Safety of dental work?

[MacKinnon]

I'm 32 weeks pregnant and had a my dental bridge fall out yesterday. It was put in with temporary adhesive due to a questionable fit about 3 years ago (I am genetically missing the tooth in question and the bone wasn't dense enough to support an implant). The dentist said it would need to be re-adhered in 2 to 3 years, but he has patients who never get them permanently adhered. Fast forward a year and our our dental coverage changed and the one dentist in the area that took it was awful. I saw her twice before I stopped going and I haven't been in a year and a half. We picked up new coverage as of July 1. I hadn't noticed any problems and regularly flossed on either side of it, it never felt loose, it wasn't sore or anything, and I planned on going in after the baby is born in September. Well... the bridge came out yesterday and there are obvious signs of decay on the two teeth that support the bridge. I'm going to have to have work done, no question. I'm hoping just two fillings and re-fitting the bridge, but I wouldn't rule out something more extensive, the decay looks bad. I'm so irked. I have no one to blame but myself because I didn't go in, but I also wasn't warned decay might be an issue with the temporary adhesive. Regardless, it's done now and I have to go in. Is anyone familiar with the safety of dental work, anesthesia, etc. during pregnancy? I'm solidly in the third trimester, but this can not wait, it's got to be addressed very soon.

[babyjelly]

I had to have two teeth extracted in my third trimester during my last pregnancy. Sedation is obviously out, and nitrous was not recommended at that point in pregnancy. You should be fairly safe using novocaine without the epinephrine. It doesn't last as long though, so you may need more. Other than that, the work itself is safe, as long as they're not using or disturbing amalgam. HTH, and good luck!
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[karen1968]

It is important to take care of the decay, at least, esp. if there is irritation or inflammation of the gums as well. Dental issues are actually a contributing factor to conditions like pre-eclampsia.

You might ask over on the dental forum about the safety of certain procedures, anesthetics, etc., plus alternatives. There are some very knowledgable people over there!

[HeatherB]

The 2nd trimester is the time to do it, and it should be fine. It's highly recommended to get your teeth cleaned and take care of any dental issues during the 2nd tri as problems can cause placental issues and infection that can cause preterm labor. So, go ahead and do what you need.