Question:
I went to the dentist and got a bunch of X-Rays done just days before I
took a positive pregnancy test.
The dentist put one of those lead blankets over me, but I'm a bit worried
about possible side effects. Is it safe to have dental x-rays during
pregnancy, especially during the first few weeks? I'm at almost 6 weeks
now.
My dentist also wants to remove my wisdom teeth. I didn't get them
removed in my teens because I have a history of tangled roots and the
dentist didn't want to remove them. Now, one of my wisdom teeth is
starting to come in. I think I should probably wait to get any further
dental work done.
Someone told me that it's not even safe to get my teeth cleaned during
pregnancy. I just got my teeth cleaned too and was wondering if fluoride
etc, is bad for expectant moms?
Answer:
Unfortunately, I don't know about the x-rays; I would ask your caregiver. As for
the dentist, you shouldn't have *any* dental work done at all in the first
trimester, and you should avoid it throughout pregnancy if possible. But
cleanings are critical; my dentist recommended I get my teeth cleaned each
trimester, because pregnancy for some reason makes it more difficult to keep
your teeth clean (maybe that's from gagging every time ya brush your teeth!).
The problem with having your teeth cleaned is that it dumps a bunch of bacteria
into your system. People with very minor heart defects that do not usually
affect their lives must have antibiotics before dental work to avoid bacterial
endocarditis. Infections of all types can cause preterm labor, even gingivitis
(gum disease). Some doctors/dentists recommend an antibiotic before having
dental work when pregnant.
No elective x-ray is 'recommended' during pregnancy, but dental x-rays
are generally safe (they are x-raying your mouth, not your uturus...)
and the lead blanket thing is just an extra precaution. This isn't
something I would continue to fret about.
I agree. Unless the teeth are causing you pain or problems, I would wait
another 9 months to have the work done. However, if they ARE causing you
pain or problems, novacaine should not be a problem. You might talk to
your dentist about the safest time to do it as far as possible effects of
novacaine on the baby.
And who knows, they may not need to come out. I still have all 4 of my
wisdom teeth. They will probably need to go eventually (they are VERY hard
to brush and floss...) but my dentist agrees that, until they start
causing problems, there is no rush to pull them.
The only thing I had heard about routine cleanings is that the gums tend
to be fairly sensitive during pregnancy, and are likely to bleed. Other
than that, you SHOULD be taking care of your teeth during preganncy!
