Dental Office Blood Pressure Screening Weston, FL
A dental office blood pressure screening helps the dental team keep a close watch on your heart health. During a dental procedure, some patients may experience a sudden spike in blood pressure. Without treatment, abnormal blood pressure can put your health at risk.
Blood pressure testing is available at Artful Dentistry & Wellness in Weston and the surrounding area. Our team considers every aspect of your health to develop a personalized treatment plan. We offer our patients well-rounded dental care. Call us at (954) 526-2266 to learn more.
Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to the pressure of the blood pumping through the arteries produced by contractions of the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood. It is usually caused by an underlying disease, medications being taken, pregnancy, an infection, or lack of nutrition. Common symptoms of low blood pressure are dizziness, fatigue, nausea, fainting, dehydration, blurred vision, pale skin, and mild depression.
In most cases, screening results revealing low blood pressure do not affect many dental procedures. In the case of significantly low screenings, we may ask the patient to drink water and a sweet beverage or fruit to raise their blood pressure or reschedule for another visit. Low blood pressure is only alarming if a patient is experiencing dizziness or fatigue as local anesthesia and drilling can add too much stress and lead to variable results.
“Low blood pressure occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood.”
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (HBP), often called hypertension, occurs when the pressure of blood against artery walls is consistently high. HBP increases the heart's workload, causing damage to the delicate tissues of the arteries. According to the CDC, "High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans," affecting tens of millions of adults in the United States. Unmanaged HBP can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, vision loss, kidney disease, and sexual dysfunction.
Dental treatments often, if not always, involve at least a minimal amount of stress incurred by local anesthesia and drilling. Blood pressure typically rises during dental procedures in an average person but can be life-threatening to patients with HBP as it increases their risk of a heart attack or stroke. At the same time, oral conditions, such as cavities, may be the cause of their HBP. The treatment can help reduce their symptoms and future readings.
“Unmanaged HBP can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, vision loss, kidney disease, and sexual dysfunction.”
Meaning Behind Results
A blood pressure screening reveals two numbers that result from two forces: the first force (systolic pressure) and the second force (diastolic pressure). The American Heart Association explains, "The first force occurs as blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries that are part of the circulatory system. The second force is created as the heart rests between heartbeats." A normal blood pressure reading is between 120/80 mm Hg, systolic over diastolic. High blood pressure refers to a systolic number higher than 120 and the diastolic number higher than 80. Low blood pressure readings are 90/60 mm Hg and lower.
A complete health dentist takes into account the patient's medical history, prior treatments and surgeries, underlying health conditions, and current blood pressure readings to customize their dental treatment plan. This may mean referring the patient to a primary health care provider that can better help them manage their blood pressure or send them to a hospital for further scans and treatment. We take all necessary precautions to ensure every patient is safe and all dental treatments enhance their well-being without putting them at risk.
“A normal blood pressure reading is between 120/80 mm Hg, systolic over diastolic.”
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How Blood Pressure Affects Dental Care
In rare cases, a patient may enter the dentist's office with dangerously high or low blood pressure. If this occurs, the dental team can arrange for the patient to visit the hospital emergency room. The team can also decide whether to move forward with certain types of treatment.
Patients with abnormal blood pressure readings may get disqualified from certain dental procedures. In particular, anesthetics can create a spike in blood pressure. Some patients might also experience sudden drops in blood pressure after a procedure if they have been taking antihypertensive medication.
Our dental team provides constant monitoring when administering medications. We check the patient's blood pressure before and after treatment. Before discharging the patient, we make sure that their blood pressure is stable. Patient safety is our highest priority.
“Patients with abnormal blood pressure readings may get disqualified from certain dental procedures.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is low blood pressure and how can it limit dental treatment?
Q. How does high blood pressure affect dental treatment?
Q. What do the numbers on a blood test reading mean?
Q. Does high or low blood pressure disqualify me from treatment?
Q. Does the practice do treatment referrals?
People Also Ask
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Treatment Referrals
Patients with chronic blood pressure problems may be at risk for heart disease. If the patient shows signs of heart problems, the dental team may refer the patient to a cardiologist. Cardiologists specialize in disorders affecting blood pressure and circulation. A cardiologist can help patients achieve stable blood pressure.
Many patients develop blood pressure problems due to stress, anxiety, or depression. If the dentist suspects mental health concerns, they may provide a referral to a mental health care provider. These providers can help patients manage stress through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Mental health care supports emotional wellbeing along with heart health.
“Many patients develop blood pressure problems due to stress, anxiety, or depression.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Pressure Screenings
Q. What is a normal result during a blood pressure test?
A. Normal blood pressure readings can vary. As a rule, most adults should keep their blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80. Some patients may have consistently abnormal readings due to a chronic health condition. A doctor can let you know what readings are normal for you.
Q. What happens if my blood pressure test results are abnormal?
A. Blood pressure can fluctuate. Patients may have low or high readings due to stress. Physical activities and medication can also affect blood pressure. If your readings are abnormal, the dentist may check your blood pressure several times. They may also refer you to a doctor for further care.
Q. What are the health risks of high blood pressure?
A. Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to organ failure and stroke. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure are also at a higher risk for dementia. Sadly, high blood pressure often goes undetected for years. Routine blood pressure screenings can help diagnose this condition in its early stages.
Q. How is high blood pressure treated?
A. Patients with high blood pressure test results may need to take daily medication. Some patients may also need to adjust their lifestyles. Dietary changes, weight loss, and smoking cessation can help lower blood pressure. Our dental team can help patients access treatment for their high blood pressure.
Q. Does dental anesthetic affect blood pressure?
A. Anesthetics may cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. Patients who receive these medications need constant monitoring. Our dental team may perform a blood pressure screening several times during treatment involving an anesthetic. If your blood pressure spikes, we can provide on-the-spot care.
Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry and how blood pressure affects many dental treatments, call us at 954-526-2266 to set up an appointment or ask us during your next visit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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