PREGNANCY AND DENTISTRY
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Pregnancy is a very exciting period of one's life and there's a lot to do to prepare for your new baby. It can be easy to neglect certain areas of your life, but it's extremely important to stay on top of your oral health.
Many moms-to-be suffer pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the wisdom tooth area, because of all the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
The prospect of oral surgery brings up a lot of questions for most people. A few topics are brought to light here:
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
It depends on several factors, including the trimester you are in, the condition of your teeth, and the risk of infection. If your wisdom teeth aren't causing any complications, it's likely best to wait until your baby is born to schedule your extraction.
However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, it could be better to move ahead with the procedure.
The first trimester involves complications such as the feeling of nausea, suspension of a bad taste in the mouth, feeling of dizziness or a persistent vomiting tendency are some of the issues that continuously keep bothering you. And in your 3rd trimester, it will be simply difficult for you to lie straight on your back for a prolonged duration of time. Considering these conditions, the second trimester is the best time for any dental treatment. Be extra watchful about your oral health care during pregnancy to avoid unnecessary extractions. If you must have an extraction, consult with your dentist and obstetrician to know about painkillers and antibiotics that are safe.
RADIOGRAPHS
In terms of X-rays, dental x-rays have a very low radiation dose, which is equivalent to what you would get on a 1-hour plane flight. And there's good news - the ADA and American College of Radiology (ACOG) say that no single diagnostic x-ray uses radiation at high enough levels to harm a developing baby. And we always use appropriate shielding as a precaution.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
Epinephrine-free anesthetic or by using smaller amounts of regular anesthesia. Scientific studies and clinical research suggest that the safest times for local anesthesia are during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Fortunately, more recent research by the American Dental Association has revealed that local anesthetics with epinephrine are completely safe to use throughout pregnancy. No risks were found whatsoever.
Be sure to communicate any worries with your dentist. so you can figure out what works best for you and your baby. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer as best we can!