If you need the services of a periodontist in the near future, you may be considering whether or not you should have dental sedation administered during the treatment. For many patients, sedation is a safe and effective way to manage their dental anxieties. But what if you happen to be pregnant? Is dental sedation still a good idea? Here’s what your periodontist has to say.
How Exactly Does Dental Sedation Work?
Dental sedation involves using medication to help the patient stay calm and relaxed while they’re in the dental chair. The type of medication used and how it’s administered can vary based on the situation. Patients who choose oral conscious sedation will be given a pill to take at a specific time before their appointment begins. On the other hand, those who select IV sedation will receive the sedative via an injection, usually to a vein on the arm or the back of the hand.
Pregnancy and Dental Sedation
So is it okay to receive dental sedation while pregnant? Much of the time, the answer is no; dental sedation is generally not recommended for pregnant individuals due to the possibility of the medication having an adverse effect on the fetus.
Furthermore, if sedation is administered during the first trimester, it could increase the chances of developmental issues occurring in the fetus. On top of that, sedation during the third trimester could potentially result in preterm labor. Thus, if you undergo dental sedation at all while pregnant, the best time to do so would be while you’re in your second trimester.
Note that none of the above applies to local anesthetic, which is often used to reduce discomfort while your mouth is being worked on. An anesthetic that’s topically applied to your oral cavity won’t cause any risks for the fetus. As such, you still have the option of having your teeth and gums numbed for your procedure.
Should You Visit the Periodontist at All While Pregnant?
Surgical periodontal treatments, such as dental implant placement, are typically not recommended if you are currently pregnant. However, you can still have nonsurgical procedures performed to protect your oral health; for example, if you are struggling with gum disease, you may benefit from minimally invasive scaling and root planing.
If you’re considering having periodontal work performed while pregnant, be sure to let the team at your periodontal office know. Whether you are considering sedation or not, your periodontist can advise you on the best steps to take in order to protect your smile as well as your unborn child.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman holds membership with various professional organizations such as the Massachusetts Periodontal Society, and he is even a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Thanks to IV sedation and oral conscious sedation, he’s able to offer his patients more comfortable, relaxing procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
