband-and-wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Treating patients of all ages, their office provides a wide variety of services, ensuring you and your family receive the care you need all in one place! Offering preventive services that are designed to treat problems early on, they use advanced technology and modern equipment to ensure your smile and overall health are in optimal condition. If you’re ready to put your oral health back on track, contact us at (971) 273-5910.