Dentistry during Pregnancy
Why is it important to see a dentist when planning a pregnancy?
When planning a pregnancy, just as some tests are done beforehand and the body is prepared for pregnancy, the dentist should be consulted and the teeth should be treated in the same way. Dental care before pregnancy is very important to protect your health and the health of your baby.
Before pregnancy, after a detailed examination, if necessary, we make our diagnoses with X-rays and prepare our patient for pregnancy with ideal oral hygiene. We detect existing gum diseases and caries and treat all teeth that are thought to cause problems during pregnancy. We recommend the extraction of possible wisdom teeth. We explain to our patients in detail what to do and what not to do during this period and if necessary, we perform preventive and protective dentistry such as scaling and fissure sealant applications.
When are the best months for dental treatment during pregnancy? Why?
The second trimester is the most suitable period for many treatments such as tooth extraction, fillings, root canal treatments, etc., which are not suitable to be postponed until the end of pregnancy.
Because the baby’s organs are formed in the first three months of pregnancy. During this period, a bacteria in the mouth may adversely affect the baby’s organ development, and unnecessary interventions may cause miscarriage. In the third trimester, the baby has grown considerably in the womb and the time of birth is approaching. The mother cannot sit comfortably on the couch and excessive stress can cause premature birth. Just like in the first trimester, the dentist does not intervene except for emergency treatments.
Is there any harm in having dental x-rays during pregnancy?
If it is very necessary for treatment during pregnancy, 1-2 films can be taken from inside the mouth. Although the amount of radiation given to X-rays in dentistry is very low and not too close to the abdomen, a lead apron must be used to prevent the developing baby from receiving radiation. Nevertheless, X-rays should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Can anesthesia be used for dental treatment during pregnancy?
Any kind of treatment can be done by applying anesthesia with special anesthetic solutions and preventing pain.