Dental Work « Back to Group Discussions

[Just1More]

So, I need some dental work done.  The last pregnancy, I did some, and it was pretty tough.  Apparently my body metabolizes numbing stuff really fast, but I couldn't have more because of the baby.  Whew.  It was a pretty deep cavity, and while my dentist was great and very gentle, hurt A LOT while he did it. 

Is that common?  Should I be concerned about a more surface cavity?  Or will it probably not be that big of a deal, even if I metabolize the stuff?  Typically, they numb me, and within 15 minutes or so, I get a huge involuntary adreneline rush.  I shake uncontrollably all over.  And barely get numb.  They give me more, and the same thing happens, but after about 45+ minutes of waiting, I'll still be only 1/2 numb.  And then they have to do it again.  And it doesn't last very long either, though the really tingly waking up part does. 

Is that okay for the baby?  And is it just going to hurt like crazy again?

[Kamiro]

Geesh. I've been getting a lot of dental work done before my insurance lapses. I tell them upfront to give me a double dose and after it becoming painful halfway through an extraction - they listened and now I stay numb for 4 hours.

I am headed off for a dental apt in an hour.. Pretty sure this is going to be a filling turned extraction :( :( :(

After 5 days of being in pain, I am thankful of it getting taking out.

Even if you have to feel it somewhat (surface cavity won't be so bad) it is better than a huge cavity or extraction later down the line. From what my Dentist said, the adrenaline rush we feel is ephedrine (?) - basically like fake adrenaline and it is like we have experienced a scary event. I analyzed it last time I got numb and that is exactly what it feels like physically. The same feeling you get when you get scared.

I would rather have this done in this trimester than during the third.

I hope I was of some help, somehow.

Hang in there.

[cristeen]

Honestly, if it's a shallow cavity, I'd skip the numbing alltogether (check with your dentist if he has experience doing this).  Last time that's what I did (not pregnant).  They had popped an old filling out while cleaning, so had to drill and refill.  After talking to the assistant/hygenist, she said most of the people in the office just skip the numbing unless it's really deep, so I figured I'd try it, and it was quick and easy.  It definitely hurt when he hit the nerve, but he was sensitive to my flinch, backed off, checked with me and we agreed to go ahead and get it done quick, and we did.  Bonus is I walked out of there with full feeling.  The pain lasted mere moments.  The drilling when not on the nerve was merely irritating, like nails on a chalkboard.  Not actually painful. 

Another option is topical.  It won't help when he hits the nerve, but it numbs the surrounding area.  Combined with the injection, it may help.  And the topical is not systematic like the injection.  It also only lasts 20 minutes or so. 

[Just1More]

Hmmm....decisions decisions.  I really liked my old dentist, but I live 7 hours away from there now.  I think part of my apprehension is finding a new dentist.