Is It Safe to Have Teeth Extracted While Pregnant?
It's generally best to avoid major dental work like having teeth extracted while you're pregnant, but this isn't always possible. You and your dentist can weigh the dangers and benefits of the procedure together. Elective treatments should be put off until after the birth. While the chances of a problem occurring are low, it's better to avoid all unnecessary risks. Don't forget to tell your dentist that you're pregnant, and be wary of an office that doesn't ask questions and take precautions after you let them know.
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Risks and Benefits
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If a tooth needs to be extracted, there's a good chance that you have an infection, pain, or both of these things. Gum infections can lead to preterm labor and premature birth. Oral bacteria from an infection is able to reach a developing fetus. Toothaches are stressful, which is bad for the fetus as well as the mother. These things can make it safer to go ahead and have the extraction done instead of waiting.
Time Frame
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The second trimester is the safest time to have dental work done. A fetus is the most fragile during the first trimester. That's when major organ development happens, so there is greater potential for harm caused by medications. Towards the end of a pregnancy, preterm labor becomes a concern. It's also more difficult to lie in a chair. Ask your dentist whether the tooth needs to be extracted right away, or if it can wait until you've reached the second trimester or given birth.
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Medications
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It's best to only use local anesthetics like lidocaine and novocaine while pregnant. Dentists sometimes add epinephrine to these drugs, which makes them last longer. This should only be done if necessary, because epinephrine can slightly increase the chances of minor birth defects. Avoid general anesthetics that are inhaled or given through an IV whenever possible. If an antibiotic is prescribed for an oral infection, any kind except tetracycline is considered safe. You can take acetaminophen before or after having teeth extracted for pain.
X-Rays
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X-rays may or may not need to be taken before you have teeth extracted. Your dentist's office should do them only if they would be beneficial for your treatment--not as a routine procedure. While it's best to avoid x-rays during pregnancy, the radiation from a single exposure is very low. It shouldn't cause harm to a fetus. You will be given a lead apron to wear that covers your abdomen and pelvic area. This minimizes the amount of radiation that reaches your body.
Waivers
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Before performing any procedures, your dentist may ask for a letter from the doctor who's handling your pregnancy. The dentist will tell you exactly what information should be included, such as whether you can have anesthesia administered and x-rays taken. This is done to make sure you don't have a medical condition that would put you in a high-risk category. You may also be asked to sign a waiver stating that you won't hold the dentist responsible if anything unexpected happens.
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- Photo Credit Simona Balint
