Can you get a tooth pulled while pregnant?

Are you pregnant and having severe toothaches? If yes, then you are probably wondering if it is safe for you to get a tooth pulled out in your current state and keep asking yourself the question, “can I get a tooth pulled while pregnant?”.

Being pregnant can be really exhausting. Moreover, tooth extraction is not a very convenient procedure to undergo, and it is bothersome enough already, so you can imagine when you are pregnant and have to get your tooth or teeth pulled out.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes specific changes, and you begin to experience many hormonal fluctuations, and dental problems also may arise. These dental problems sometimes require tooth extraction. 

This alone makes many pregnant women wonder if it is safe for them and their unborn baby. It is generally safe to get your tooth pulled out while pregnant; however, it comes with some conditions.

The American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage women to get dental care while pregnant.

Why do people think it is not good to have a tooth pulled out while pregnant?

Outdated thinking is why people think it is not good to have a tooth pulled out while pregnant. Even the New York Times points out that many dentists used to be taught that it was not safe to treat women who were pregnant. 

Dentists were taught that treating pregnant women could lead to complications and them getting sued, so they would refuse treatment to pregnant women who needed tooth extraction no matter how severe the dental problem was.

Can you get your tooth pulled out while pregnant?

You can get your tooth pulled out while pregnant. When you have a dental issue, ignoring it just because you are pregnant is not a wise thing to do. Ignoring dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems can be harmful to your dental health, impacting your overall health. 

This can have a significant impact or influence on your unborn baby. Your dentist will even recommend making several appointments during your pregnancy so they can check the condition of your teeth and gums, recommend adjustments to your oral care routine, or carry out any treatments needed.

Extractions are a last resort for dentists, who will always try to save your tooth if possible. But if your tooth is too badly damaged by decay or injury to be repaired, it could put your oral health at risk and should be removed. Your tooth can be pulled out at any time of your pregnancy. 

Your dentist may however recommend getting your tooth pulled out during the second trimester of pregnancy. This helps to avoid having x-rays in the first trimester when your baby is still growing in addition to the discomfort you will get from having to lie on your back for a longer period during the third trimester. 

If you have any plans of getting pregnant soon, it is best you visit or any dental specialist to get any dental issues that you may have taken care of in order to reduce the chances of complications. 

Is anesthesia safe for pregnant women when it comes to tooth extraction?

Anesthetics can safely be used to help you relax and numb the pain if you are to undergo any dental procedure while pregnant. It is however very important that you inform the dentist about your pregnancy so that they can know and choose suitable anesthetics and set appropriate levels. 

Local anesthesia can be good for your baby during a tooth extraction however intense forms of anesthesia such as IV sedation are not recommended. Pregnant women are advised to avoid sedation and general anesthesia during pregnancy. 

Are x-rays safe when it comes to getting a tooth removed while pregnant?

A common concern that many people, especially pregnant women have about going to see the dentist is being exposed to radiation from x-rays. Modern dental x-rays use very low doses of radiation and a single dose is not usually high enough to cause any adverse effects in the development of the fetus. 

The dentist will also make sure to protect and shield your unborn baby from the ration by using a lead apron and thyroid guard. Even though x-rays are safe, your dentist may still recommend that you avoid them during your first trimester of pregnancy if you are just having a routine checkup.

X-rays can still be used by your dentist to plan effective treatment in case of a severe dental emergency. 

Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant?

Teeth whitening can be done while you are pregnant. Teeth whitening should ideally be avoided during the third trimester in particular, as you may find it uncomfortable to lie still while the whitening gel is applied and cured. 

If you’re using a home tooth whitening kit, you should make sure that you check that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is no more than six per cent. Higher concentrations can potentially cause tissue damage unless applied by a professional.

Your dentist may recommend waiting until after the birth for most non-emergency dental treatments. You can also check out this article we published earlier about natural remedies for teeth whitening: How to turn yellow teeth to white teeth naturally

Does a root canal affect pregnancy?

If tooth decay reaches the inside of your tooth where the nerve endings are located, this can be very painful. Root canal treatment can stop the pain by removing the infected tissue and restoring the tooth with a natural-looking crown, so the tooth would not need to be extracted.

If you have a dental emergency, a root canal can be performed at any stage of pregnancy and should not be delayed. However, because x-rays are involved, the ideal time for dental surgery is during the second trimester.

Can I have orthodontic treatment while pregnant?

If you are already undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should not quit just because you are pregnant. New braces can even be fitted during your pregnancy, although your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you wait until after the birth, as there can sometimes be complications.

Getting braces requires x-rays, which your dentist might want to avoid during the first trimester. If your face and mouth change shape when you gain weight during your pregnancy, this could mean that your teeth braces need to be adjusted or that new impressions need to be made of your teeth to create a brand-new set of aligners. 

Some women experience swelling of the gums and other facial tissues during pregnancy, which can sometimes irritate brace wires and brackets. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide safe gels to help numb the pain, or you may prefer removable plastic aligners if you only need to fix a minor orthodontic issue.

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