Can the dentist refuse to treat you if your blood pressure is too high?

No, your dental provider won't permanently refuse to treat you because of high blood pressure. Most people with well-controlled blood pressure can receive dental care without any changes to their treatment. But if your blood pressure is very high on the day of your appointment, your provider may postpone certain procedures until it's better controlled. That decision is made to help protect your health and safety.

What you'll learn in this article:

• A single high reading doesn't automatically cancel your appointment. Your dental provider looks at the whole picture, not just one number.

• A reading above 160/100 mmHg may need to be checked again and could delay elective treatment if it stays high.

• Dental anxiety can cause a temporary spike that may settle before your appointment even begins, and your provider knows how to recognize it.

• A few straightforward steps before your visit can help keep your reading in a safer range.

If you're unsure how your blood pressure might affect your upcoming appointment, schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental provider to discuss your medical history in advance.

Why does your provider check your blood pressure?

Checking your blood pressure helps your provider make the safest treatment plan for you. It's not meant to keep you from getting dental care.

Some dental procedures use a local anesthetic that contains epinephrine. This is a medication that helps the numbing last longer and reduces bleeding during treatment. It can also briefly raise your heart rate and blood pressure.

For most people, that's not a problem. But if your blood pressure is already very high, it can put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Checking your blood pressure before treatment helps your provider decide whether any changes are needed to keep you safe.

What blood pressure reading is too high for dental treatment?

For elective dental care, readings below 160/100 mmHg generally do not require changes. If your reading is above 160/100 mmHg, your provider may check it again. If it remains high, they may postpone elective treatment and ask you to consult your physician. For readings at or above 180/110 mmHg, medical consultation is generally recommended before treatment proceeds.¹

What happens if my reading is dangerously high?

If your blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg or higher when you arrive, your dental provider will likely postpone elective treatment and ask you to follow up with your primary care provider first. If you have a dental emergency, such as a severe infection or significant swelling, your dental provider can still treat the urgent problem using techniques that help reduce stress on your heart and blood vessels.

If you have a very high blood pressure reading along with a severe headache, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in your vision, seek emergency medical care right away. These can be signs of a hypertensive emergency that needs immediate treatment.

What if my reading is elevated but not dangerously high?

A mildly elevated reading does not always delay care. If it is above 160/100 mmHg, your dental provider may check it again and consider your usual readings, medical history and planned procedure.¹ If it stays high, elective treatment may be postponed until you speak with your physician.² Emergency care may still be provided with added monitoring when needed.

Could dental anxiety affect your reading?

Absolutely. This is more common than many people realize. Feeling anxious at the dentist can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, sometimes referred to as “white coat hypertension.” Your reading may be high at your appointment even if it's normal at home. Your dental provider understands this and may have you relax for a few minutes before checking your blood pressure again.

If you're feeling nervous, let your provider know. Taking slow, deep breaths, staying warm and talking openly about your anxiety can help you relax and give your care team the information they need to make the safest decisions for your treatment.

What can you do before your appointment?

A few simple steps can help your appointment go more smoothly:

• Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed, including the morning of your appointment — skipping even one dose can cause your reading to rise

• Avoid caffeine for an hour or two before your visit

• Tell your dental provider about every medication you take

• Let your care team know if your blood pressure has been running high recently

Sharing your health history with your dental provider helps them make the safest treatment decisions for you. If you’re concerned that your blood pressure could delay treatment, a dental provider can evaluate your reading, review your medications and recommend the safest next steps. 

Can the dentist refuse to treat you if your blood pressure is too high? FAQs

If you're still wondering how high blood pressure can affect your dental care, these answers cover some of the questions patients ask most often.

Can a tooth infection raise your blood pressure?

Yes. A dental infection triggers a physical stress response in your body, and that stress can temporarily elevate your blood pressure. The solution isn't to avoid seeing your dental provider — it's to treat the infection promptly. Addressing the source of the problem is what brings both the infection and the elevated reading under control.

What does my dentist do differently if I have high blood pressure?

Your dental provider may make several adjustments to keep your treatment safer. These can include limiting the amount of epinephrine in the local anesthetic, taking more frequent breaks during longer procedures, monitoring your blood pressure during treatment and using techniques to minimize stress and discomfort. Letting your dental provider know about your blood pressure history before your appointment — not just on the day — gives your care team the most time to plan around your needs.

Can I get dental care if I have diagnosed hypertension?

Yes. Having high blood pressure does not prevent you from receiving dental treatment. Millions of patients with managed hypertension receive routine and complex dental care safely every year. The key is communicating openly with your dental provider about your diagnosis, your medications and any recent changes in your readings. You can also learn more about how medical history affects dental care in our guide to treatment decisions and your medical history.

Sources

¹American Dental Association. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure). https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/hypertension

² Yarows SA, Vornovitsky O, Eber RM, Bisognano JD, Basile J. “Canceling dental procedures due to elevated blood pressure: Is it appropriate?” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2020;151(4):239–244. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067694/