dental work during pregnancy...?

[MCKH]

Looks like some trauma I had to the mouth several years ago is "paying off" now, I need a root canal and the accompanying veneer! I have never had a cavity or dental work beyond cleanings and orthodontics before, so this is causing a lot of anxiety. Especially because I'm pregnant.

I consented to one x-ray after doing some research, I feel that it was necessary and safe. He had to make sure there wasn't an abcess. I know I will need one more to make sure the procedure is done correctly. Now I am unsure about the root canal and veneer itself. Does anyone have any experience with dental work during pregnancy? I'm kind of sketchy about any bacteria being released into my bloodstream. Also, obviously I will need a local anesthetic.

However, this is not something I can put off for 6 months - it hurts like hell. The dentist said it would be better to take care of it now while there is no infection. He'd be sending me to an endodontist. I'm still nervous! Any advice or experience?

[frogleymom]

ooo... that's a tough one. I have no advice or experience. I would guess that since we're past the first trimester the drugs and stuff wouldn't be as risky for the baby... but that's just a guess.

I've actually been wondering about standard cleanings during pregnancy. I haven't had dental insurance since I got married and got kicked off my parents insurance, so I just skipped the routine stuff. DH just got a job that includes dental insurance, so I figured I needed to get my butt in gear and finally get everything checked out. Should I wait until after the baby is born, or do it now? I've heard that you're supposed to avoid all dental stuff *during* pregnancy, but to be sure to get everything checked out *before* pregnancy, because pregnancy can cause all sorts of problems. Now that it's been 4 years since I've had a check-up and I've been through two pregnancies with no check-up, I'm starting to worry...

Emily

[stcelia]

FWIW, Current recomendations are that you definitely need to keep up with your regular dental care (cleanings) and with any dental problems you encounter. Some dentists will shy away from working with pregnant women, but I've found they suddenly feel ok when you bring a letter from your midwife or OB saying what meds are safe.

There has actually been some research that links poor dental health to low birthweight and preterm birth. How strange is that? I guess it shows that everything is connected to everything else.

If you need xrays sheild your belly with the lead aprons and the baby will be protected. There are many antibiotics and local anesthetics that are safe in pregnancy. You can't let it develop into an abscess - that would be far more unhealthy and carry more risk than having the treatment would be, imo.

Hope it feels better soon.

[wife&mommy]

I wouldn't do it but that's just me. I need some work but I'm waiting until after. I don't like doing it while breastfeeding either though but I do at least feel a little safer about it then.

[starry_mama]

Personally, I would NEVER (pregnant or not) get a root canal.

http://curezone.com/dental/root_canal.asp

http://www.ppnf.org/catalog/ppnf/Articles/Rootcanal.htm

If you google "weston a price" and "root canal" you will find even more info. Good luck!

[MCKH]

Originally Posted by wife&mommy

I wouldn't do it but that's just me. I need some work but I'm waiting until after. I don't like doing it while breastfeeding either though but I do at least feel a little safer about it then.

I don't really think this is an option, as the problem is causing me pain and the problem is only going to get worse over time. Also, I do NOT want to risk losing the tooth. The dental implant to replace it would be extremely expensive and a gnarly procedure to boot.


Thanks for everyone's advice. I know the reasearch about poor dental health leading to preterm labor and low-birthweight babies, and that really freaks me out. I take my teeth and my smile (8 years of braces!) very seriously and this is really upsetting to me. The good thing is that right now there is no decay or infection - it's just an inflamed root that is most likely dying. It doesn't help that there is so much conflicing info on the web. I just wish this could have happened at a more opportune time...

[kerrybennysmama]

What a thing to be dealing with. I was having some tooth problems last week and they are unsure if they are dealing with a possible need for root canal deal because I was afraid to do an x-ray. It would certainly be nice to avoid all potential problems during pregnancy, but we dont always get so lucky. The only way to ease that pain is to continue an antibiotic and that wont work to do for months. If there is an infection it will not go away, will only get worse and you are going to be in a lot of pain. One time I had to have a cavity filled during my first pregnancy and they used the novacaine that is used on children, apparently milder but still works. I would consult your health care provider, but you are right you really dont have the option to wait until you deliver unless you pull the tooth.

[frogleymom]

Originally Posted by wife&mommy

I wouldn't do it but that's just me. I need some work but I'm waiting until after. I don't like doing it while breastfeeding either though but I do at least feel a little safer about it then.

I've been avoiding it during pregnancy and breastfeeding also... but I've been pregnant, or breastfeeding, or both for almost three years now, and I anticipate several more years of one or the other... I don't think I should go a decade without seeing a dentist...

Emily