Missing teeth can affect your confidence or make eating more difficult. You may want to get them replaced sooner rather than later, so you might take time to look at your options. Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard, but you will need to be a good candidate first. Pregnancy is one factor that can affect eligibility right off the bat. If you’re expecting, this treatment may need to wait. Here’s what to know.
Is It Safe to Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?
If you’re currently pregnant, then it’s best to hold off on dental implants until after your baby is born. Your body experiences significant changes during this time, and some of them can make complications more likely to occur.
Healing after placement surgery and bone density can both be affected while you’re expecting. Hormonal shifts can also weaken your immune response, raising your risk of infections, like gum disease. When this condition goes untreated, it can cause your results to fail.
X-rays, pain medications, and sedation are commonly used throughout the treatment process, but they’re generally not recommended during pregnancy. While they’re safe to use again afterward, it’s worth prioritizing yours and your baby’s well-being in the meantime so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary risk.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare for Dental Implants?
Although the procedure itself should wait, that doesn’t mean you can’t start laying the groundwork. A consultation is a safe first step, as it gives you the chance to learn more about dental implants and whether they are the right choice for you. In some cases, X-rays may be possible during the third trimester, but it’s still worth checking with your physician first.
Here are a few other things you can do at home:
- Stick to brushing and flossing twice a day. These habits clear away the bacteria responsible for issues like gum disease, helping keep your mouth in good shape.
- Eating a tooth-friendly diet can support your oral and overall health.
- Keep up with routine checkups and cleanings to catch and treat small issues before they grow.
At the end of the day, while dental implants will need to wait until after your baby is born, there’s still plenty you can do now to set yourself up for success. Building these habits into your routine can improve your chances of being a strong candidate down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed earned her dental degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry. She has since specialized in prosthodontics, giving her the knowledge and expertise needed to replace missing teeth. Dr. Reed is proud to offer dental implants to patients in Lincoln. By completing the entire process in-house, you stay in her expert care every step of the way. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at 402-488-5007.
