Professional oral care is critical during every stage of life; pregnancy is certainly no exception. Expecting mothers are at a heightened risk of numerous oral health problems, such as gingivitis, enamel erosion, and more. Your dentist can help you with such issues. However, if you have a degree of anxiety, you might hesitate to book an appointment due to concerns about sedation. Is dental sedation safe during pregnancy? Read on below to learn the answer.
Local Anesthetic Is Safe
The good news is that local anesthetic is considered safe for pregnant people. In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that local anesthetics do not increase the risk of miscarriages or birth defects.
Therefore, whether you are getting a filling, undergoing root canal therapy, or having any other treatment, your dentists can numb your mouth. You might feel some pressure during your procedure, but you will not experience any real pain.
What about Other Forms of Sedation?
Beyond local anesthetic, sedation is not generally considered safe for pregnant people. Therefore, most dentists simply do not administer it to expecting moms. Nitrous oxide has been shown to present risks to a fetus, particularly during the earliest stages of pregnancy. Oral sedatives and other powerful sedation agents could also pass through the placenta and adversely affect the developing infant.
What if You Need a Major Dental Procedure?
If you require a major dental procedure during pregnancy, your dentist will carefully weigh the risks and rewards of each potential course of action before making a recommendation.
In some instances, it is safe to postpone a treatment until after a woman gives birth. This is usually the safest option. If the need for a procedure is more urgent, it might be okay to use some forms of sedation during the second trimester of pregnancy.
There is also the possibility that your dental team will perform treatment without sedation. They will take extra care to be gentle for patients who struggle with anxiety or who have particularly sensitive oral tissues.
Your smile is an invaluable asset! It deserves to receive top-quality care throughout your pregnancy. Your dentist will help you make decisions that benefit your oral health without posing significant risks to your new baby.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page has well over a decade of experience in dentistry. She offers multiple forms of sedation, which she always uses with safety as the top priority. Our team strives to provide comfortable care to all of our patients, including pregnant individuals. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, reach out to our Schenectady dental office at 518-374-0317.