Did you notice that your wisdom teeth hurt? You are probably thinking how they couldn’t pick a better time for erupting because you are pregnant. You’ll surely need a dental checkup, but what about tooth extraction? Is it safe to remove teeth during pregnancy, or should you schedule it for a later date?
The short answer is yes. But while it’s possible to schedule wisdom teeth extraction during pregnancy, there are several cautions to consider. Here is a detailed guide on what you can expect when you go to the dentist!
Why Regular Dental Care Is Important During Pregnancy
Let’s start with the basics and discuss the importance of regular dental care. Adequate oral hygiene is crucial throughout your life. It’s even more vital if you are pregnant. Gingivitis and cavities are more likely to appear, and the risk of inflammation is higher, too.
Pregnant women often have morning sickness. That can lead to more bacteria in their mouth, which can cause various problems. Oral health might not be your top priority during pregnancy. However, make sure to floss and brush your teeth every day. If the toothpaste makes you sick, try changing it. Make the necessary adaptations, but don’t stop regular dental care.
Don’t forget your regular dental checkups. Trust your dentist and their estimation on how urgent the procedure is. A professional will guide you through every step of the process. That includes managing bad breath after tooth extraction, as well as tips on how to behave after the procedure.
Weighing the Risks of Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy
If you have a toothache or feel like you need to go to a dentist, don’t postpone it. Schedule a visit at the earliest possible date and discuss the potential treatment with a professional.
The dentist will analyze your particular situation. They will estimate whether you should proceed with wisdom tooth removal. If there were no complications, your dentist would probably postpone the extraction. They will suggest scheduling the procedure after the baby is born.
But what if there’s an apparent infection? If the dentist determines the infection can spread, they might continue with the extraction. That’s because it can spread to the mouth and other body parts. That puts you and the baby at a potentially big risk, so it’s essential to remove the tooth as soon as possible.
The decision will also depend on your input. If you are having big problems eating or sleeping, the dentist might choose to extract your tooth. They will probably consult about your overall health condition. It’s vital to keep your physical health and well-being at as high levels as possible. That’s important for the baby, but it can also help to go through the procedure without complications.
What Is the Safest Time to Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The experts agree that you should avoid tooth extraction procedures during the first trimester. The fetus is in the initial development stage, and it’s necessary to give it full support. And while you can remove your tooth during the third semester, it might be inconvenient. The procedure requires lying on your back for hours. Women in the third semester find that uncomfortable.
That leaves us the second trimester as the best time for tooth extraction. The same is true for any other dental procedure. However, if your dentist estimates the procedure is urgent, they might go ahead with it at any moment.
Prevention Measures
Nobody likes going through a dental procedure, and being pregnant makes it a bigger hassle. That’s why it’s best if you can prevent it. Here are some actions to consider:
- Brush your teeth and floss regularly. Never go to bed without brushing your teeth. That especially applies if you are dealing with late-night sweet cravings.
- Try to stick to a healthy diet. Make sure to avoid foods high in sugar and carbs as much as possible.
- Drink a lot of water. It’s a much better option than sodas because it will help to eliminate some acidic food effects.
Make sure not to ignore a potential problem. If you feel something is off, schedule a dentist appointment. Resolving the issue early might help you to avoid tooth removal and complicated procedures.