At the office of Dr. Comfortes, your safety and systemic health are our top priorities. You may have noticed that we’ve made blood pressure screenings a standard part of clinical visits. While it might seem unusual to have your “vitals” taken at the dentist, even during American Heart Month, there are three critical reasons why this practice is essential for your care.
1. Your Safety During Treatment
Many dental procedures involve the use of local anesthetics, some of which contain vasoconstrictors like epinephrine. If your blood pressure is significantly elevated, these medications can cause a further spike, potentially leading to a medical emergency. By checking your numbers first, Dr. Comfortes ensures that any treatment provided is safe for your heart.
2. The Oral-Systemic Connection
Research consistently shows a strong link between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular health. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can contribute to inflammation in the arteries. Monitoring your blood pressure allows us to look at the “big picture” of your health and understand how your oral environment might be impacting your heart.
3. High Blood Pressure – The “Silent Killer”
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often has no outward symptoms. Because many patients visit their dentist more frequently than their primary care physician, we often serve as the first line of defense.
What to Expect
Our team will take a quick, non-invasive blood pressure reading.
- If your numbers are normal: We proceed with your appointment with peace of mind.
- If your numbers are elevated: We may wait a few minutes and re-test. If they remain high, we might postpone certain treatments and recommend a follow-up with your physician.
Did you know? Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many are unaware of it. We aren’t just looking after your teeth—we are looking out for you.
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic mmHg (Upper number) | Diastolic mmHg (Lower number) | |
| Normal | Below 120 | and | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120 – 129 | and | Below 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or Higher | or | 90 or Higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Above 180 | and/or | Above 120 |
The general, cosmetic and reconstructive dental practice of Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes is devoted to restoring optimal oral health, which supports whole body health and enhances the natural beauty of smiles.
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