New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. However, the process is somewhat complex, and your dentist will have to consider a range of health factors before they approve you for implants. If you are pregnant, they are likely to recommend that you hold off on your treatment until after your baby arrives. This blog post discusses why getting dental implants during pregnancy is not generally a good idea.
Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Care
Before recommending any treatment, your dentist must consider both risks and benefits. It might sometimes be necessary to perform extensive procedures on a pregnant individual, such as if she has a seriously infected tooth. The infection could harm both the woman and her child.
Conversely, the need for dental implants is seldom urgent, and some aspects of the surgery might pose a threat to a developing baby. For example, sedation is usually part of the procedure, but most types of sedation are risky for delicate fetuses.
Oral Health Changes During Pregnancy
Many women experience changes to their oral health during pregnancy, which could adversely affect their dental implant procedure. For example, hormonal fluctuations may make you more vulnerable to plaque and bacteria growth. In turn, this can lead to a condition that is commonly called “pregnancy gingivitis” or “pregnancy gum disease.” Gum disease poses a threat to the tissue around dental implants, so your gums should be healthy before you move ahead with your tooth replacement journey.
Some women also suffer from gestational diabetes. Diabetes can slow down healing after oral surgery. Since your blood sugar may return to normal after you deliver your little one, it is safer to wait for dental implants.
Managing Pain After Surgery
Another reason why getting dental implants during pregnancy is not a wise idea has to do with what typically happens in the days following the implant surgery. Discomfort is normal, and it may linger for several days or longer. Dentists typically recommend medications to help patients get through this part of their recovery with as little pain as possible. However, most pain medications are not recommended for pregnant people due to potential risks to a developing fetus.
You Can Start Planning Now
Even though you should not get dental implants while pregnant, you should still visit your dentist. They will help you manage your oral health throughout your pregnancy, and you can talk to them about your desire for implants. They may take some X-Rays or scans of your mouth and let you know what you can expect during your tooth replacement process. You can look forward to an exciting and fulfilling journey as you rebuild a complete smile!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features a large team of dentists and specialists who are able to provide comprehensive oral health care, including dental implant services. We are always happy to answer our patients’ questions about dental implants — we even offer FREE implant consultations. Contact us today at 203-941-6619 to learn more about how we may be able to serve you.