Dental implants have allowed millions of people to achieve a complete and beautiful smile after tooth loss. One of these prosthetic appliances consists of a titanium post, a lifelike dental crown, and an abutment piece connecting them, and they are the ideal form of tooth replacement because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. While dentists recommend replacing lost teeth as soon as possible, certain medical conditions can make it better to wait before receiving implants. Here’s why it might be best to delay getting implants if you are currently pregnant.
What Should I Know About Pregnancy and Dental Implants?
It’s important for pregnant women to take care of their oral health through proper oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings and exams, especially since gum disease is more likely during pregnancy and may even be passed on to the child if it is left untreated. However, the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend performing elective treatments like dental implants after the first trimester, and most oral surgeons would rather wait until the patient is no longer pregnant.
Studies demonstrate that local anesthetics are completely safe during pregnancy, which makes it okay to get elective treatments like veneers after the first trimester. However, dental implants require stronger anesthesia that may be risky to use on a pregnant patient. Placing dental implants usually also involves taking X-rays, which the American Dental Association recommends against during the first trimester.
When Can I Get Started with the Implant Process if I’m Pregnant?
If you’re currently pregnant and interested in getting dental implants, you can start the process by scheduling your consultation after you have reached your second trimester. It’s safe to take X-rays at that point, allowing your dentist to thoroughly evaluate your jaw to determine if it can host dental implants and where they should be placed. If your jawbone or gums are not healthy enough for implants at that time, you may be able to become an excellent candidate for the treatment later after receiving bone grafts or gum disease treatment.
Maintaining excellent oral health is especially important during pregnancy. While it’s ideal to replace lost teeth as soon as possible, it’s best to wait until later in your pregnancy to begin the dental implant process.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel earned his dental doctorate at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has since completed over 500 hours of continuing education, including extensive hands-on dental implant training. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His office in San Antonio offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (210) 590-2736.