Do you have one or more teeth that need to be replaced? Whether they are already missing or need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage, dental implants provide a natural looking and functioning replacement.
While most patients are candidates for dental implants, there are certain situations that may disqualify you from getting them. In many cases these situations are temporary, meaning that you may be eligible for dental implants later.
One such example is pregnancy. If you are pregnant, it would be in your best interest to wait until after you give birth to get dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system that completely replaces a tooth. It consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw that resembles a screw with threads to help it fuse with the bone tissue. Once it fully bonds with the bone, an artificial tooth can be attached to the implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. One dental implant can replace a single tooth and multiple implants can be placed to support a bridge or dentures.
Dental Implants Should Wait Until After Pregnancy
Most dentists, oral surgeons, dental health professionals, and OBGYNs agree that it is best to wait until after you give birth to get dental implants. This is due to a few different reasons:
- Oral health risks. Pregnancy can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, making dental implants more likely to fail.
- Immune system changes. During pregnancy a woman’s immune system may be compromised, making it more difficult to fight infection.
- X-Rays are required. The safety of dental X-Rays during pregnancy is still being studied, meaning it may not be safe for you or your baby to get the necessary X-Rays for dental implant placement.
- Anesthesia or sedation. Not all forms of anesthesia and sedation are safe during pregnancy, which could make the procedure much less comfortable.
- Medication. After dental implant placement you may need to take antibiotics and possibly pain medication, some of which are not safe to take during pregnancy.
- Discomfort. During pregnancy it is not always comfortable to spend long stretches of time in the dental chair. Dental implant placement can take an hour or more.
How Long After Pregnancy Can You Get Dental Implants?
You can schedule your dental implant procedure as soon as you feel ready after giving birth. There are many things to take into consideration, such as how you feel, breastfeeding, and whether or not you have help taking care of the baby while you recover. Talk to your dentist about all of these things and together you can decide when the time is right.
Schedule Your Consultation Now
Even if you are pregnant you can go ahead and schedule your dental implant consultation. Call Dental Wellness Team at 954-796-3355 or contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants and Pregnancy
Can you get dental implants at all during pregnancy?
While it is not recommended, you may still get dental implants during pregnancy as long as your dentist and physician agree that it is safe for you. It is best to wait until the second or third trimester when the risk is lower for the fetus. But the safest choice for you and your baby is to wait until after your baby is born.
Is it better to get a dental bridge during pregnancy?
A dental bridge is less invasive than a dental implant, so it is considered safe during pregnancy. However, a dental bridge has certain disadvantages when compared to a dental implant. A bridge requires support from two healthy teeth that need to be reduced in size for the crown on each end of the bridge to fit over them. This requires local anesthesia, which is typically safe during pregnancy. A bridge may only last 10-15 years, whereas a dental implant can last a lifetime. It may be worth waiting until after your pregnancy for a better quality restoration.