Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but it also means that you’ve got a lot of extra things to keep track of, since you’ve got an extra passenger along for the ride! One thing to keep in mind is your oral health; given how pregnancy can influence your body, it’s important to take extra good care of yourself, including your teeth. That said, you might be wondering if you can still visit your dentist during your pregnancy. You absolutely can, but the dental work you can receive might be limited. Keep reading to learn more.
What Dental Procedures Are Safe for Pregnant Women?
Fortunately, being pregnant does not entirely exempt you from dental work! There are still many procedures and treatment options deemed perfectly safe for those who are pregnant, including:
- Preventive care like checkups and cleanings – It’s crucial to prevent oral infections such as gum disease during pregnancy, as the rise in your hormone levels can trigger gum inflammation and bleeding that’s been linked to preterm birth and other conditions that can affect your child. Regularly visiting your dentist for preventive care is one of the best ways to prevent serious problems from developing, which in turn protects both you and your child.
- Cavity fillings and crowns – Since preventing oral infection is so critical during pregnancy, having cavities filled and getting crowns as necessary is also encouraged. Ideally, this dental work should be completed prior to the third trimester, while the patient is still able to recline comfortably.
- Emergency dentistry – Accidents can happen without discretion, and even if you’re pregnant you might unexpectedly find yourself with a broken tooth, severe ache, or something else that requires immediate attention. In these situations, you absolutely shouldn’t wait to seek treatment!
Which Dental Procedures Should I Avoid If I’m Pregnant?
Even though a lot of dental work is perfectly safe for those who are pregnant, there are a few certain procedures that should be avoided until after your pregnancy:
- Dental X-rays – X-rays are necessary to perform many dental procedures, especially emergencies. But even though they’re a routine part of many annual dental exams, they can usually be postponed until after pregnancy. However, the American College of Radiology has found that with the proper shielding (such as a lead vest covering the patient’s belly and torso), it is perfectly safe for pregnant women to receive X-rays without worrying about adverse effects in their child.
- Elective and cosmetic procedures – Although most cosmetic dental procedures are safe and very unlikely to lead to any complications, it’s best to hold off on having elective work done until after you’ve given birth. This simply reduces the risk of your baby being exposed to any unnecessary risks, even if they are minimal.
If you’re concerned about how your pregnancy will affect your eligibility for dental work, don’t fret; although it will depend on your individual needs, the well-being of you and your child will always be your dentist’s top priority.
About the Author
A native Texan himself, Dr. Brandon Horton has proudly served patients and families in the Coppell, TX area for several years. Dr. Horton received his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide variety of fields. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Horton’s practice online or by phone: (972) 393-7348.