For many women, pregnancy brings all sorts of worries and uncertainties. As much as you want to receive the dental care you need, the health up your baby is the number one priority. Your concerns are completely understandable and quite common. Fortunately, a dentist in Casper is here to help. Continue reading to learn how you can safely receive dental work while pregnant as well as which treatments you should postpone until a later time.
Are Cleanings and Checkups Safe When You’re Pregnant?
Having your teeth cleaned and examined when your pregnant is both safe and highly encouraged! Because hormone levels are higher than normal, pregnant women are more likely to experience gum inflammation, bleeding, and irritation. By seeing your dentist during this time, you are more likely to avoid oral infections, like periodontal disease, which can be linked to preterm birth.
Are Other Dental Procedures Safe During Pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant, you should be doing everything you can to prevent infections. This means that having dental work like fillings and crowns is absolutely necessary. Emergency procedures, like root canals and extractions are also necessary, especially during pregnancy. Your dentist should administer the smallest amount of anesthesia possible to ensure that you are comfortable. This helps to reduce stress on both you and your baby. It is safe for your dentist to use local anesthetics, like lidocaine, during this procedures. If required for your procedure, they may recommend a category B antibiotic to prevent or treat infections.
If you’re looking to get elective or cosmetic dental work while pregnant, it is best to wait until after your child is born. Most of these treatments are fairly save, but it is best to avoid any possible risks of complications that could affect your baby.
Can You Get Routine X-Rays While Pregnant?
The American College of Radiology reports that no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects on an unborn child. Both the ADA and ACOG also consider dental x-rays to be safe with appropriate shielding. However, if your x-ray is not for an emergency treatment, you can usually postpone it until after the birth of your child if you would prefer to do so.
If you’re expecting, be sure to let your dentist know as well as how far along you are. This way, they can take all of the necessary precautions when you receive treatment. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, this is also something that you should make your dentist aware of. The wellbeing of you and your baby is the number one priority of your dental team!
About the Author
Dr. Erin M. Prach has been serving patients at her practice in Casper, WY since 2015. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine and has been committed to continuing education ever since. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (307) 337-4770.