Are you or someone you know pregnant and dealing with a dental emergency? If you’re pregnant, you can still visit the dentist, especially if it’s an emergency. In fact, you should never put off dental emergencies or even routine dental appointments while pregnant. At the same time, during gestation, it is important to take extra precautions when it comes to dental procedures and treatments, in order to ensure the safety of her baby.
Dealing with Dental Emergencies While Pregnant
Before you go to your dentist or have any procedures done, you should make sure that you contact your OBGYN for an approval to have X-rays taken. However, dentistry has come a long way, and modern x-ray technology emits little radiation. In most cases, dentists will use a double lead shield to minimize your exposure to secondary radiation. At Vero Dental Spa, we use high-quality digital x-rays, which emits almost no radiation.
In the case that you need antibiotics, you should also consult your OBGYN to make sure that the prescription is okay for your level of pregnancy. To ensure the safety of you and your baby, we will only prescribe “class B” antibiotics, which includes Tylenol and amoxicillin. If an emergency treatment is needed, we will use a safe anesthesia, ensuring that it doesn’t contain any epinephrine.
Generally, it isn’t safe to have any dental procedures completed in the first three months and last three months of your pregnancy. Dental procedures can induce stress, and in severe cases it can cause premature delivery.
If you’re pregnant and experiencing a dental emergency, we will do as much as possible to relieve your pain and stop any infections. This will typically require prescribing medication and relieving as much stress as possible.
When it comes to emergencies, you will need to carefully consider the risk versus the reward. If you are in excruciating pain or dealing with a severe infection, it is better to see a dentist, even if you are in your first or last trimester. In some cases, dentists will refer pregnant patients to specialists for treatments like extractions, root canals, and fillings.
Pregnancy and Dental Health
While you should try and avoid dental procedures while pregnant, it’s still important that you stay rigorous with your dental health routines. Even though you will be visiting other medical providers frequently, don’t let the dentist fall off your radar. In fact, pregnancy is one of the most crucial periods for maintaining your oral health.
Many women can go the whole nine months of pregnancy, thinking they are not experiencing any dental health problems. Unfortunately, without going to a regular check-up, a lot of dental health problems can go undetected. As a pregnant woman, you are more prone to dental health problems, and you might be developing gum disease and tooth decay without even realizing it, which can negatively affect your baby’s health.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing “pregnancy gingivitis.” This form of gingivitis occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, manifesting as a gum inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. You also might experience bleeding when brushing and flossing. When untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can develop into full-fledged gum disease. Frequent cleaning during pregnancy can prevent this.
Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of developing cavities, due to a number of factors. Morning sickness, acid reflux, and vomiting exposes your mouth to acid that can eat away the outer layer of your enamel, and eventually lead to cavities and tooth sensitivity.
One way to keep yourself free of dental disease during pregnancy is by brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist, and using fluoride toothpastes and rinses. Are you pregnant and worried about the current state of your dental health? Call Vero Dental Spa today, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.