Dianne-TX Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 (edited) I've always thought, and was also told by a dentist, not to have treatment while pregnant. Is that true? What if I need treatment? I'm having tooth pain periodically and don't know if I can wait until after delivery, which is this summer. If I can see a dentist, do I see a specialist? Edited March 3, 2012 by Dianne-TX ETA: I'm 16 weeks pg, so 4 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyMSews Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 It seems to vary by dentist, ime. My current dentist won't even do a cleaning in the first trimester, and will only do it later with a note from my ob. :( But in the past, I've had a root canal and crown done...I think I was around 28 weeks or so...I was in so much pain, there was no way I could wait 3+ months to have it fixed. I even had several X-rays as part of the root canal treatment, they just put a double layer of those lead shield aprons on me. I find the whole no dental X-rays while pg thing very frustrating. On one hand, the dentist will say how safe the X-rays are, how little radiation they use, etc. These are things my children's dentist told me when I told him that we didn't want X-rays done every time we go. But then my dentist wouldn't even consider doing one little X-ray of a possible cracked tooth during my last pregnancy. I was having a lot of pain, and knew from experience that the tooth was cracked. I wanted to get a crown right away...but my dentist refused to do an X-ray and/or a crown...and by the time I miscarried a month later, the tooth had cracked all the way down the root and I had to have it removed. :( So you may need to call around to find someone who will treat you. I will have to find a new dentist if I become pregnant again and need work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I've had all my cleanings while pregnant. I never even thought it was a problem and neither did the dentist. If you need something done, please have it checked out. Teeth problems can lead to infections in the bloodstream, which you don't want while pregnant. Just no x-rays while pregnant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 I've heard the opposite. Teeth problems during pregnancy can lead to premature labor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I've heard the opposite. Teeth problems during pregnancy can lead to premature labor. :iagree: Go to the dentist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustybug Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I've heard the opposite. Teeth problems during pregnancy can lead to premature labor. :iagree:I've had work done during my both of my last two pregnancies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 There are some anesthetics that are safe for use during pregnancy, and the risks of untreated infections are not good. Go to the dentist. You may need your midwife or OB to write a letter stating what is safe and what is not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Good dental hygiene and health is imperative during pregnancy. Ask me how I know :glare:. I just had extensive work done. I had to wait until second trimester; then my dental team coordinated directly with my OBGYN to determine safe sedation, antibiotics, and pain management. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 You should not have mercury fillings removed while pregnant, and I would be very hesitant to have an X-ray. OTOH, an infection must be treated or it can have consequences for the unborn baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsH Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 When I needed a root canal during pregnancy, my dentist had me go to an endo-dontist who used the digital xray machines. From what I understand, those use significantly less radiation than the traditional. "Less than an airport scan" I believe is what they said, but I'm not 100% sure. I think it's all just a matter of need. No, you're not going to save up all your dental work to do while you're pregnant, and ideally you get a good cleaning beforehand, but we don't live in the ideal world and sometimes treatment is necessary. I hope you get the care you need! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I had dental treatment when I was pregnant with number 3. Didn't need an xray -I had a broken tooth. Dentist told me they don't like to do treatment in the first three months due to risks to development of the baby in the early stages from xray or anethesia. They also don't like to do dental treatment on women who are more then thirty weeks due to the danger of lying on your back might cut off the baby's blood supply. Generally treatment during the second semester is the safest - however if you need it in third semester its generally safe but the dentist will allow you to get up and move around to prevent pressure from the heavy baby at regular intervals if you are having a long procedure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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