Can you get a wisdom tooth pulled while pregnant?

Can you get a wisdom tooth pulled while pregnant?

Can you get a wisdom tooth pulled while pregnant?

May 27, 2021 12:48 pm Published by

Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes, and with those comes a higher risk of developing gum disease and other dental concerns. This means that it is a good idea to maintain your regular six-monthly checkup schedule with your dentist, so any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Your dentist might recommend a wisdom tooth extraction while pregnant for a number of reasons. This could include advanced gum disease or tooth decay. While it is better to put off any elective procedure until after the baby is born, in emergencies or cases of real need, the dentist might prefer not to delay. When the benefits outweigh the risks – for example, if there is severe pain or infection, or a chance of permanent damage – then a wisdom tooth can be pulled during pregnancy.

The risk areas of a tooth extraction during pregnancy include X-ray, anaesthesia, and the possibility of infection. The dentist can reduce the risks around the X-ray by using a lead apron to protect your baby, for the moment while the rays are used. Your dentist can reduce the anaesthesia risk by using local anaesthetic, which is a safer option than general anaesthetic. Infection risk is managed most directly by going ahead with the procedure – the risks to your baby are far higher from an advanced tooth infection, than from the surgery itself.

If your dentist advises a tooth extraction, they will prefer to do it during the second trimester. That’s because your baby has a lot of development during the first trimester, and while the risks are low, it is better to avoid this time period completely. During the third trimester, it is usually difficult and uncomfortable to stay in the same position for an extended period of time.

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