Dental Cleanings and Examinations
Preventive dental cleanings and yearly dental examinations during pregnancy are not just harmless, but are strongly suggested. The increase in hormone levels during pregnancy lead to swollen, bleeding gums that trap food which ultimately result in even further irritation. Preventive dental work is vital to prevent gum disease and other oral infections that are linked to preterm birth.
Other Regular Dental Work
Dental work like cavity fillings and crowns must be treated to lower the risk of infection. If dental work needs to be done during pregnancy, the second trimester is the best time. Once the third trimester is reached pregnant women find it difficult to lie on their back for long periods of time.
Still, the best course of action is to postpone all unimportant dental work until after childbirth. However, emergency dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is sometimes required.
Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures must be postponed until after childbirth.
Dental Medication
Presently, separate studies disagree on the possible negative effects on the unborn child from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work and it (category B) does cross the placenta after administration.
If dental work is necessary, the amount of anesthesia administered should be just enough to prevent the patient from feeling pain.
Dental work frequently needs antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Penicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, and other antibiotics labeled category B may be prescribed after your procedure.
X-Rays
Regular x-rays, typically taken during yearly exams, can generally be put off till after childbirth. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation level high enough to cause harm to a developing embryo or fetus.
Fetal organ development begins in the first trimester; it is wise to steer clear of all potential hazards. If non-emergency dental work is required during the third trimester, it is normally postponed until after childbirth to avoid the risk of premature labor.
Pregnant and in need of a dentist? Contact Dr. Massiah, Today at (212) 222-5225 !
