Do you struggle to maintain a healthy blood pressure? You are certainly not alone. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that almost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. What management strategies are recommended for hypertension when undergoing dental procedures?
Overall health and risk factors should always be considered when dental treatment is recommended. If you are a patient that struggles with high blood pressure, you need to inform your dental care team. This allows your dental team to make informed decisions for your safe dental care. Typically, these are the guidelines that are followed:
- Routine dental procedures such as cleanings and fillings are typically very safe for patients with high blood pressure.
- More extensive or lengthy procedures such as extractions or root canals require controlled blood pressure.
- Patients with blood pressure readings at or above 180/110 mm HG should not undergo dental procedures due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding, heart attack, or stroke.
Do not allow your challenges with blood pressure to discourage you from all dental treatment. Dental health significantly impacts overall physical health as well as mental/emotional health. That said, how can your dental team provide you safe and effective dental care?
High Blood Pressure Management
Responsible dental offices require new patients to fill out a medical/dental health history before their first appointment and ask active patients to review, confirm, and update this history at each visit. It is important that you are honest about any known conditions such as hypertension. Dentists treating patients with hypertensive histories typically measure blood pressure before beginning any procedure, and may continue to monitor blood pressure during the procedure for high-risk patients.
Stress typically increases blood pressure, so reducing stress is important. Most dental offices work at creating a calm, reassuring environment. In addition, sedation or sleep dentistry techniques may be recommended to further reduce patient stress during dental procedures. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or patients that are taking multiple medications in an attempt to control blood pressure may be advised to consult with their primary care physician or cardiologist prior to any dental procedure.
Blood Pressure and Dental Health
The dental team at the Yuba City Dentistry Group is dedicated to responsible care for all of its patients. Your safety and health are important to us! Contact us to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have regarding dental care and treatment options if you have hypertension.
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