When Should You Have the Tooth Pulled?
When it comes to a tooth extraction during pregnancy, timing is important. The American Pregnancy Association recommends having necessary dental work performed in the second trimester and postponing any non-essential treatments until after delivery.
By the time you get to the third trimester, you might find it very uncomfortable to lie back or recline while having the tooth pulled. You can also have dental work performed in the first trimester, and the pregnancies examined in JADA's study all received local anesthesia during the first trimester.
Of course, if you are having a true dental emergency and the tooth needs to come out ASAP, it doesn't matter which trimester you are in. Removing an infected or otherwise severely damaged tooth as soon as possible is better for you and the baby than leaving it to fester in the mouth.
Whether it's having a tooth pulled, a root canal or just a routine cleaning, it's important for your health and the health of your baby not to ignore your teeth and gums during pregnancy. If it's been a while since you've seen your dentist, make an appointment today. While you're at it, don't forget to practice great oral care to keep your teeth and gums clean between appointments.