Dental anxiety is incredibly common. In fact, it affects over 30 million Americans. The good news is that you don’t need to put off much needed dental care as a result of your anxiety. There are various sedation options out there to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed while in the dental chair, but what if you are pregnant? Are sedation options safe for pregnant women? Here’s what you should know.
Is Dental Sedation Safe for Pregnant Women?
The drugs that are used in dental sedation may pass onto the fetus through the placenta. This means that using sedation during the first trimester can lead to issues with development. Sedation during the third trimester can encourage premature labor. Sedation is typically the safest during the second trimester, but most dentists will recommend that any invasive procedures that warrant sedation wait until after the baby is born, if possible. If you must receive sedation during pregnancy, it is best to go with the minimal amount possible to make you feel comfortable.
Which Dental Procedures Are Safe for Pregnant Women?
It is both safe and encouraged to undergo cleanings and checkups when you are pregnant. Due to higher hormone levels, pregnant women are more likely to experience gum inflammation, bleeding, and irritation, so regular checkups can help to prevent oral infections.
When you are pregnant, it is important to do everything you can to prevent infections, and this could include getting filling or crown to protect damaged teeth. Emergency procedures are also sometimes necessary. In these cases, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable. This is important for your comfort and reduces stress on you on your baby. Local anesthetics, like lidocaine, during the procedures are safe. If needed, they may also recommend category B antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.
If you are interested in cosmetic work, it is best to wait until after your baby is born. These treatments are generally considered safe, but it’s also important to limit possible risks of complications, even if they are small.
If you are expecting, let your dentist know how far along you are so they can take all the necessary precautions to keep you and your baby safe. If your pregnancy is high-risk, this is also something you should bring up. The health and safety of you and your baby are the top priorities!
About the Practice
At Homestead Dental, Dr. Andrew Schope and Dr. Andrew Cote work together to serve patients in the Centennial community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (303) 224-9400.