Prolonging the replacement process of missing teeth is generally not a good idea, especially since bone loss can begin soon after extraction or facial trauma. However, if you are pregnant, there are reasons to wait. This scenario requires more careful thought, as the required imaging and procedures can impact the health and development of your baby. Although you may prefer dental implants to replace your missing teeth, keep reading to learn why you should wait.
Why Should Pregnant Women Not Get Dental Implants Right Away?
You want dental implants, but your dentist says it’s better to hold off on treatment right now. Why? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Dental X-rays are required before dental implants can be put into place. This kind of technology can be risky for the baby during the first trimester.
- For dental implants to be put into place, you must undergo oral surgery. This requires administering anesthesia. While many studies declare local anesthesia to be safe during pregnancy, stronger versions are often required, which can be unsafe for the baby.
- Oral health complications may occur after dental implant placement, and if you develop an infection, it will be harder to treat because of your pregnancy.
What is the Alternative for Pregnant Women?
If your dentist believes you should wait until after your baby is born to receive dental implants, you have a few options:
- Your dentist can provide a temporary tooth replacement that you can swap out once your baby is born.
- You can opt to replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge or dentures.
- You can start the process toward dental implants once you are in your second trimester. This will be the safest time for you to have dental X-rays taken.
Although you may be unable to proceed with oral surgery to have your dental implants put into place until after your baby is born, you can complete the initial steps ahead of time. This will allow you to move along with the procedure after your little one arrives.
Before you know it, you’ll be living life with a fully restored smile – one that you can be proud to show off along with your new bundle of joy!
About the Author
Dr. Nischit Shah is a periodontist in Fountain Valley and an expert in dental implants. Delivering exceptional results with his careful attention to detail, he can help patients embrace life with a new outlook once these new prosthetics are firmly in place. If you are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or by calling (714) 962-4486 to schedule a consultation.