Can You Get Dentistry Done While Pregnant?

Woman Brushing Teeth While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be an exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes unbearable time for expecting new mothers, but it also brings about many changes in your overall health, including your dental care. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy can be challenging, especially as the body constantly changes. At Summit Dental Group, we understand that getting dental work done can be a challenge for new mothers, so we’re here to clear up some misconceptions about what to do, what not to do, and how to care for your teeth while pregnant. 

What Type of Dental Work Can Be Done While Pregnant?

Knowing when to see a dentist while pregnant can be confusing, as your body can become more sensitive to bacteria, tastes, smells, and other ailments. Through the significant hormonal changes in your body, you’re not just caring for one person but for two or more, depending on the details of your pregnancy. 

However, we’re here to say that it’s essential to get preventative dental cleanings and follow-up exams during pregnancy. They’re a highly recommended way to care for your teeth, as preventative dental work can help you avoid oral infections such as gum disease, a disease that has been linked to preterm birth. Your dentist should work with you during your follow-up exams to help you keep track of any hormonal symptoms that may occur with your mouth, such as new cavities, gingivitis, and dry mouth, as these problems can interfere with your pregnancy. 

For those seeking restorative treatments, these treatments can be performed as long as there’s a reduced chance of infection. It’s recommended that women pregnant should get dental work done during their second trimester. Some prime examples of work that can be done during your pregnancy include:

  • Cavity Fillings
  • Crown Placements
  • Implant Placements
  • Veneers

Emergency treatments are sometimes necessary during these cases. When an emergency happens, it’s crucial for pregnant women to seek out treatment. However, elective procedures, such as teeth whitening and fluoride treatments, should be postponed until after delivery to avoid exposing the developing baby to any potential risks. 

When dental work is needed, sometimes medications are necessary to help alleviate pain and promote healing. In these cases, your dentist will provide the amount of anesthesia needed to help you stay comfortable and will provide antibiotics that are labeled safe for pregnancy, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin. 

So, what about X-rays? Most X-rays taken as part of annual exams are postponed until after delivery, but there will be times when X-rays are needed to perform dental procedures, including emergencies. X-rays are considered a safe and appropriate method for diagnosing and treating dental conditions, and according to the ADA and ACOG, no single diagnostic X-ray will produce a significant enough effect to cause problems with the developing embryo or fetus. 

To help summarize our tips, here’s what we suggest if you’re pregnant and need dental work:

  • Have preventive exams during your pregnancy.
  • Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester
  • Elective procedures should be postponed until delivery.

Receive Quality Dental Care During Your Pregnancy at Summit Dental Group

Expectant mothers can ensure a healthy smile while safeguarding their overall well-being by prioritizing regular dental check-ups, following good oral hygiene practices, and seeking timely treatment when needed. At Summit Dental Group, we are dedicated to providing safe and compassionate dental care for expectant mothers, supporting their oral health journey throughout pregnancy. Today, visit Summit Dental Group in Lees Summit, MO, by calling (816) 524-3535 to speak with Dr. Brian Schowengerdt.