There are a lot of restricted things when a woman gets pregnant. Either with scientific explanations or from superstitious beliefs, women tend to get faced with multiple dos and donts once they conceive a baby. One of these includes the belief that several dental services such as root canal and tooth extraction are not allowed while she’s pregnant. Total Care Dental Studio can explain to you if it’s safe to undergo tooth extraction during pregnancy.
Is Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy Safe
Dentists do not usually recommend tooth extraction to their clients if they are pregnant. Mainly because this procedure could cause extreme pain and discomfort which is not good for the mother and the baby. But in rare cases where severe gingivitis and gum disease occur, it can be considered, given that extra precautions are implied.
Usual Dental Issues During Pregnancy
Changes in the hormones typically result in certain dental problems for pregnant women. Listed below are the most common dental issues that take place during pregnancy:
- Gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease where the gums start to get swollen and irritated. Prompt dental attention is needed if you suspect that you are suffering from gingivitis.
- Tooth decay. Due to the high consumption of carbohydrates during pregnancy, tooth decay might occur. Pregnant women who are always vomiting are more prone to this dental issue because it can add up to the acid level in the mouth which is the most common cause of enamel breakdown.
- Tissue overgrowth. A pregnancy tumor is a common event during pregnancy. This refers to the growth of extra tissue in between the teeth leading to swelling. The reason behind its occurrence is because of the excess plaque, but don’t worry as dentists believe that these will gradually reduce after giving birth.
Qualifying for Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy
Before a dentist could recommend a tooth extraction to a pregnant woman, they will first determine if she is qualified to undergo the said operation. Their main goal is to help the suffering pregnant woman without compromising the patient and her unborn child’s safety. Tooth extraction may be performed on a pregnant woman if the following events arise:
- suffering from intense pain
- severe gum disease
- difficulty in chewing or eating
- swollen gums
- trouble in speaking clearly
- gums are bleeding excessively
If the dental situation of the patient is not that serious, a root canal may be recommended in the meantime instead of tooth extraction.
Best Time to Undergo Tooth Extraction
Dentists would only perform a tooth extraction on a pregnant woman if her gums and teeth are in a dire condition. Tooth extraction during pregnancy could result in critical complications that is why the stage of a woman’s pregnancy is very much considered.
The first trimester is a crucial stage as it’s the period where the baby is slowly developing. Any kind of dental procedure is not allowed during this pregnancy phase. Home remedies are the best option to go to in the meantime and self-medication is strictly prohibited.
The second trimester is the best time for a pregnant woman to have a tooth extraction operation. By this time, the baby has already developed its organs. The only downside of tooth extraction during the second trimester of pregnancy is that you might feel dizzy or experience a sudden drop in blood pressure.
The last stage of pregnancy can be quite difficult to deal with. Most pregnant women in the third trimester cannot stay in one position for too long because of the weight of the baby. Even though the first month of the third trimester is considered safe, dentists advise their patients to wait until after the delivery.
Safety Precautions for Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy
To ensure the safety of the patient her child, dental practitioners need to follow several safety precautions.
In taking the patient’s X-ray, a protector will be used to shield the upper part of her body to make sure that the baby is secured from the radiation. Even the anesthesia that will be used must be deemed safe for pregnant women before it’s induced to them. The drugs that will be used should be considered as category B drugs for it to be safe for a pregnant woman to consume.
After the tooth extraction, the dentist will also prescribe a few medications to help in the healing and to ease the pain. These drugs should be completely safe for the mother and the baby as well. Also, don’t forget to mention your allergies to your dentist before you accept the prescription.
Certain medicines should also be avoided during pregnancy such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. Retinoids and teratogenics can also do harmful things to your baby, these drugs are proven to cause abnormalities on an unborn child, thus, making it all unsafe for consumption.
It is important to try to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy because you will never know if you will be able to receive any dental procedures during this time. To prevent tooth decay, tooth infection, and gum diseases, practice proper oral care, and avoid foods that can greatly contribute to plaque build-up. You might also want to switch to oral care products that can protect the teeth enamel and maintain the overall health of your mouth. Not only that this will leave you worry-free but it will also save you and your baby from the pain of tooth extraction.
