It is important to replace lost teeth as soon as possible. Doing so can support your oral and overall health in some big ways! However, if you are expecting a baby, you may wonder if it is safe to get dental implants. This blog post explains why it would be best to wait until after you give birth to move forward with treatment.
Pregnancy and Dental Implants: Understanding the Risks
While dental implants have major benefits, they are generally considered an elective treatment rather than an urgent one. As such, most dental professionals recommend that pregnant patients wait to get dental implants until after they give birth. There are a number of reasons for this:
- You may need sedation during the implant placement surgery. Some types of sedation can pass through the placenta and may affect a developing baby. Even for the sedation options that are generally considered acceptable, it would still be best not to use them unless an urgent need arises.
- You may need antibiotics or pain medicine after surgery. Some medications are associated with complications like preterm birth and developmental issues. Postponing your oral surgery can reduce such risks.
- Your hormones can change the condition of your gums. Pregnant individuals are more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to dental implant complications.
- Pregnancy affects your oral health in other ways. For example, if you are prone to nausea during pregnancy, vomiting too soon after oral surgery could cause complications.
- You should be comfortable. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable enough without the added soreness that comes after oral surgery. After baby arrives and your body has healed from the birthing process, you may find the dental implant process much easier.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
If you are pregnant and interested in dental implants, you can (and should!) talk to your dentist about your plan for tooth replacement. They can help you manage your oral health while you are expecting your little one so your mouth will be ready for dental implants when the time comes. Hopefully, you will be able to recomplete your smile soon after you welcome your little one into the world!
Meet the Practice
At Vero Beach Dental Implants, our team performs start-to-finish dental implant services in a welcoming environment. We use advanced technology and top-quality materials to give each case the best possible chance of success. If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth, we would be happy to welcome you in for a consultation and prepare you for your next steps. Contact our office at 772-205-6003.