Why Does My Dentist Take My Blood Pressure at the Beginning of My Appointment?

Receiving professional oral care from a qualified dentist every six months is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for life. While it’s easy to understand that these appointments are necessary so your teeth can be cleaned and monitored for signs of infection, you may not be quite sure why your dentist takes your blood pressure at the beginning of your session. Here’s a brief overview of why this is necessary and how it can benefit you.

Establishing a Baseline

Taking your blood pressure at the beginning of your appointment allows your dentist to make sure you are healthy enough to receive treatment. It also allows your oral health professional to develop a better understanding of your anxiety levels and your candidacy for anesthetics in case they are necessary. Since certain anesthetics cause blood vessels to constrict, administering them to people with high blood pressure may be risky. If a patient’s blood pressure is especially high, it may be necessary for them to see a physician or a cardiologist before receiving dental care.

Early Detection of Cardiovascular Trouble

While most dentists are not qualified to diagnose or address heart disease and cardiovascular events like stroke and cardiac arrest, they can still recognize troubling patterns in your blood pressure readings and refer you to an appropriate doctor if necessary. This can allow a patient to address the symptoms of cardiovascular issues while they are in their early stages so they can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable life.

What Will Happen After My Dentist Takes My Blood Pressure?

After your dentist or dental hygienist takes your blood pressure, you will probably be seated in the treatment chair and receive a thorough dental polishing and flossing. Then, your oral health professional will carefully inspect your teeth for signs of damage and infection and evaluate other parts of your mouth for symptoms of issues like oral cancer. If your dentist finds any problems that need to be addressed, they will be happy to schedule you for an appropriate restorative treatment or refer you to a specialist as needed.

Regular dental appointments are essential to keeping your teeth healthy and happy for many years. Scheduling your next checkup may be the best thing you can do for your oral health.

About the Practice

Dr. John Moneyhun earned his dental degree at the Medical University of Southern Carolina where he received the South Carolina Dental Association’s award for outstanding scholastic accomplishments and clinical abilities. He regularly refines his skillset with continuing education coursework from the Dawson Academy and Gordon Christensen’s Practical Clinical Courses. His office in Landrum offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next checkup, contact his office online or by dialing (864) 800-1691.