american dental association hypertension guidelines

According to the American Dental Association’s guidelines on hypertension, it is essential to monitor blood pressure levels in dental patients prior to treatment. If the blood pressure readings exceed the normal range, the treatment plan may require modification to safeguard the patient’s safety and comfort.

For patients with mild hypertension, with readings between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg, dental procedures can typically proceed as planned. However, for those with moderate hypertension, with readings between 140/90 and 159/99 mmHg, it may be necessary to consult with the patient’s primary care physician before initiating treatment to ensure no adverse effects on their health. Additionally, for patients with severe hypertension, with readings above 160/100 mmHg, it is generally advised to delay dental treatment until blood pressure is adequately controlled to mitigate potential risks during the procedure.

Thus, dental patients with hypertension are advised to inform their dentist of their blood pressure status before treatment and to follow the dentist’s recommendations. Patients should also regularly monitor their blood pressure and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption, to assist in blood pressure control. Under a physician’s guidance, the judicious use of antihypertensive medications is also a crucial strategy for managing blood pressure.