Is It Safe to Get a Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy?

Dental problems can occur at any period, even in pregnant people. Pregnant women may experience more dental pain if living with a damaged tooth due to hormonal fluctuations, which can increase gum sensitivity. Unfortunately, many pregnant women shy away from tooth extractions because they fear it may negatively affect their pregnancy. This poses the question; are tooth extractions during pregnancy safe? We’ll touch on that and more in this article.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure involving removing a damaged tooth or teeth that a dentist near you may have found impossible to save. The procedure is simple and has a high success rate; thus very common and popular in dentistry. It is also done under anesthesia so the patient won’t experience pain during treatment.

When to Undergo Tooth Removal?

Tooth removal is usually the last option when you go for tooth restoration. Before we can do a tooth extraction in Fanwood, NJ, your dentist will first consider other dental restorations which can restore and, at the same time, preserve the tooth. However, severe damage to the tooth and its support structures can make it impossible to save the tooth forcing your dentist to consider removing it.

Is It Safe to Undergo Tooth Removal While Pregnant?

Tooth removal is safe even for pregnant patients. However, it’s best to undergo tooth removal during certain stages of pregnancy. Although local anesthesia has been proven safe even for pregnant patients, the American Pregnancy Association recommends decayed tooth removal during the second trimester of pregnancy and waiting until after delivery to go on with non-essential treatments.

First Trimester

The first trimester is considered a crucial period for a baby’s development. Therefore, no dental procedures should be conducted at this stage. However, if you suffer from a serious dental condition during the first trimester, you’ll have to persevere or use home remedies since drugs may affect the baby’s growth.

Second Trimester

This is the best time to have your tooth removed since most of the baby’s organs would have already developed. Nonetheless, avoiding advanced dental procedures during the second trimester is best. If you lose consciousness or feel dizzy, even temporarily, during treatment, inform your dentist immediately. This is known as syncope, and your dentist can help alleviate your symptoms by turning you to your left side. You may also experience a drop in blood pressure (Supine Hypotension Syndrome) when seated in a reclined position. This usually happens as the fetus exerts pressure on the inferior vena cava. Again, like in the previous case, your dentist can help, but, in this case, they’ll elevate your hip to 10-12 cm on the chair.

Third Trimester

It’s not advisable to undergo a dental procedure during the third trimester. This is because the pregnant patient will be heavily pregnant and thus find it challenging to sit in a stationary position for an extended period. In addition, stress caused by pain could result in the child being born prematurely. However, if you are in extreme dental pain, you can go for tooth removal during the first month of the third trimester; otherwise, it’s best to wait until after delivery.

Safety Precautions for Pregnant Women Undergoing Tooth Removal

Xrays: since tooth preparation for tooth extraction may involve using xrays, we will use a lead sheet to cover your upper body to protect the baby from harm that may arise from radiation exposure.

Medicine: your dentist should recommend a medicine that won’t harm you or your baby. Examples of medicine proven safe for pregnant patients are clindamycin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. If you are allergic to certain drugs, inform your dentist soon as possible so they don’t recommend a medicine that may react with your body and cause complications.

Avoid taking any of these medications while pregnant:

• Doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline. These medications can stain the baby’s teeth.
• Fluoroquinolones like moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin
• Some teratogenic and retinoids, such as thalidomide since can cause the baby to be born with cleft lips and other abnormalities

How to Prevent Dental Problems During Pregnancy?

Prevention is better than cure. It’s best to exercise caution before and during pregnancy so you don’t develop cavities or other dental problems during your pregnancy. Below are tips to safeguard your teeth from dental problems:

• Go for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and non-alcohol-based mouth-cleaning products.
• Reduce intake of sugary food as it can attract bacteria.
• Quit smoking during your pregnancy. It can harm the baby and also cause periodontal problems.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums when brushing.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction during pregnancy is safe when done at the right time. Before going for tooth removal, consider the stage of pregnancy you are in so you don’t endanger yourself or the baby. Also, consider visiting a highly skilled and experienced dentist near you with experience handling pregnant patients, so you and your baby can be in safe hands. Visit Fanwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for dental checkups and restorations. Our highly skilled and experienced dentist ensures patients are comfortable and relaxed during treatment.