If you are one of the 170+ million Americans who are struggling with tooth loss, then you know that even one missing tooth can make it difficult to smile confidently, chew properly, and speak clearly. If this sounds all too familiar, then you’ve likely been considering dental implants. After all, they can last for 30+ years, are extremely lifelike, and are the only tooth-replacement solution that preserves your jawbone. But what if you’re expecting? Can you get dental implants if you’re pregnant? Keep reading for the answer.
How Pregnancy Changes Your Oral Health
When you’re expecting, your belly grows, your hair thickens, and your cravings heighten. However, some of the changes aren’t as obvious, like the effects on your oral health. To start, persistent morning sickness can wear away the enamel on your teeth, significantly increasing your risk of tooth decay. Additionally, increased fatigue causes many patients to ease up on their oral hygiene routine, which is another unhealthy habit that can wreak havoc on your oral health. Lastly, and most importantly, the surge of hormones can cause your gums to swell and consequently increase your risk of pregnancy gingivitis.
So, Can You Get Dental Implants If You’re Pregnant?
Although dental implants have an impressive 95% success rate, the procedure is considered risky for pregnant women. With this in mind, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Elective vs. Medically Necessary Treatment – Although it’s better to replace a missing tooth sooner rather than later, dental implants are still considered an elective procedure. Therefore, many doctors will wait until after birth to conduct the surgery.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis – As mentioned above, expecting mothers are more likely to experience swollen gums and other symptoms of gum disease. Unfortunately, this can significantly increase your risk of dental implant failure.
- Anesthesia – Although local anesthesia is considered safe for pregnant patients, the dental implant surgery requires a stronger anesthetic, which is riskier.
4 Tips for Preparing for Dental Implants
If you and your dentist decide that it is best to wait until after you give birth to get dental implants, there are a few measures you can take to prepare in the meantime.
- Quit poor dental habits, like smoking, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on ice.
- Commit to a solid at-home oral hygiene routine (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing daily, etc.).
- Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
- Eat a vitamin-rich diet.
Your health and safety are always a priority at your dentist’s office, especially if you are pregnant. If you are struggling with tooth loss and are unsure if dental implants are right for you, then get in touch with your dental team today to schedule an initial consultation. From there, your dentist can create a game plan to safely get you the healthy, beautiful, complete smile you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez earned his first dental degree at the University of Medicine in Cuba. After serving patients for several years, he came to the United States and graduated from UCLA! Over two decades later, his favorite part of his job continues to be improving smiles and seeing his patients’ positive reactions to their transformation. If you are interested in dental implants or would like to learn more about oral health while expecting, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 903-534-8110.