Dear Patient,
You may have noticed that we check your blood pressure and other vital signs when you visit our dental clinic. This is an important part of your care, and we want to explain why we do this.
Ensuring Your Safety During Dental Procedures
Dental procedures can sometimes cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. By checking your vital signs before we begin treatment, we can make sure it’s safe to proceed with your dental care. For example, if your blood pressure is very high (above 160/100 mm Hg), we may need to postpone certain procedures to avoid complications during treatment.
Detecting Undiagnosed Health Conditions
Many people have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions without knowing it. When we check your vital signs, we may discover health issues that need attention. Studies show that a large percentage of dental patients have blood pressure readings outside the normal range. If we find something concerning, we can refer you to your primary care doctor for follow-up.
Understanding Your Overall Health
Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can affect how we plan your dental treatment and what medications we can safely use. Your vital signs, along with your medical history, help us provide the safest and most effective care possible.
Preventing Medical Emergencies
While medical emergencies in dental offices are uncommon, they can happen. The most common emergencies include fainting, low blood sugar in people with diabetes, and heart-related events. By knowing your baseline vital signs and medical conditions, we’re better prepared to recognize and respond quickly if any problems occur during your visit.
Taking vital signs is a standard practice in modern dental care and shows our commitment to your overall health and safety. If you have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to ask our team.
Preparing for Surgical Procedures
We provide a number of surgical procedures and use a number of medications during your procedures that can affect your cardiopulmonary health. And it is recognized as a basic standard of care for all outpatient surgical procedures.
We’re always happy to talk through what we’re checking and why. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, medical history, or upcoming dental treatment, please let us know. Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Call us at 206‑362‑5400 or speak with a member of our team at your next visit. We’re here to care for you, not just your smile.
