Expecting mom can have lots of questions for doing dental work during her pregnancy. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but are recommended. Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth. As always, if you have a question, don't be afraid to give us a call at (818) 784-5889!
Dental work while pregnant, such as cavity fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time. However, sometimes emergency dental work, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, is necessary. Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth.
Be sure your dentist knows what, if any, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. This information will help your dentist determine what type of prescription, if any, to write for you. Your dentist can consult with your physician to choose medications—such as pain relievers or antibiotics—you may safely take during the pregnancy. Both your dentist and physician are concerned about you and your baby, so ask them any questions you have about medications they recommend.
When possible, it is best to avoid routine x-rays during pregnancy to minimize the fetal exposure to the radiation. For this reason, routine x-rays are recommended before trying to conceive and after the birth of the baby.
However, diagnostic dental x-rays may very occasionally be required for pregnant women, especially for emergency dental procedures. The American College of Radiology claims that the radiation dose used in diagnostic x-rays, with the use of appropriate shielding, is not high enough to cause adverse effects to the fetus. Nonetheless, it is usually preferred to avoid unnecessary x-rays to minimize any potential risks.
If you're pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don’t have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby.
Women who are pregnant should be advised to take good care of their teeth to help prevent common dental conditions in pregnancy, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. They should be encouraged to:
These activities help to remove plaque from around the teeth and gums on a regular basis so that it is difficult for a bacterial infection to take hold. Additionally, regular check-ups throughout pregnancy are important to monitor the health of the teeth and gums. If the woman notices any bleeding from the gums, she should be advised to see a dental or medical professional and decide with their help on an appropriate course of action.
