Dental implants are one of the most popular types of dental procedures. The implants need to be placed into the jawbone, which can be affected by pregnancy hormones and lead to an increased risk of infection.
The doctors from Shenandoah Valley Implant Institute say that if you are pregnant and are in need of a dental implant, it is important to consider your health and safety as well as that of your unborn child. It is recommended that you wait until after your delivery before having a dental implant procedure done if possible.
What are the risks?
1. Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used for dental implants is stronger than that used for routine procedures. Dental implants are placed deep in the jawbone, and therefore a longer anesthesia is needed to ensure your total comfort. The extra long time under anesthesia might affect your baby if you’re in the first trimester.
2. Infection
Another risk factor for a pregnant woman having dental implants is infection. Anytime a woman is under anesthetic, she is at higher risk of contracting an infection. The longer the time you are under anesthesia, the more risk you are in. If you have a dental implant at 12 weeks pregnant and get an infection, it is possible that there could be infection in your baby as well.
3. X-Rays
When you undergo a dental implant procedure, you will be exposed to x-rays. These x-rays are harmful to pregnant women and their babies. While x-rays do not pose the same risk as anesthesia, they can still cause harm to both the mother and child.
4. Stress
If you are in the first trimester and undergo a dental implant procedure, you might be stressed. When a woman is pregnant, she needs to worry about keeping her baby healthy as well as herself. During this vulnerable time, if problems arise from the dental implant surgery, you may suffer from stress and guilt.
What to do Instead
During pregnancy you should maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing regularly. When necessary, you can receive a routine dental cleaning. This can help to prevent infection and other health problems that may exist with dental implant procedures.
Use this time to schedule consultations with your dentist as well as speak to your OBGYN. This way you can be aware of the risks that may still exist even if you wait until after your delivery.
Remember, it’s not a good idea to delay dental implant placement due to pregnancy, however waiting until after the delivery of your baby is best for everyone.
Importance of Routine Teeth Cleaning
Routine teeth cleaning will help you to positively maintain your oral health. It is also very important if you are pregnant. If you are in the first trimester, it is essential that you get a routine cleaning to detect any signs of infection or other problems that may come up after your delivery.
If this is not done, the dentist could discover problems with the implant during your post-partum checkup and it may be too late to do anything about it at that time.
Conclusion
Overall, dental implant procedures are a safe procedure, but they may not be recommended for pregnant women. If you need to have one done and you are in the first trimester, be sure to consult with your doctor before having it done.