Melody Jacob

Some dental offices have a policy of taking your blood pressure before starting your appointment. Although high blood pressure won't directly affect the condition of your teeth, it can make some treatments more difficult. But Can High Blood Pressure Affect Your Dental Treatment?

Basic dental techniques

There are many dental procedures where your blood pressure won't even be a minor concern. These are the fundamental techniques, such as a general inspection, scaling, and polishing of the teeth. Even straightforward restoration tasks like filling a cavity won't cause any issues. Your blood pressure can become an issue when you require a more invasive procedure that calls for anaesthesia. How come, though?

Anaesthetic and Beta Blocker Interaction

Although very effective, epinephrine tightens blood vessels, which may lead to an increase in blood pressure. A negative reaction is even more likely if you are taking beta-blockers as prescribed for your blood pressure. Although such a reaction is uncommon, in severe cases it can cause a cardiac episode or even a cerebral haemorrhage. As you can see, it's imperative that you inform your dentist exactly which blood pressure medications you're taking.