Going to the dentist as a non-pregnant woman and going to the dentist as a pregnant woman are two completely different experiences – as anyone pregnant will attest. You’re suddenly conscious of another being inside you and how they might be affected by dental treatments.
And you’ve good reason to be concerned, but there is even greater importance in maintaining your dental health while you’re pregnant, as tooth decay, gum disease and more can affect your overall health – which also affects the health of your baby-to-be. In short, a visit to your local Camden dentist is even more important while pregnant and ordinary dental procedures are safe while you’re pregnant.
In fact, it might be better to get these treatments done early in your pregnancy to reduce the risk of health complications later on. A decaying tooth can become infectious, and abscesses can form, causing even greater risk to you and your baby.
What Common Dental Treatments Can I Get While Pregnant?
While nobody likes going to the dentist – when you’re living for two people, your health and the babies’ health become the same. You can get a wide range of dental treatments while you’re pregnant. These include the following.
X Rays
One of the most common parts of any dental procedure is the x-ray. However, there is a common myth that x-rays harm your baby. Any dentist or dental hygienist performing the x-ray will cover your stomach with a lead apron and a thyroid guard to further reduce any risks to your baby from the radiation. However, modern x-ray technology uses dosages so low as to be insignificant. When it comes to x-rays, you have nothing to worry about.
Extractions
While an emergency dentist usually performs extractions, most dentists will only perform them as a last resort. If you need an extraction, most dentists will recommend that you wait until your second trimester to have one to minimise discomfort while laying on your back – as the baby is still developing in the first trimester.
Root Canals
Despite the invasive nature of a root canal, it’s one of the most important things you should get done quickly during your pregnancy to reduce any risk of infection to you and your baby. The other option is to perform an extraction and have dental veneers placed in your mouth. Although this is a more lengthy procedure that will put more stress on your body for a prolonged period.
Orthodontic Treatments
While it isn’t harmful to continue orthodontic treatments during pregnancy, your orthodontist may recommend waiting till after your pregnancy, depending on how far along you are. However, some orthodontists will want to get your treatments done before you experience discomfort sitting and other side effects of pregnancy.
Orthodontic treatments may also include braces treatments, which may become more challenging and/or painful the further in your pregnancy you are, as some women can experience swelling of the gums and face during their pregnancy, which makes some orthodontic operations more challenging.
How Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic Can Help
If you’re experiencing oral health problems during your pregnancy but think it might be better to wait them out, we strongly advise against this. Depending on the severity of the problem and your physical condition, you may be doing more harm than good by waiting.
Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic can assist you with any dental health matters and are particularly sensitive to your needs as a pregnant person. We also utilise Afterpay dental, so you don’t necessarily have to stress about money on top of everything else. Whether you’re coming to us for your regular dental check-up or orthodontic surgery, our goal is to help you and your baby leave healthy and happy.
