Pregnancy should be a time of great joy and optimism, and the same can be said about getting dental implants. After all, both will eventually deliver lifechanging results that are sure to improve your life and put a smile on your face. But if you’re missing teeth while you’re expecting, you may be wondering if you can still get dental implants before your child is born. Here’s why if you’re pregnant, your restorations will need to wait.
Pregnancy & Dental Treatment
There are three trimesters to pregnancy, each based on the development of the growing baby. In your first trimester, it can be very dangerous to undergo certain types of dental procedures unless they’re medically necessary. This means that not correcting the issue would pose a greater risk to you and your unborn child than fixing it. A good example of this would be a root canal, because not treating a tooth infection could cause it to spread and can even be fatal.
In your second trimester, it becomes a bit safer to undergo certain dental procedures. Local anesthesia is often used for minor treatments if absolutely necessary. Dental implants, however, are considered elective, and therefore would not be approved at any time during your pregnancy.
Baby Steps: Beginning the Dental Implant Process
While you cannot have dental implant surgery during pregnancy, there’s no reason you can’t begin the dental implant treatment process. However, please be aware that you will likely need X-rays, which will be done at the discretion of your dentist, and you may need to wait until after your pregnancy has ended to complete this step.
Other risks of having dental implant surgery during pregnancy are that the antibiotics necessary after your procedure and the anesthesia need during it are not safe for your growing baby, and hormonal fluctuations can increase your risk of dental implant failure.
When will it be Safe to Have Dental Implant Surgery?
So, when will it be safe to have dental implant surgery again? That’s often up to the parent. Once you have given birth and are feeling ready for it, your dentist will be pleased to help you restore your smile, but don’t rush yourself to recover. Your oral health is incredibly important, but your physical and mental health are, too. Thus, take as long as you need to heal, and your dentist will be ready to help when the time is right.
Remember, while it may not be possible to get dental implants during pregnancy, you can still get the process started with a consultation with your dentist. Then, when you’re ready to correct your smile postpartum, you can officially start your restoration journey!
About Our Practice
At Prime Time Dentistry, our team is excited to help you restore your beautiful smile with the help of dental implants. If you’re expecting but would like to learn more about how this treatment can help you once your baby is born, please contact us today. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call 945-207-7463.