A dental emergency comes uninvited; it doesn’t see time or circumstances to occur. One of the most common emergencies is the wisdom tooth extraction. It is most important not to neglect wisdom teeth ailments, even during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a stressful condition and having to get a tooth extracted is another level of added stress but the only thing more stressful is living with that acute pain and infections. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling; bleeding and can make gums more sensitive. Expecting moms should be cautious about any sort of dental procedures and extractions and should be aware of its effects on the developing baby. It’s important to consult your obstetrician before undergoing any procedures as some pregnant women may have extra risk factors to be looked upon.

Today with the number of specialized dentists, it is now easy, hassle-free process.

Things to Know About Wisdom Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy

Your oral surgeons can assess your last molars if they cause a health risk to the mom and the baby. If the wisdom tooth is present at a low or minimal health risk, it should be removed before pregnancy or if not possible then after the baby is born. Sometimes the problem can become so acute that it could not be postponed until or after the pregnancy.

Fortunately, it can be performed during pregnancy. The safest time for your wisdom tooth ailment is between the fourth and the sixth month of pregnancy, the second trimester. It is because certain precautions should be taken in the interest for protecting the unborn baby. During the second trimester, the baby’s system will become much stronger and it will be able to work smoothly even after the medications. The immune system has just started to develop. There is evidence that proves that tooth extraction during pregnancy is safe.

What Research says about Wisdom Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy

The national maternal and child oral health resource centre published a National Consensus Statement on Oral Care during Pregnancy. In the statement, the centre advises OB-GYNs to reassure patients that local anaesthesia, pain medicines and radiographs (X-rays) are safe during pregnancy. The statement encouraged OB-GYNs to advise their pregnant patients to follow any oral care recommendations from their dentists and to seek oral health care.

To see what effect local anaesthesia had on babies exposed to it in the womb, the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) examined around 210 pregnancies exposed to local anaesthetics during the first trimester and around 794 pregnancies not exposed to anaesthetics. The study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. “Our study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. “Our study identified no evidence to show that dental treatment with anaesthesia is harmful during pregnancy,” said study author Dr. Hagai. “We aimed to determine if there was a significant risk associated with dental treatment with anaesthesia and pregnancy outcomes. We did not find any such risk.”

Importants things to keep in mind

Pregnancy is a time when expectant mother already go through various health complications when the wisdom teeth adds more to suffer it should not be taken further. It can be removed as safely as possible as before or after the pregnancy.

The period from the third to the eighth week is the time when critical organs develop in the baby. Any medications or stress due to tooth extraction can affect the foetus growth. Tooth extraction requires X-ray to locate the affected tooth and identify the extent of the decay. During this, a lead apron sheet is used to cover the upper part of the body of the pregnant women to avoid any side-effects of the radiation to the foetus. Do not go for elective treatments such as teeth whitening or any cosmetic procedures during pregnancy. At the same time do not postpone dental works such as cavity fillings, cleaning or crowns.

But after all this the safest course of action is to postpone all unnecessary dental work until after the birth. Anesthetics, including oral sedatives and intravenous or general anaesthesia, are not recommended for pregnant women

Medications

• Your dentist might ask you to take penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin which are safe during pregnancy. Erythromycin is also safe but it is prescribed if the patient’s stomach can tolerate it.
• If you are allergic to any of the medicines, talk to your doctor so that he can prescribe an alternative.
• For the pain medications post tooth removal, the area in your mouth would be painful for a few days. You may use opioid pain medications (codeine, hydrocodone, etc.) on the dentist’s prescription.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, may be used for shorter durations of up to 72 hours but avoided during the first and third trimesters.