Having Dental Work Done While Pregnant

According to a poll on Wellsphere’s Dental Health Community, more than 50% of people are sometimes afraid to go to the dentist. This fear can understandably increase when the dental patient-to-be is pregnant. There seems to be a lot to worry about when it comes to going to the dentist while pregnant. Infections, X-rays, and medications are just some of the issues causing expectant moms to worry. This article hopes to provide reassurance and a short guide to getting dental work done while pregnant.

First of all, it is important to remember how important dental health is during pregnancy. Poor dental hygiene can cause many problems during pregnancy, including low birth weight. You should consider making an appointment with your dentist soon after your pregnancy is confirmed. In addition to making sure you have a healthy smile, this will also give you an opportunity to tell your dentist about your impending arrival. Make sure you do tell your dentist that you are pregnant. This will be important information if you have any problems later on.

If you do find that you are having dental problems, call your dentist and OBGYN and let them know. It is important to keep all your doctors on the same page. Your OBGYN will likely fax a list of acceptable medications and procedures to your dentist, and he or she will take a look at the problem to see if it is something that can wait till after delivery or something that needs to be taken care of right away. A bacterial infection will need to be taken care of right away, but lesser problems may be able to wait. Your dentist may need to do an x-ray. This seems frightening, but with your OBGYN’s permission this process can be safe. It is important that your stomach is thoroughly shielded (several protective aprons) during this process.

The second trimester is the best time to have dental work done. This is because many of the vital organs have already been formed, but you are not too uncomfortable to lie in a dental chair for several hours.

If you do have to have dental work done, it may be possible for the dentist to begin so quickly that you do not need to have antibiotics. If you do need antibiotics, do not despair. Just consult your OBGYN. Many of these medicines are safe, and they are certainly much safer than a bad bacteria infection.

Many people fear dental work because it is a painful process. It is usually safe to have local anesthetic while you are pregnant. Your pain can put stress on the baby, and it is not a crime to want to be reasonably comfortable. After your procedure, there are some pain killers that are safe during pregnancy. At the very least, take some Tylenol. (NOT Ibuprofen) If you need something stronger, there are safe medicines available. Just make sure you are taking a safe dose.

I make these suggestions to you because I had an emergency root canal during my second trimester. My dentist was very careful with doing x-rays and prescribed Hydrocodone to me-with my OBGYN’s permission. Take care of yourself, and do not focus on the horror stories. You have to take care of yourself to take care of your baby.

Dr. Helaine Smith, “Angie’s List Poll Says 50% Afraid to Visit the Dentist” Wellsphere

Sawf News, “Poor dental hygiene causes complications in pregnancy and newborn babies” SawfNews.com