Is Oral Surgery Safe During Pregnancy?
While it may be obvious to not eat sushi or go zip-lining, the line becomes blurred when it comes to some medical and dental procedures, particularly oral surgery. Is oral surgery safe during pregnancy?
Weighing The Necessity Against The Risk
Oral surgeons and obstetrician agree that any elective surgery, like cosmetic procedures, should be put off until after the birth. Anesthesia, the physical discomfort of laying prone for extended periods, and the emotional stress that many people experience with dental procedures – are risks it’s better to avoid during pregnancy unless medically necessary.
The Best Time For Oral Surgery During Pregnancy
If an oral surgery procedure is recommended, but it’s not an emergency, the second trimester is the ideal time. In the first trimester the fetus’s vital organs are rapidly developing, so exposure to x-rays, anesthesia and other drugs should be avoided. In the third trimester, women can be very uncomfortable on their backs. That is reasons enough but laying flat too long puts pressure on two major blood vessels, the inferior and superior vena cava. This can disrupt the flow of blood to the uterus, and the brain, causing dizziness and nausea in women.
The Safety Of X-Rays during pregnancy
While most routine x-rays are generally considered safe in pregnancy, most dentists recommend that pregnant women should postpone routine dental x-rays until after the birth. However, in an emergency situation where oral surgery is being considered, x-rays are often necessary. Rest assured, your dentist or oral surgeon will take extra precautions to shield the rest of your body and take as few images as possible.
The Safety Of Anesthesia
Local anesthesia and lidocaine injections, are completely safe during pregnancy. Nitrous oxide, laughing gas, and general anesthesia are not recommended for pregnant women.
Antibiotics And Pain Relievers
There are certain drugs in both of these categories that are approved and deemed safe during pregnancy.
A complete list of drugs that are safe during pregnancy and breast feeding can be found here.
When to consult your medical doctor before dental work
If you have any of the following conditions you should consult with your medical doctor before undergoing dental treatment.
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases
- Bleeding disorders
If you are going to use any form of sedation including nitrous oxide you must also consult with medical physician. The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center has a consensus statement from 2012 that is helpful.
Bauer Dentistry Is The Dental Office You Can Trust During Pregnancy
At Bauer Dentistry, we’re more than just another dental office, we’re a family. If you’re pregnant and concerned about oral surgery or any dental procedures during pregnancy, please contact us for a consultation. We will give you a professional assessment and help you make the right decision for you and your baby.