For many teeth that have become severely infected or abscessed, a root canal is often the most effective way to avoid extraction or losing the tooth altogether. This procedure can benefit anyone, including women who are pregnant, particularly when untreated cavities or cracked and chipped teeth allow bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth and cause an infection. Left untreated, that kind of infection can lead to severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, discomfort while chewing, or a dental abscess.
It makes sense that expectant mothers would have concerns about whether a root canal performed during pregnancy could affect their developing baby. In many cases, obstetricians recommend postponing the procedure until after delivery. That said, some circumstances may make putting off treatment riskier than moving forward with it.
Pregnant patients who need a root canal often want to know whether the treatment is safe to undergo. While there can be some risk involved in having a root canal during pregnancy, that risk is typically minimal. Below, we cover what makes root canals safe for pregnant women in more detail.
Anesthesia Options for Root Canals During Pregnancy
During a root canal, dentists typically use anesthesia to keep pain signals from reaching the mouth. This anesthesia is applied locally rather than throughout the body, and it is generally regarded as safe, even for patients who are pregnant. A qualified dentist will determine and administer the proper dosage for each patient.
Understanding X-Rays Before a Root Canal
Before performing a root canal, dentists usually need X-rays to evaluate how serious the problem is and to examine the tooth’s roots. Even so, an unborn baby typically receives little to no exposure from these X-rays. Because the machine is aimed at the mother’s jaw rather than her abdomen, the chance of the baby being exposed to radiation is kept to a minimum. On top of that, mothers are provided with a lead apron that shields the abdomen and neck during the X-ray. The American Dental Association (ADA) has confirmed that dental X-rays are safe to have during pregnancy.
Balancing the Risks and Benefits
As is true of many treatments and medications used during pregnancy, the mother and her provider need to consider the potential risks alongside the potential benefits before deciding how to proceed. In most cases, the benefits of having a root canal while pregnant tend to outweigh the risks involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
How Can You Avoid Needing a Root Canal?
Keeping up with daily oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Limiting foods that are high in sugar, along with acidic drinks such as soda and fruit juice, can also help keep your teeth protected from decay. In addition, scheduling a dental visit at least once a year allows your dentist to examine and clean your teeth.
What Other Treatment Options Are Available?
If you choose not to move forward with a root canal, the remaining options are limited to losing the tooth naturally or having the damaged or infected tooth extracted. This approach is generally not recommended, since a missing tooth leaves a gap in your smile that goes beyond a cosmetic concern. Neighboring teeth can shift toward that gap as the jaw attempts to close it, and teeth that become misaligned are typically more difficult to keep clean. Over time, this can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease that may be painful and expensive to treat.
Root Canal Care at The Smile Architects
When you turn to the team at The Smile Architects in Huntersville, NC for help with your dental needs, you can count on us to share clear, honest information and to support you in making sound health decisions for you and your unborn child. Call 704-875-1621 or contact us today to learn more about maintaining dental health during pregnancy and to schedule your appointment.