Pregnant Dental Visits - Soft Touch Dentistry

Soft Touch Dentistry

Dental Work During Pregnancy
O'Fallon, Illinois

Question: Is it safe to receive dental work during my pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should do normal preventive
dental work during pregnancy. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during
pregnancy are not only safe, but are recommended. The rise in hormone levels
during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food, causing increased
irritation to your gums. Preventive dental work is essential to avoid oral infections
such as gum disease, which has been linked to pre-term birth.

Question: When should I get fillings or root canals if I'm pregnant?

Dental work such as cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance
of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal.
Once you've reached the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an
extended period of time. The safest course of action is to postpone all
unnecessary dental work until after the birth. However, sometimes emergency
dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary.

Question: What about dental cosmetic procedures?

Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should
be postponed until after the birth of your child. It is best to avoid exposing the
developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.

Question: What about dental medications used during pregnancy?

Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the
developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most
commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine (Category B) does cross the placenta
after administration, but there is no conclusive evidence that shows harm to an
unborn child. If dental work is needed, the amount of anesthesia administered will be
as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. When you are
comfortable, the amount of stress on you and the baby is reduced. Also, the more
comfortable you are, the easier it is for the anesthesia to work.

Often times, antibiotics are required to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as
penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in
pregnancy, may be prescribed after your procedure.

Question: What about x-rays used in dental work during pregnancy?

Routine x-rays, usually taken during annual exams, can usually be postponed until
after the birth. X-rays are necessary to perform many dental procedures, especially
emergencies. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-
ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing
embryo or fetus.

Dental x-rays should be postponed until after pregnancy if possible. Fetal organ
development occurs during the first trimester; it is best to avoid all potential risks at
this time if possible. If non-emergency dental work is needed during the third
trimester, it is usually postponed until after the birth. This is to avoid the risk of
premature labor and prolonged time lying on your back.

For more information, click on the X-Ray page in our website.

Some things to remember, if you're pregnant and headed to the dentist:

1) The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that pregnant women eat a
balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and
floss at least once daily.

2) Pregnant women should have routine preventive dental exams and cleanings.

3) Always remember to inform Dr. Thompson that you are pregnant.

4) Dr. Thompson will postpone non-emergency dental work until the second
trimester or until after delivery, if possible.

5) Dr. Thompson will postpone elective procedures until after the delivery.

6) Maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed and elevated while
sitting in the reception area and in the dental chair.

7) One of our dental assistants will offer you a pillow, while you are in the dental
chair, to help keep you and your baby comfortable.

References and further readings:
This information was compiled using information from the following sources:
William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 41.,
American College of Radiologists , American Dental Association , and
Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, Ch. 7.