Expecting Mothers

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Is having dental work While Pregnant Safe?

Common questions among expecting mothers include those related to pregnancy and dental work. To ensure optimal oral health, preventive dental cleanings and annual exams are not only safe but also recommended during pregnancy. The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and food retention, making regular dental care crucial.

Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low-birth-weight babies. 

Dental work while pregnant, 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 reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.  The use of most local anesthetics is considered safe during pregnancy. As per The American Dental Association, Local anesthetics with epinephrine may be used during pregnancy. Lidocaine and prilocaine are rated B by the FDA and are considered the safest local anesthetic for pregnant women.

Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, maybe prescribed after your procedure.

Radiation Concerns

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.

According to the American Dental Association, having dental X-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding.

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