Root canals are the best way to save many severely infected or abscessed teeth from extraction or falling out. Anyone, including pregnant women, might benefit from a root canal, especially if they have untreated cavities or teeth with cracks or chips, permitting bacteria to cause infections inside the tooth. Such an infection can result in severe pain, sensitivity to temperatures, pain when chewing, or even a dental abscess.
Understandably, pregnant women might worry about how getting a root canal during their pregnancy can affect the developing fetus. In reality, many obstetricians suggest waiting to have root canals until after the baby's birth. However, certain situations may indicate that delaying a root canal is more harmful than beneficial.
When faced with a root canal, pregnant women might wonder if a root canal is safe. Getting root canals during pregnancy has some risks, but they are relatively non-existent. Let's take a look at the safety of root canals during pregnancy.
Root Canal Anesthetics During Pregnancy
Dentists usually provide anesthesia to block pain impulses in the mouth during root canals. However, they only give local anesthesia in the mouth, which is considered relatively safe even for pregnant women. When an experienced dentist performs the treatment, they administer appropriate doses correctly.
X-Rays Before Root Canals
X-rays are generally required to assess the severity of the situation and the roots of the teeth before the root canal procedure. However, the unborn baby won't face much X-ray exposure, if any at all. The X-ray machine is pointed at the mother's jaw and not the stomach, ensuring the risk of the baby being exposed to gamma rays is minimized. In addition, the mom is given a lead apron to wear to protect the abdomen and neck from radiation while taking X-rays. The American Dental Association (ADA) has also confirmed that dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy.
Weighing the Risks and Benefits
As with many medical procedures and medications during pregnancy, the pregnant mother and the medical provider must weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure to determine whether or not to move forward. In the vast majority of cases, the benefits outweigh the risks of getting a root canal for a pregnant woman.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Can You Avoid the Need for Root Canals?
You can avoid tooth decay by maintaining your oral hygiene every single day. You can also try to avoid foods that are high in sugar and acidic beverages like soda and fruit juices. This will help protect your teeth from decay. You should also visit your dentist at least once per year so they can examine and clean your teeth.
Are there Alternative Treatment Options?
Suppose you decide against having a root canal done. In that case, the only other alternatives are natural tooth loss or having your infected or damaged tooth pulled. It's not the recommended course of action because a lost or pulled tooth will leave a gap in your smile, which isn't just a cosmetic issue. It can often cause the adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment as the jaw wants to close that gap. Misaligned teeth are typically harder to clean. As such, you could end up with tooth decay or gum disease that can be painful and costly to treat.
Root Canals at The Smile Architects
When you seek the help of the professionals at The Smile Architects for your dental problems, you can trust us to be forthcoming with information and to help you make the best health decisions for you and your unborn child. Call 704-875-1621 or contact us today to learn more about dental health and procedures while pregnant and to schedule an appointment.