My left top premolar just broke in half. I am 5 months pregnant. Can I get an X-ray and the tooth fixed, or must I wait until after the delivery? BTW, I am having some tooth pain. I don’t want any metal crowns, though. Thanks. Myra
Myra – You can have emergency dental treatment during pregnancy. You are not yet in your third trimester, so you shouldn’t experience too much discomfort. Prolonged time lying on your back should be avoided during the third trimester.
Can You Get a Broken Tooth Repaired While Pregnant?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should continue with routine dental care, including X-rays, ensuring their abdomen and thyroid are protected. If dental concerns require root canal treatment, extractions, or restoration, getting the treatment prevents more complex problems from arising.
Holistic dentistry includes all-ceramic crowns
A broken tooth must be treated to avoid infection, which can spread into your jawbone and bloodstream in severe cases. The same applies to an infected or abscessed tooth; it must be treated to prevent the infection from spreading. As little local anesthetic as possible should be administered, but you don’t want the pain from having far too little anesthetic to put stress on you or the baby.
Preventive dental care during pregnancy should not be neglected. Preventive care can protect your teeth from decay, which may result in a dental emergency, and periodontal (gum) disease linked to premature birth.
Notify your obstetrician of the dental emergency, and ensure your dentist has a current list of your medication. Ask your dentist for holistic treatment options.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.