Albertville, AL
At Wall Street Dentistry, we believe that good oral health is just part of the greater picture of good overall health and wellness. This is why, as part of our normal protocols and procedures before any appointment at our office, we check your blood pressure. If you’ve ever wondered why we do this, this blog is for you. Read on as we explain the reasoning behind doing a blood pressure screening prior to each appointment.
The history of BP screenings goes back farther than you might think
Did you know that the original recommendations that dentists monitor blood pressure came out more than 50 years ago? The American Dental Association first advised members in 1974 to begin routinely measuring the blood pressure of their patients. The ADA issued updated recommendations in 2006, which included postponing elective procedures – such as cosmetic dental work – if the patient had a BP reading higher than 160/100 mmHg, or postponing even urgent dental work in the event the patient had a BP reading above 180/100.
There are several reasons why the dentist checks blood pressure:
- Monitor anxiety: Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans. If you’re one of them, you know that this anxiety can provoke a number of physical symtoms, including a spike in blood pressure. Taking a BP reading before a dental appointment begins provides our team with a baseline and makes it easier to manage your comfort level throughout the planned procedure.
- Less complication risk: If you have high blood pressure, this increases the possibility of possible complications both during and after a dental appointment. These complications may include stroke, a cardiovascular emergency or excessive bleeding because your body is pumping more blood due to the elevated BP.
- As a precursor to sedation: Many dental anesthetics contain epinephrine, which is a vasoconstrictor – meaning it narrows the blood vessels. This constriction reduces blood flow and, consequently, increases blood pressure. If your BP is already high, this can make it dangerous to receive an anesthetic that contains a vasoconstrictor on top of it.
- To stay aware of overall health: The ADA advises twice yearly visits with your dentist for a checkup and a cleaning. If you’re in good overall health, this means you’re seeing your general physician – usually once a year for a physical – less frequently than you are your dentist. If a BP reading at a dental appointment is concerning, we can refer you to your general physician for a follow up.
What does my dentist do with my BP reading information?
Our body reacts differently to pain or anxiety. If your BP reading before an appointment is higher than it should be, we can make changes to your treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
Wall Street Dentistry takes blood pressure readings as part of our normal routine prior to any appointment. In the event of a reading that is high (often considered at 130 or above), we may suggest you follow up with your general physician. If you have questions about the protocols and procedures we follow for our appointments, feel free to contact Wall Street Dentistry by calling our office in Albertville at (256) 878-0525 or contacting us online.