Many people get anxious about dental appointments, and if you have additional hormones coursing through your body due to pregnancy, it is likely to bring these nerves to the forefront. A common practice in dentistry these days is sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is the use of a plethora of different drugs to help ease either the physical pain or the nervous feelings in a patient with these drugs. There is a lot of controversy amongst professionals and pregnant women as to the effect of sedation dentistry on the fetus.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are still conflicting reports as to the effects of the dentistry drugs on pregnant women and their unborn children. Since there is such a bridge between both sides, it is difficult to give accurate advice on how pregnant women should handle sedation dentistry during their pregnancy. Here are a few things both sides of the aisle can agree on.
Pregnant women absolutely need to keep up with their oral hygiene. Cleanings, checkups – these are things that professionals can complete with no drugs whatsoever. These treatment options are essential for women who are pregnant to keep themselves healthy and to monitor any dental issues that can arise in the nine months of pregnancy.
Pregnant women have kept regular visits with their dentists can help prevent mouth infections that can complicate pregnancies and lead to things such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and even preterm delivery. The hormones of pregnancy affect the gums, which is what leads to the increased chance of bleeding gums, swollen teeth, loose teeth, receding gums…all signs of mouth infections or periodontal diseases.
These are issues that should never be ignored, especially by pregnant women. A common practice is for women who are pregnant is to avoid any dental work in their first trimester, which is the most dangerous time for the mother and fetus. Many dentists will also avoid any work at the end of the third trimester as well.
Most dentists will avoid work that may include sedation dentistry, like any major dental work or surgeries, during any part of the pregnancy. The dentists will do regular checkups and cleanings, and can do minor procedures like fillings or pulling teeth, but will try to avoid sedation in order to do so. They will use general local anesthesia such as Novocain but will attempt to calm nerves in any other way than sedation.
Many recommend bringing headphones and soothing music, a pillow for comfort and to avoid any dental procedures that are not absolutely necessary. Again, though there is proof that Lidocaine, the drug commonly used for sedation dentistry does cross the placenta upon administration, there are conflicting studies as to what effects there are on the fetus.
The facts that are out there truly prove that though you should keep your dentist in the loop as to your pregnancy, keep up on your oral hygiene, and try to stay up on your cleanings, it would be best to avoid any unneeded or elective dental procedures until after pregnancy.
For more information about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment with Dennis Baik, DDS,request an appointment in our San Jose dental office here: https://www.ddsbaik.com. Or call us at (408) 676-5321.
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