ABORDAGEM ODONTOLÓGICA DE PACIENTES HIPERTENSOS

Abstract

Objective: To verify the approach taken by dental surgeons to the care of hypertensive patients. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of dentists working in the private health services network of a municipality in the state of Bahia, identified through the National Register of Health Establishments. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire in the form of a semi-structured interview, which allowed us to characterize the professionals and verify their knowledge and conduct in relation to hypertensive patients. Results: With regard to the current criteria for diagnosing systemic hypertension, 38.9% said that it was systolic blood pressure 140-159 and diastolic blood pressure 90-99, with the majority limiting emergency dental care to patients with blood pressure up to 140/90 mmHg. With regard to how professionals deal with hypertensive patients, 58.3% only measure the patient's blood pressure in surgical cases, and 45.8% measure it for all patients. Approximately 47.0% usually use anesthetic solutions with vasoconstrictors for compensated patients and without vasoconstrictors for decompensated patients, and 44.4% use up to three tubes of anesthetic per session. As methods used to avoid a rise in blood pressure during dental care due to fear/anxiety, 38.9% of professionals mentioned talking, psychological conditioning, benzodiazepine drugs, muscle relaxation and even sedation to control the patient. Conclusion: It was possible to identify the professionals' lack of knowledge about systemic arterial hypertension, but their behavior is relatively adequate.