Blood Testing for Dental Health | Rapid Blood Testing
At Optimal Dental Health, we’re always looking for ways to elevate patient care through smarter technology and personalised treatment planning. That’s why we are proud to introduce the Igloo Blood Test Machine, an in-practice, rapid blood testing system that delivers vital health data in minutes.
Designed for convenience and accuracy, the Igloo device allows our highly trained team to perform blood tests on-site, with results during your appointment. These insights help us plan treatments more effectively and tailor dental care to your overall health.
In this blog, we’ll explain what each test measures, why we use them in dentistry, and how they support better outcomes.
What Tests Does the Igloo Machine Offer?
1. Vitamin D
What it measures:
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that supports calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Why we test it in dental care:
Optimal Vitamin D levels play a key role in:
- Implant success: Strong bone quality is essential for implant osseointegration — the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone. Low Vitamin D can compromise bone healing and stability.
- Bone regeneration: After extractions, grafts, or periodontal treatment, good Vitamin D helps support new bone formation.
- Oral surgery recovery: Adequate levels can enhance healing and reduce complications after surgery.
- Implant success: Strong bone quality is essential for implant osseointegration — the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone. Low Vitamin D can compromise bone healing and stability.
- Immune health:Vitamin D helps regulate immune signalling and inflammation in the gums, which can support healthier periodontal tissues and smoother healing after dental treatment, especially if levels are low.
- Tooth decay:Vitamin D supports calcium/phosphate balance and mineralised tissues, so low levels may be one of several factors that can increase cavity risk, particularly alongside dry mouth, frequent snacking, or recurrent decay.
Testing Vitamin D in-practice gives us real-time information to plan treatments with greater confidence.
2. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
What it measures:
CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Higher levels suggest an ongoing inflammatory response.
Why it matters in dentistry:
- Implant treatment: Chronic inflammation can affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. By identifying elevated CRP levels early, we can address underlying issues first.
- Periodontal disease monitoring: Gum disease is inflammatory. CRP gives us a broader view of systemic inflammation that may relate to your oral health.
- Better clinical decisions: Knowing a patient’s inflammatory status helps us time treatments and optimise outcomes.
3. HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
What it measures:
HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
Why we test it in dentistry:
- Diabetes and oral health link: People with poorly controlled diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease, infections, and slow healing after dental procedures.
- Safe care planning: Knowing your HbA1c helps us tailor treatments, anticipate healing responses, and work with your medical team if needed.
- Pre-surgery readiness: For surgical procedures or implant placement, we aim for stability and predictability and glucose control is a big part of that.
Benefits of the Igloo Blood Test Machine
Here’s why our patients will benefit from this service:
✔ Fast results, delivered during your visit
✔ Improved treatment planning and safety
✔ Supports personalised care based on your unique biology
✔ Non-invasive and convenient testing
✔ No need to visit an external lab
✔ Better outcomes for implants, surgery, and periodontal health
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Blood Testing
Do I need to fast before the tests?
Typically, fasting isn’t required for Vitamin D or CRP. For HbA1c, fasting is not necessary as it measures long-term sugar levels. We’ll confirm any instructions beforehand.
How long do results take?
Results are available within minutes, usually during your appointment. Saving time on travel and reducing the need for additional appointments or visits.
Will my dental insurance cover this?
Coverage varies. Our team can help you check with your provider ahead of time.
Is blood testing painful?
We use gentle finger-prick or small vein sampling. Most patients find it quick and comfortable.
Can these tests replace lab diagnostics?
The Igloo machine provides accurate, rapid results suitable for clinical decisions. In some cases, we may recommend additional lab tests for deeper analysis.
How much does it cost?
Our Igloo rapid blood tests at Optimal Dental Health start from £25. Call us today on 020 3921 1000 to find out more from our London dentist.
Meet the Author, Dr James Goolnik
Dr James Goolnik leads our practice with a commitment to integrating advanced diagnostics into patient care. His passion for combining technology with personalised dental treatment drives our adoption of cutting-edge tools like the Igloo Blood Test Machine.
Our London dentist Dr Goolnik and our team are fully trained to perform these rapid tests in-practice, interpret results on the spot, and use the data to enhance your treatment plan at Optimal Dental Health
To find out more, call our team today on 020 3921 1000 or email hello@optimaldental.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to Optimal Dental Health, Baker Street.
