It can be difficult to complete daily tasks if you are missing one or more teeth. This includes things like eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Over time, tooth loss can also lead to additional oral health issues, including misalignment, bone loss, and an increased risk of gum disease. Fortunately, dental implants are a solution that can help to prevent these problems. It is generally recommended that you start the process of replacing your missing your missing teeth as soon as you can, but what if you’re pregnant? Here’s what you need to know.
Should Pregnant Women Wait to Get Dental Implants?
Even though it is generally recommended that you replace missing teeth with dental implants right away, this isn’t usually advised for pregnant patients. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association encourage pregnant women to seek preventive oral health care, like dental cleanings and exams. Emergency treatments are also sometimes necessary, like a filling or root canal. However, elective procedures like dental implants are better left until after the baby is born.
Why Is It Necessary to Wait?
As for dental implants, there isn’t a significant health risk when it comes to waiting. There are ultimately more risks to go through with the surgery at this time. One of the main reasons is because there are changes that occur in oral health during pregnancy that can increase the risk of dental implant failure.
Dental X-rays and local anesthetics pose little risk to the developing fetus, but there are several antibiotics that are off-limits for pregnant women. If an infection does occur, many prescription and over-the-counter medications are also off the table, meaning increased discomfort. No one wants to deal with this, especially when already managing a pregnancy.
What Can You Do in the Meantime?
Just because you aren’t able to receive dental implant surgery yet doesn’t mean that you can’t begin the process of replacing your missing tooth. Schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can discuss the implant process. If you are worried about the appearance of your smile, temporary restorations are often available until you can undergo dental implant surgery. Ultimately, the health of you and your baby is your dentist’s number one priority!
Dental implants are an excellent way to tackle tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if they will be a good option for you after your baby is born.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Michel is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 40 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Kansas Dental Association. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Topeka or Silver Lake, visit his website or call (785) 273-0801.