When you visit the doctor, you probably aren’t surprised when they take your vital signs during your appointment. They measure markers like your blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature as a standard part of almost every visit.
Many patients are confused when they realize that their dentist also takes their blood pressure at their appointments, including at basic checkups and cleanings. It’s natural to wonder why this information matters to your dental team. Continue reading to learn about three reasons your dentist needs to know your medical stats, too!
Consideration #1: Establish a Baseline
Brushing and flossing twice daily is imperative for regularly removing plaque buildup that can hurt your teeth and gums. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. Oral problems don’t usually resolve themselves and tend to worsen over time, but if you see your provider regularly, they can catch and address issues before they progress.
However, to recognize when something has changed, they first need to know what “normal” looks like for your body. Taking your vital signs at the start of each appointment allows them to monitor your general and oral health over time.
Consideration #2: Ensure Your Safety
More involved dental procedures, like complex extractions or getting implants placed, are considered major procedures. Like any other surgery, your body must be healthy enough to withstand the process. If you are undergoing a more invasive treatment that requires sedatives, your dental team will check your vitals to ensure you’re well enough to proceed safely. They’ll also monitor your stats closely once you’re medicated to ensure that everything stays within normal ranges to avoid potential complications.
For instance, typically, high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or above, but if your systolic measurement (the top number) is greater than 140 or the diastolic measurement (bottom number) is greater than 90, your vitals are outside of the normal boundaries. If you’re presenting with these figures before a procedure, your dentist may have to seek medical approval before they can continue.
Consideration #3: Identify Appropriate Methods
Although your provider primarily focuses on your oral status, your dental condition can affect your overall health and vice versa. If you arrive for a scheduled visit but your vitals indicate a major change, your dentist may need to adjust your treatment plan accordingly. For example, they might recommend postponing your procedure for another time if you’re unwell.
Furthermore, some sedatives cause blood pressure to rise. If yours is already higher than usual, your dentist may need to select a different medication than initially anticipated to ensure your safety.
Thankfully, your dentist can preserve your oral and overall health by taking your vitals at each visit!
About the Practice
At Brooklyn City Dental, you benefit from a team of dentists with 30+ years of combined experience. They offer a full array of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. Plus, they offer weekend and evening hours to accommodate your busy schedule. They combine a friendly approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you need a routine checkup, you can request an appointment on the website or call (718) 725-7732.