Health comes first during pregnancy. You want to make sure you’re doing everything possible to keep you and your baby as safe and healthy as possible. However, you may have reservations about getting certain dental procedures while pregnant.
Following are some certain dental procedures you may need to receive, and we’ll discuss if and why they are safe and recommended.
Dental Fillings During Pregnancy
There is a slightly higher risk of cavities during pregnancy due to various factors such as morning sickness, increased mouth acidity, cravings for certain sugary treats, or perhaps decreased attention to a good oral health routine.
However, if you do get a cavity while pregnant, getting it filled is perfectly safe. According to the American College of Obstetricians and the American Dental Association, getting a filling during pregnancy is entirely safe and recommended.
Silver fillings can contain mercury, which could potentially pose a very small risk to the baby. You may want to discuss getting a temporary filling made out of a different material until you are no longer pregnant. Communicating with your dentist will help you determine the safest and most effective solution.
Regardless, waiting to get a cavity filled until after pregnancy will pose the highest amount of risk to your and your baby’s health.
Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can certainly put extra wear and tear on your teeth, combined with normal dental issues you may be experiencing. That’s why you should continue to get normal dental care, including X-rays, to make sure everything in your mouth is looking good. The American Dental Association and American Academy of Family Physicians both state that getting dental X-rays during pregnancy is perfectly safe.
You will wear a large lead vest to ensure that you and your baby are both protected from the X-rays. In fact, newer digital X-rays use even smaller doses of rays than once used in the past.
Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy
Not only are traditional dental cleanings during pregnancy safe, but they are highly encouraged. You shouldn’t skimp on dental health during pregnancy, as there is a strong connection between oral health and overall health.
Pregnancy gingivitis – gingivitis that occurs during pregnancy – is a common issue among mothers-to-be. If you have bleeding or puffy gums, or tenderness or pain when brushing or flossing, you may have it. Thorough cleanings and getting the appropriate treatments from your dentist can help prevent and solve this among many other dental issues.
It’s encouraged to schedule an extra dental cleaning during your second trimester, because certain factors such as hormones, increased blood flow, or acid erosion from morning sickness can all increase your chances of getting pregnancy gingivitis. Having that extra cleaning can curb your risk and prevent additional infections.
Dental Extractions During Pregnancy
If you for some reason need a tooth extraction while pregnant, it’s deemed completely safe to get by the ADA. However, if you do need an extraction, you’ll want to try and schedule it during your second trimester or after giving birth. Your baby’s vital organs are developing during the first trimester, and taking antibiotics for dental infections in pregnancy isn’t highly advised.
However, if you need an emergency extraction or it can’t wait, consult with your dentist and obstetrician to determine a plan that will be safe for you and your baby.
Contact Us Today
The team at North Suburban Dental is committed to excellence. No matter what dental services you need, our seasoned specialists will be able to address them. We understand that pregnancy is an exciting yet overwhelming time, and our team is here to make sure going to the dentist is an enjoyable-stress free experience.
For high-quality dental care for you and the whole family, give North Suburban Dental a call today at any of our three locations!
