Tooth extraction during pregnancy is usually avoided but if the patient is suffering from severe toothache, then there are certain factors to consider before opting for an extraction. Read this article to get vital information about the same.
During pregnancy, one of the important aspects in keeping good health is maintaining dental health. Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums swell and become red, bleed, food gets trapped inside which may result in decaying of the tooth. All these conditions may further result in extreme pain and stress in the tooth and gums. Hence you need to take care of your oral hygiene and prevent stress and discomfort.
Usually during pregnancy, dental works like filling, capping and tooth extraction are avoided to minimize the risk of harming the baby from medication and diagnostic procedures. Dental cosmetic procedure should be completely avoided when you are expecting a baby. Only those dental works which are essential, and cannot be avoided, should be conducted during this phase. Tooth extraction can be done if the patient is suffering from severe tooth pain. So, let’s find out how safe it is to have tooth extraction and other dental work done during pregnancy.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy
It is important to have healthy teeth at the time of pregnancy as you need to eat a lot of healthy things. Your teeth and gums are more susceptible to infection at the time of pregnancy because of high levels of hormones in the body, and excess blood flow. This may lead to swelling of gums or bleeding. Gum infection and decaying of tooth may also be observed due to trapped food. Hence, in some cases, it becomes important to extract the infected tooth. Following are some of the causes which may lead to tooth extraction.
- If you have a gum infection, then the gums will stop holding the tooth which may further result in severe pain in the roots and require extraction.
- Trapped food may cause infection in the tooth. This may result in complete decaying of the tooth, and the person may get relief from the pain only after getting it extracted.
- One more reason may be the rise of a new tooth. This may be the wisdom tooth. In some cases, this may result in unbearable wisdom tooth pain during pregnancy. Hence in such cases the dentist may advise wisdom tooth extraction.
Factors to Consider before Tooth Extraction
Though tooth extraction is safe anytime, it is usually avoided during pregnancy. But if the patient is experiencing severe pain, then it can be extracted. Following are some of the factors which need to be considered before undergoing tooth extraction at the time of pregnancy.
- Pregnancy duration is a very important factor to consider. The extraction is recommended in the second trimester. Hence, consult the doctor about your pregnancy duration before undergoing extraction.
- Find out if it is really necessary to undergo extraction. If you have severe pain then go for it, but if the pain is not so much and can be treated with the help of filling procedures then don’t go for extraction.
- X-ray which is to be taken for diagnostics is safe, but for more protection your doctor will give you a lead apron which shields the uterus from the X-rays.
- Talk to the doctor about the procedure and the local anesthesia which is to be given during the extraction.
- The condition of the patient should be normal and she should be given a comfortable position at the time of extraction.
Is it Safe to have Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe, but why to take even minimal risk. If the extraction can be postponed, or if you can get it done before you plan to get pregnant, then it will be the safest option. Tooth extraction should be done only if it is an emergency. Medications and drugs prescribed after the extraction can show some adverse effects on fetus, hence go for those medicine which are labeled ‘Category B’ which means they are safe in pregnancy.
Some people believe that X-ray can harm the baby but it has been observed that it has negligible effects on the baby. In order to avoid even minor effects, lead apron is provided to shield the uterus at the time of taking X-rays for diagnostic purposes. Anesthesia should be given very carefully as high dosage can be harmful in the later stages of pregnancy. Tooth extraction should be completely avoided at the early stages, as it may increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
You can avoid tooth extraction by taking extra care of tooth and gums at the time of pregnancy. Keep an eye on your dental health and go for regular checkups. Your oral health will help you to have healthy food, which will in turn keep your baby healthy as well.
