If you have lost one or more permanent teeth, you may be eager to replace them with the help of a dental implant. But while you’re understandably ready to get started on restoring your smile, if you’re expecting, your dental implants will need to wait until after the end of your pregnancy. Here’s why you can’t get dental implants (yet!) when you’re with child, and when you can “expect” to be ready to improve your smile!
The Dangers of Dental Implants During Pregnancy
While it is perfectly safe to already have dental implants while you are pregnant, undergoing a dental implant procedure during gestation is prohibited. There are a variety of reasons for this, including for the health of your unborn child as well as your own. First, the dental X-rays needed will expose you and your growing baby to radiation. While this is a nominal amount for a full-grown adult, it is not safe to expose your child to it. Radiation could increase your risk of fetal growth restrictions, congenital disabilities and even miscarriage.
Furthermore, the surgery itself will put your body under stress. This can increase your blood pressure, and in turn reduce blood flow to the placenta. It also restricts fetal movement, meaning your baby will not be able to move freely and this could lead to birth complications.
Oral Health Changes in Pregnancy
Pregnancy often causes changes in your oral health regardless of the condition it was in prior to conception. Hormonal fluctuations can increase gum sensitivity and even cause a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This illness is typically temporary and goes away after your pregnancy ends; however, if it is present, it would be dangerous to undergo dental implant surgery as this could increase your risk of dental implant failure.
Thus, if you’d like to get one or more dental implants, you should wait until your pregnancy has ended and you are feeling strong and well-rested enough to recover successfully from surgery. This will protect your unborn child from unnecessary risk and ensure that your new smile has the best odds of success for a lifetime!
About Our Practice
At Kingwood Family Dentistry, Dr. Mosby and Dr. Caldwell are ready to help you restore your smile with the help of dental implants – but first they want to ensure that the procedure is completely safe for you and your family. If you are pregnant and would like to replace one or more teeth with dental implants, we welcome you to come in for a consultation today and learn more about this dynamic treatment. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll be happy to help restore your smile safely. To schedule a consultation, please visit our website or call us directly at 281-359-6672.