Oral Surgery & Pregnancy: What to Know
Do you need oral surgery? If you’re pregnant, caring for your smile isn’t as simple as picking up the phone to schedule an appointment with your oral surgeon.
Protecting the health of your unborn baby takes priority, and that means planning a surgical procedure requires careful thought. Elective procedures can wait until after the baby comes. But what about more urgent issues?
Which Surgical Procedures Can be Done During Pregnancy?
Generally speaking, most types of surgery should be avoided during pregnancy. However, not all procedures can be safely postponed.
Dental implants and other elective surgeries need to wait until after the birth. Tooth extraction, removal of problematic oral pregnancy tumors and emergency procedures, on the other hand, may be necessary to reduce the chance of infection.
When During Pregnancy Should Oral Surgery Be Performed?
The second trimester of pregnancy, or between four and six months along, is considered the safest time for surgery.
Oral surgeons advise against scheduling procedures during the first trimester, as surgery could affect the baby’s development and growth processes. Surgery can be safe during the third trimester, but at that point, pregnant women often have difficulty sitting comfortably in the dental chair.
Is Anesthesia Safe During Pregnancy?
Local anesthesia, like lidocaine, is usually safe for pregnant women. Other anesthetics, including oral sedation, laughing gas and general anesthesia, are not recommended during pregnancy.
When administering local anesthesia to a pregnant patient, oral surgeons take care to use as little medication as possible, but enough for a comfortable experience. Pain is kept under control.
Can Pregnant Women
Routine X-rays should wait until after the baby is born. But X-rays are often necessary to safely perform tooth extraction and emergency surgical procedures.
Fortunately, studies show that a single diagnostic X-ray doesn’t deliver enough radiation to cause harm to a developing fetus. And if X-rays are required during pregnancy, the technician will use a leaded apron to shield your body and will take as few images as possible to minimize radiation exposure.
Can your oral surgery be performed during your pregnancy or would it be wiser to wait? The best way to know for sure is to consult with an experienced oral surgeon, such as the professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah.
Our board-certified oral surgeons have provided necessary treatment for pregnant patients for over 10 years and are known for compassionate care. Contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today to schedule your appointment to discuss your oral surgery options.
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