Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. It can be a roller coaster of emotions and make you question everything from what you eat to the medications you take.
Another consideration that may come up during pregnancy is dental care. Routine dental care is just as important while you’re pregnant as when you’re not, possibly even more so. Pregnancy increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, making dental cleanings and oral hygiene a priority.
But should you get dental work during pregnancy? When it comes to restorative procedures, simple treatments such as fillings are typically safe. But what about dental implants? Here’s what you should know before you consider getting dental implants while you’re pregnant.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacements for teeth that are missing, severely decayed, or too damaged to save. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth system, including the root. It is implanted in the jaw where it fuses with the bone for support. A crown can be attached to a single implant to replace one tooth. Multiple implants can support a bridge or dentures.
Do Dental Implants Require Surgery?
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, which requires access beneath the gum tissue to reach the bone. In many cases dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia to numb the nerves at the implant site. Sedation may be used to help patients relax or in cases where multiple implants will be placed during the same procedure.
Considerations For Dental Work During Pregnancy
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association, you should wait until after you have your baby to get dental implants due to the following reasons:
- Anesthesia. Local anesthesia is generally safe during pregnancy, but any deeper level of sedation may not be. Even local anesthesia may enter the bloodstream, which could potentially reach the baby in the womb.
- X-Rays. Digital X-rays are generally safe during pregnancy, but should not be taken unless medically necessary. It is not worth the risk of radiation exposure to get dental X-rays for dental implant preparation.
- Risk of Infection. During pregnancy you are at a higher risk of infection, and any infection could be more severe and potentially harmful to your pregnancy. Dental surgery would be considered an unnecessary risk.
- Medication. Certain medications are not safe for your baby if you take them during pregnancy. Many antibiotics and pain medications are not considered safe, making it more difficult to treat infections and manage pain after dental implant placement.
- Healing and Recovery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can delay healing and increase recovery time following dental surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do about missing teeth during my pregnancy?
There are alternative treatment options such as temporary prosthetics that can be used to replace missing or unsalvageable teeth until after your baby is born. Then you are free to get dental implants as needed.
What if I have problems with my existing dental implant during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease and affect circulation, meaning that an existing dental implant could fail. Contact your dentist or periodontist if you have an implant that is loose or causing you discomfort.
Learn More From Hudson Valley Periodontics and Implantology
If you’re interested in dental implants, call 845-623-6666 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. Even if you are currently pregnant, we can start the conversation about dental implants and make arrangements to revisit the procedure later. The many benefits of dental implants makes them worth the wait.