Is Root Canal Therapy Safe for Pregnant Women?

Is Root Canal Therapy Safe for Pregnant Women?

April 1, 2023

During pregnancy, a lot of changes happen to a woman’s body. Moreover, during this period, a woman has to cope with multiple appointments that revolve around their health and the unborn child’s. However, this does not mean you won’t have to deal with a dental problem if it arises. For instance, if you experience an excess toothache, you should go to the dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina, for consultation. The inflammation of the dental pulp can cause toothache. A root canal procedure will be recommended if the tooth infection is severe. So, is this dental procedure safe for pregnant women? Can it threaten the life of the unborn child? Below you will find answers to the mentioned questions and more concerning root canals during pregnancy.

What Are the Key Considerations For Root Canal Treatment During Pregnancy?

Although a root canal is a safe and straightforward procedure, it might bring about some unforeseen complications for a pregnant woman. Nevertheless, going for root canal therapy near you may also be essential if you’re experiencing excess tooth pain and might also prevent further infection and inflammation. Here are some of the critical considerations for root canal therapy during pregnancy:

Timing The Root Canal Therapy During Pregnancy If you’re experiencing pain, tooth abscess, and gum inflammation, going for treatment at the dentist is imperative. Once the dentist has performed an oral exam, they may recommend a root canal procedure.

However, during pregnancy, the dentist may recommend scheduling elective dental procedures for the second trimester. The second trimester is during weeks 14 through 20. This period is recommended as rapid development happens during the first trimester. Therefore, it is crucial to wait until the first trimester passes.

But what about the third trimester? During this period, the baby is already formed, which puts a lot of pressure on your back. Therefore, lying back anywhere, alone in a dental chair, will be challenging.

That being said, if you’re experiencing severe toothache and facial swelling, you may require immediate root canal treatment, irrespective of your trimester. Failure to undergo root canal treatment may lead to more oral complications that sabotage your overall health during this sensitive period.

  1. What About Dental X-Rays?

The dentist in 25269 will perform an oral x-ray before any root canal procedure is recommended. The oral x-ray helps the dentist know the extent of the pulp infection and if there is any oral complication that has developed deep into your tooth. However, there have been many concerns about dental x-rays, especially in pregnant women.

It is essential to know that the American Pregnancy Association advises against non-essential x-rays in pregnant women. However, if a dental x-ray is needed, using modern shielding techniques to reduce exposure to dental x-rays is imperative. Doing so will ensure that there is no harm done to the developing fetus.

Once you go for a dental exam, notify the dentist that you’re pregnant. Telling them will ensure that they consider it before performing a dental x-ray.

  1. Pain Medicine And Anesthesia During Pregnancy

Anesthesia is usually administered before any root canal procedure. However, is administering anesthesia and pain medicine during pregnancy safe for root canal therapy? Fortunately, according to the American Dental Association, local anesthesia poses no risk to pregnant women or unborn children. Some of the recommended local anesthetics include Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, and Mepivacaine.

Moreover, antibiotics should be given to the pregnant woman after root canal therapy. The dentist should follow the current standard dosage for administering antibiotics. Amoxicillin is an excellent example of an antibiotic safe for pregnant women.

On the other hand, if the tooth infection is severe and there is still pain after the root canal treatment, painkillers are recommended to cope with the pain. Stick to acetaminophen-based drugs like Tylenol. On the other hand, you should altogether avoid Advil and ibuprofen when pregnant. Ensure that you discuss with your dentist the appropriate dosage and which trimester you’re in so there will be no complications.

Root canal therapy is an essential dental procedure that can help prevent tooth infection and save the life of your natural tooth. However, your unborn child is also precious, so you should consult a qualified dental professional like the one in Premium Dental. They will tell you when root canal therapy is safe and consider other factors before proceeding.

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