Pregnancy is a time of significant changes and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to your health. Suddenly, every choice you make has another life to consider and it can be difficult to navigate previously easy decisions. For instance, if you’re missing teeth and need replacements, is getting dental implants still safe? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about dental implants while expecting.
Factors to Consider During Dental Implant Surgery
When considering dental procedures during pregnancy, safety is even more important. Here are some factors to consider:
Anesthesia and Medications
Dental implant surgery typically requires local anesthesia. While local anesthetics are generally considered safe during pregnancy, sedatives typically used during the procedure might be harmful to a developing child. This is why it’s important to discuss all medications and anesthesia options with both your dentist and doctor before treatment.
Physical Changes
Pregnancy can affect your body in many ways, including affecting its ability to heal and manage stress. Pregnancy has also been known to increase the risk of oral issues like gingivitis. While these issues can be treated, some antibiotics and medications are unsafe for developing fetuses.
Ensuring Success
Dental implant surgery has one of the highest success rates in dentistry, but it’s because of the diligence put in before the procedure. During pregnancy, there are several issues that can develop that will make it harder for your implants to take hold. This is another reason why it’s generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy to receive dental implants.
Weighing the Risks
While it is possible to get dental implants while pregnant, it’s a risk that must be weighed carefully. What separates implants from other treatments like root canals or fillings is the careful consideration for aftereffects. For example, a root canal is necessary to stop the spread of an infection that could harm your developing child. However, dental implants can wait until after your delivery as they are an elective procedure.
So, while dental implants can be incredibly beneficial, you may want to hold off on getting them while pregnant. There’s no guarantee of complications, but ultimately the risks may outweigh the rewards. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare providers, you can make the best decisions for your smile and your growing family.
About the Author
Dr. Jay R. Lopez takes pride in the excellent dental work and patient care he provides. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Dentistry. Since then, he has continued to expand his skills through continuing education in advanced topics like dental implants. Call (520) 886-8090 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC, or visit the website to learn more.
