For many people, being pregnant is an exciting but scary experience. Though the thought of bringing life into the world might be exhilarating, there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of before the baby is born, like decorating their nursery. When people are pregnant, they tend to focus all of their efforts on the health of their baby. It’s only natural to want to do something nice for yourself, like improving the look of your smile with dental implants. If you’re considering getting dental implants during pregnancy, read on to learn about whether it’s safe and how to prepare for the procedure.
The Impact of Missing Teeth
There is a range of things that can lead to tooth loss. Improper oral hygiene can lead to severe tooth infections or gum disease. Additionally, suffering a blow to the face can also cause a tooth to become severely damaged or to fall out. When you have a missing tooth, the jawbone in that area will no longer receive the stimulation it needs to remain healthy, which will cause it to erode. This will weaken the jawbone and may also lead to additional tooth loss.
Why It’s Safer to Wait Until You’ve Given Birth
Although dental implants can be placed after the first trimester, many dentists suggest waiting until after your baby has been born. There are several reasons why it’s better to wait instead of getting dental implants during pregnancy, including:
- Post-surgical complications – Dental implant aftercare usually involves medicine to lessen discomfort as well as your chances of developing an infection. However, many of these are unsafe to take while pregnant.
- Increased hormones – Pregnant people see a sharp rise in their hormone levels, which makes them more likely to develop gum disease. This significantly increases their chances of implant failure.
- Other risks – X-rays and strong anesthetics may make it unsafe for pregnant people to get dental implants during their first trimester.
6 Tips for Preparing for Dental Implants
Though it’s best to wait until after you’ve given birth to get dental implants, some ways to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly include:
- If you have morning sickness, rinse with clean water, wait 30 minutes, then brush
- Eat a diet of lean meat, fruits and veggies, fish, and low-fat or fat-free dairy
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
- Brush every morning and every night for two full minutes
- Limit the amount of sugar you consume
- Drink lots of water throughout the day
- Floss every night before bed
If you are pregnant and want to get dental implants, make sure to speak with your dentist. They can help you choose the best option for you, your baby, and your smile!
About the Practice
Smile Specialties is led by Dr. Jennifer A. Reed, who began practicing dentistry in 1993. She has since cultivated a team of highly-skilled oral health professionals who aim to help you learn to love and care for your smile. If you’re preparing to have a baby, they will take extra precautions to ensure that both you and your little one are safe throughout treatment. Call Smile Specialties’ dental office at (402) 488-5007 or visit their website for more information on getting dental implants during pregnancy or to schedule a consultation.
