Is A Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy Safe?

One reason why many people are concerned about tooth extraction when a woman is pregnant has to do with outdated thinking on the subject of providing dental care to pregnant women. As The New York Times points out, many dentists used to be taught that it wasn't safe to treat women who were pregnant and would refuse treatment to women who needed it, no matter how severe the dental problem became.

Local anesthesia might be all well and good for the baby during a tooth extraction, but what about more intense forms of anesthesia, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia? Generally speaking, it's advised that women avoid sedation and general anesthesia during pregnancy, although the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center notes that some types of sedation or general anesthesia may be used, in consultation with a prenatal care health practitioner. 

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.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.