Can You Get Dental Implants During Pregnancy?

When you’re missing teeth, it can be difficult to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. Over time, tooth loss can also lead to additional oral health issues, like misalignment, bone loss, and an increased risk of gum disease. Fortunately, dental implants are available to help prevent these problems from developing. It is generally recommended that you start the process of replacing your missing teeth as soon as possible, but what if you are pregnant? Here’s what you should know.

Should Pregnant Women Wait to Get Dental Implants?

You are generally recommended to replace missing teeth with dental implants immediately. However, this isn’t usually recommended for pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association encourage pregnant women to seek preventive oral health care, like dental cleanings and exams. Emergency treatments are also sometimes necessary, like a filling or root canal. However, elective procedures, like dental implants, are better left until after the baby is born.

Why Is It Necessary to Wait?

When it comes to dental implants, there isn’t much risk when it comes to waiting. There are ultimately more risks to go through with the surgery during pregnancy. One of the main reasons is that there are changes that occur in oral health during pregnancy that can increase the risk of dental implant failure.

Dental X-rays and local anesthetics pose little risk to the developing fetus, but several antibiotics are off-limits for pregnant women. If an infection does occur, many prescription and over-the-counter medications are also off the table, meaning increased discomfort. No one wants to deal with this, especially when already managing a pregnancy.

What Can You Do Now?

Just because you aren’t able to receive dental implant surgery yet doesn’t mean that you can’t begin the process of replacing your missing tooth. Schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can discuss the implant process. If you are worried about the appearance of your smile, temporary restorations are often available until you can undergo dental implant surgery. Ultimately, the health of you and your baby is your dentist’s top priority!

Dental implants are an excellent way to tackle tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out whether dental implants are a good option for you after the birth of your baby!

About the Author

Dr. Danette McNew is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over 30 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She is also a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation at her office in Rockwall, visit her website or call (972) 771-2213.