dental work and pregnancy

[CalebsMama05]

I assumed that getting fillings were okay since novacaine is just a topical anesthetic and was planning on rescheduling for the extractions but then someone told me that novacaine was a HUGE no no during pregnancy.

also somone else told me that for extractions they prescribe antibiotics before and after?? I never knew any of this...

my appt is at 2pm (its 10:30 am) and if it isn't okay i definately want to reschedule for a couple of weeks from now.

[Mimi37]

I had a filling at around 20 weeks and the dentist used lidocaine (it is injected, not just topical -- usually they smear something topical on there so you don't feel the injection). I have not heard of any problems with lidocaine or novocaine and pregnancy and did not experience any problems that I know of, BUT the lidocaine comes with epinephrine(?) which I didn't realize until it had already been injected. I have a bad reaction to that (heart racing), so be aware of that if you have BP problems (can increase BP).

Of course tell the dentist you are pregnant (don't assume they know even if you look hugely pregnant!) Mine's policy was to take care of the things that were causing me pain, and leave anything else until post-pregnancy (that included x-rays).

Don't know anything about extractions/antibiotics, sorry.

If you are nervous, ask your dentist lots of questions and don't hesitate to put off the procedure if you need some time to think about it! [ETA: though now I see you are 39 wks, there's not a lot of time to put things off!] Good luck, mama.

ETA again -- I should add that I checked out lidocaine with my midwives and they told me it was fine.

And something else to consider, at 39 weeks, are you ok lying on your back in the chair? can they do it with you sitting up, or allow you to move around every few minutes?

[CalebsMama05]

they are aware i'm pregnant since I asked what to do about cancelling if i went into labor less than 24 hrs in advance lol.

yep i should be fine...I can't lay completely on my back but the chair isn't completely flat. I remember for my cleaning early in the month thinking how comfy it was :)

*ETA* when I say topical i meant that it affects only the area they are working on. last time it was JUST my mouth that was numb and only the top on one side, bottom on one side etc.

tysm I was so worried about it last time i got fillings i was 16 and hadn't even lost my virginity yet so wasn't concerned about any of this lol.

[Lilcrunchie]

For fillings, if it is a "silver" filling they do contain mercury. There are lots of old threads on the topic but of course w/ the search function down that doesn't help you much.

A white filling is probably less toxic, but when it is first put in it can leech BPA (bisphenol A) into your system, which is a hormone disrupter. I've read wiping the tooth down immediately after the white filling is placed can help.

I'd probably defer until after pg'cy if I could, but even then I'd try to find a dentist that would work with me...I definitely would NOT want a mercury laden filling while BFing. BPA isn't great either but IMO is the lesser of the evils, but I'm not an expert on the topic.

I dont' think novacaine is anything to worry about.

I had my wisdom teeth extracted in college and didn't have antibiotics. I'm not sure what is standard there...if you have to take them I'd take a really good probiotic supplement with them.

Good luck!

[CalebsMama05]

I rescheduled for august 1st.

unfortunately lilcrunchy i dont have a choice on the type of filling. my insurance only pays for the amalgam ones. if i wait until after i go back to work to pay OOP for the white ones then i will have to pay for the entire visit oop b/cuz my insurance runs out when he's 60 days old.

[magpiedee]

Ugh, I feel your pain!

I cracked a bad filling, infecting the tooth, roots and jaw a couple of weeks ago. I had my midwife fill out a form telling the dentist which medications I could and could not have for my root canal and permanent crown. The hard part was finding an endodontist that could see me that week *and* provide a root canal without epinephrine.

So, I ended up not being able to eat for a week, then having a root canal with novocaine only, and the smallest dose possible. Everything turned out fine-- just carry your OB's phone number with you to the dentist and have them double check any questions. If you have a heart murmur, which many of us develop during pregnancy, you may need antibiotics before dental work... check with your OB or primary care physician for that. Good luck!!

[dlm194]

You can get local anesthesia for dental work while pg. You just cannot get anesthesia with epinephrine (which makes it last longer). I got a root canal done this way while I was pg and it wasn't bad.

I'm not sure about the antibiotics for extractions but they will prescripe antibiotics if you have mitral valve prolapse.

[soccergal20]

I had my wisdom teeth extracted last month and I was prescribed antibiotics. Of course my teeth were almost all the way grown in and the roots were really long as well so your situaion might be different.

My questions is that I had my tooth extraction on June 23rd and then found out that I am pg July 5th. If my calculations are right I conceived around June 15 and therefore implantation didn't occur until around the 2nd of July. I have general anesthesia and took daravecet for a few days post surgery. Anyone think that I could have done some damage in those early days? I have my first dr. appt. tomorrow, but I want some of your opinions!

Angie wife to loving husband Mark and mom to :cat: Callie and :dog: :dog: Ladee and Tikaani and future :baby