Could Cardiovascular Parameters Be Affected by Dental Impression?

Abstract

Background: The frequency of cardiovascular disease increases with age. Dental procedures as stressful triggers may cause unpredictable changes in the function of the cardiovascular system. Impression is an inevitable dental procedure. Objectives: Since upper jaw impression stimulates the sensory terminals of nerves, especially vagus, this study was conducted to evaluate the changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse pressure due to dental impression. Methods: This observational study was performed on individuals who referred to the Prosthetic Department of Yazd Dental School. The sample was composed of 46 individuals, including 26 women and 20 men, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and signed written consent forms. The severity of gag reflex was measured and just individuals with moderate gag reflex entered the study. Impression was carried out in the upper jaw in the upright position and rest condition. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse pressure were measured and compared before and immediately after impression procedure. Taking into account the significance level of 5%, the test power of 80%, and blood pressure standard deviation of 4, and to achieve a significant difference of at least 2 mmHg in the groups, 46 people were needed in the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 and t test. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse pressure were measured before and after dental impression. The difference between men and women was significant only for pulse pressure at both stages (P = 0.02). There was also a statistically significant difference in pulse pressure before and after impression only in women (P = 0.049). There was no significant difference in men. Conclusions: Common dental procedures such as impression could not significantly alter blood pressure and pulse rate.