Can You Have Root Canal Treatment When You’re Pregnant?

Many people dread root canals, but they are an important treatment option for fixing painful, damage, or broken teeth. It is a fairly common procedure that is easy to schedule, complete, and recover from. However, there are specific steps that need to be taken. When you are pregnant and need a root canal, it can be difficult to decide if you should do it or not. Here is a look at what it is like to have a root canal treatment when you are pregnant.

The first step of a root canal is to have dental extras taken. These x-rays are used to coordinate the rest of your procedure including determining any specific prep work that needs to be done. This process is unavoidable and x-rays are especially dangerous when you are pregnant. However, you can take proper precautions to ensure that nothing bad happens.

During the x-rays, you will have a lead vest for shielding. Since you are pregnant, extra shielding will be provided in other areas and to make the shielding thicker. The padding for these shields may be heavy, but a dentist can properly position it to give you the most comfort. Plus, a skilled dentist can take x-rays quickly and accurately so that you won’t have to be under the pads for long. Be sure to let your dentist know that you are pregnant ahead of time so that he or she can accurately prepare.

The first and last trimesters are filled with complications that can already make you uncomfortable. So, getting a root canal then would not be advisable as it could just make you miserable. The best time to have it done is during the second trimester. That way, many of the uncomfortable symptoms, like morning sickness and nausea, will have subsided.

Pain management and anesthesia are concerns that your dentist will address. You will need some form of anesthetic for the procedure. Fortunately, research shows that local anesthesia is safe to use during pregnancy. Local anesthesia only works on a specific area when applied or injected. Your dentist will apply it directly to your jaw close to the worksite. That way, you don’t have to worry about it spreading to the rest of your body and causing problems.

It is a common question to ask whether a root canal is worth it since it can be painful. The simple answer is yes, if tooth pain is already a problem. Pregnancy can impact your dental health and some women experience significant tooth decay that becomes painful. If tooth decay causes you pain, even during pregnancy, a root canal can stop it. It isn’t good for fetuses when their moms are in pain since it places both under a high level of stress. It can be beneficial for you and your baby to have the procedure done, especially since it will help make the later parts of the pregnancy less painful.

Another benefit to having a root canal done is that it eliminates a source of bacteria. Many people have root canals since they have significant tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria. If left untreated, that bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to other places including to a fetus. Having the root canal done removes the damaged tissue that the bacteria grows in, essentially cutting it off at the source. It is a great way of protecting your baby by removing excess bacteria that can cause illnesses and problems as it develops.

If you need an endodontist while pregnant, please contact Lindemann Root Canal Specialists today at 810-732-7900 to schedule your appointment.