Can you go to the dentist while pregnant?

[Geniene]

Hello,

I have really bad toothache and I'm certain that I need a filling or maybe 2 :( I am about 14 weeks pregnant. Has anyone been to the dentist while being pregnant?

I've heard that xray's can't be done etc and I am wondering, if this is the case, is there a way around this so that the dentist can still do the required work or is it a bit hit and miss?

Thanks! :)

[Tam-I-Am]

Yes, you can. If you need dental x-rays, they'll drape a lead apron over your belly to protect the baby, and it's pretty targeted and low-dose x-ray anyway so the risks are extremely small even without the lead apron.

There are pregnancy-safe medications (including local anaesthetics) that can be used too. Just be sure to tell them you're pregnant (of course!).

[Geniene]

oh that's great!! Thanks! :D

[Mum2Mimi]

yes i went just the other week as i chipped my front tooth really badly, snapped half my tooth off, you can have certain things done whilst pregnant that dont require x-rays or being knocked out, if they can give you a filling with just the needle in the gum they give to numb then you can have a filling, you should go to the dentist for a clean whilst pregnant anyhow esp just before you give birth as you can pass bacteria from your mouth to baby or something thats what my dentist told me and because your gums bleed during pregnacy can be common so you should have a clean to prevent any infections to the gum :D

[Mum2Mimi]

oh and dont forget to tell them ur UTD and usually you will fill out a form upon attendance which will ask you numerous questions and one of them is if you are pregnant

[Juststarting]

You're at the best time to go in pregnancy.

I had the worst toothache of my life when I was 14 weeks and the doctor thought it was my sinuses and gave me panadine forte.
When I went to the dentist I found I had a terrible hole in my tooth and (without an x-ray) it was able to be filled. The dentist thought I would loose the tooth but wouldnt pull it cause I was preg. Thankgoodness cause its fine now.

Just this week now 23 weeks pregnant I have to go back for a problem with another tooth. I have started calcium tablets and multis cause bubs seems to be draining all I have and my teeth are suffering BIG time.

Sorry for the :ecomcity: but I really feel for you and people who suffer from tooth ache!

[InfiniteDreams]

after first trimester you are safe, furst pregnancy i had 4 hours dental work done at 8 months, 2nd pregnancy i had root canal treatment but had to wait till week 14

[Geniene]

Thanks, it's all very reassuring! I am not looking forward to going to the dentist...I think I have left it far too long and I am scared about the amount of work that might need done...have a feeling I may well lose one of my teeth :( But at least I know it can be done!

I think my teeth are ruined from my last pregnancy. It seemed to drain my teeth - or rather the calcium from my teeth and I think it is happening again this time around

[EsSjAy]

Hi there...

I had a lot of problems too when i was pregnant...
Abscess after abscess... Nearly drove me mad...
I lost 2 extractions when pregnant and other work done. and had alot of x-rays... No problems at all... Pregnancy can seemingly cause alot of problems to teeth.... I'm still suffering.

Hope all goes well hun...

[Kangaskippy]

Yep, just let them know you are pregnant...

I had to get my root canal fixed up when I was 18wks and was all done in 20mins...(no needles/ xrays or pain)

[Juststarting]

Just wondered, are any of you ladies taking calcium suppliments to help prevent tooth decay?

I went to the pharmasist and that's what she suggested as well as a Savacol. I just dont want to get to the stage where I loose a tooth or need root canal.

Wondering if it'll really help at all...