Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski | Brampton Dentists

2 Philosopher's Trail Unit 1, Brampton Ontario, L6S 4C9 905-458-6620

Brampton Dental Office | Family Dentists | Implant Specialist

Key Points

Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy.
Local anesthetics with epinephrine (e.g., bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine) may be used during pregnancy.
Special considerations should be given to pregnant dental personnel whose job duties can involve direct exposure to nitrous oxide and radiation.

Pregnancy

Oral health care, including having dental radiographs taken and being given local anesthesia, is safe at any point during pregnancy.1, 2 Further, the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that emergency treatments, such as extractions, root canals or restorations can be safely performed during pregnancy and that delaying treatment may result in more complex problems.1, 2 Although ACOG has a statement regarding postponing elective nonobstetric general surgery and some invasive procedures (e.g., cardiac catheterization or colonoscopy) until after delivery,3 their statement on oral care during pregnancy and through the lifespan1 states that oral conditions requiring immediate treatment, such as periodontal or endodontic treatment, extractions, or restoration of untreated caries can be managed at any time during pregnancy.

When treating pregnant patients, the dentist may reach out to the treating obstetrician to develop a working relationship should consultation be needed later. Questions your dentist may ask might include:4

When is the expected delivery date?
Is this a high-risk pregnancy? If so, are there any special concerns or contraindications?
Is there a recommended medication for pain control?

Information as per the ADA https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/pregnancy

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse