Dental treatments are safe during pregnancy
Last week, we tackled some of the commonest oral conditions acquired during pregnancy.
With this knowledge in mind, dental treatments can be safely carried out during pregnancy as explained below:
• Dental Cleaning: This is not only safe but highly recommended during pregnancy as mothers are prone to catching gum disease.
• Dental Anesthesia: The common local anesthesia medications (lidocaine with or without epinephrine) can safely be used in pregnancy. Certain types like nitrous oxide and general anesthesia will be consulted with your primary obstetrician. Please communicate with your dentist to alleviate any worries you might have.
• Tooth Extractions: When absolutely necessary, tooth extractions can be safely carried out, these are however better during the 2nd trimester when the mother can comfortably lay on the back for a long time. In the first trimester as explained earlier because of organogenesis we try to avoid any possible risk or coincidence of teratogens.
• Dental fillings and Root Canal Therapy: Once a cavity is detected and diagnosis made, it is encouraged to have treatment done immediately; delaying treatment can result in further complications.
A simple cavity can progress into an odontogenic infection requiring extensive oral surgery.
The dental surgeon is trained to identify which medications are safe to take during pregnancy and will prescribe appropriately after procedure. Dental restorations are still better carried out in the 2nd trimester when the risk of nausea and vomiting has passed.
• Dental XRAYS: A benefit-risk assessment will be made for you to get a dental Xray. When necessary and selectively, dental x-rays can be safely taken, the dentist will be keen to use digital radiography or high-speed films that require limited exposure.
You will also be provided with a lead apron to protect you and your baby from stray exposure.
The dose of radiologic exposure (mrads) to the skull from dental plain film x-rays is considered to be less or equal to daily (cosmic) background radiation (0.01mrads). Daily cosmic radiation comes from the sun, cell phones, airplane rides. To put it in perspective, an average 8-hour plane ride exposes a passenger to approximately 0.02mSv of radiation equivalent to 16 small plain film x-rays. The risk of x-rays is therefore related to consistent and gradual exposure.
The dental surgeon can always be in touch with your primary obstetrician if any questions arise about the safety of a procedure particularly if there are special circumstances associated with the pregnancy. Always be vigilant and continue to have regular checkups and follow-ups with your dentist to avoid getting conditions that will force you into elective dental procedures.
In conclusion, the public can be assured that prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions, including dental x-rays (with lead shielding) and local anesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine) are safe during pregnancy.
For more information visit our website at www.ugadent.org
Dr Edmund Muyomba is a Dental Surgeon working with The Dental Spa