Is it possible to get dental treatment done during pregnancy ? The answer is Yes . However there are a few things to keep in mind when going to a dentist while being pregnant.
It is advised to get regular dental check up and cleaning during pregnancy to keep
the mother and the baby healthy. Due to hormonal changes in the body, gums
easily tend to swell and may cause bleeding & irritation.
Preventive check ups are important to keep potential gum disease at bay. Dental
disease may actually cause preterm birth so you should be very alert and regular
for the dental appointments.
All the dental procedures should be done by second trimester as it becomes
difficult for a pregnant patient to lie on the dental chair for long appointments
during the third trimester. Once you have reached the third trimester, avoid any
dental treatments until absolutely necessary and should defer the treatment until
the baby is born.
Emergency treatments in case of pain like tooth extraction or a root canal
treatment might be necessary.
Are dental medications safe during pregnancy ?
If you need a serious dental treatment to be done then it should be done with as
little anesthesia as possible, which can keep you comfortable and pain free
throughout the procedure.
There is a list of safe medications during pregnancy which can be prescribed to the
patients.
X-rays and dental procedures while being pregnant?
Always inform your doctor before hand that you are pregnant. Dental visits usually
involves taking of x-ray which is contraindicated during pregnancy. However, if you
have an emergency procedure that requires an x-ray, you should get it done, using
radiation to harm a foetus.
Preventive measures to be taken before, during & after pregnancy
1. If you are planning to have a baby, it is wise to have dental visits before that.
2. Inform your dentist that you are pregnant, they will let you know what dental
care you should take and what elective procedures can wait until later.
3. Foods you eat are an important part of dental care. Avoid eating sweets and
other foods that contain a lot of sugar. Make sure to have plenty of calcium as it
helps your baby develop healthy bones and gums.
4. If there were any dental issues during pregnancy and were not addressed
during that period then you should visit your dentist and get your check up done
after delivery .
Visiting a dentist and getting dental procedure done during pregnancy is not risky
for you or your child.
We at Aesthetica, Sarat Bose road, Kolkata have the expertise to treat patients
during pregnancy and are well equipped with the latest technology & equipment’s.