Solutions to Tooth Loss During Pregnancy—Are Dental Implants Possible?

Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While maintaining good dental hygiene is essential during this time, many wonder if dental implants are a safe option to deal with tooth loss during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Dental Association (ADA) encourage expectant mothers to continue regular dental care, but certain procedures like dental implants might require special consideration.

General Recommendations for Dental Care During Pregnancy

Both the ACOG and the ADA recommend that pregnant women maintain their oral health by continuing routine dental care, including cleanings and check-ups. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased gum sensitivity, swelling, and a higher risk of gum disease, making dental care particularly important. Elective procedures, such as dental implants, are often best scheduled after the first trimester or postponed until after delivery, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Why Dental Implant Surgery May Be Delayed

Although routine dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, and root canals, are generally considered safe after the first trimester, dental implant surgery is more complex. This procedure typically requires the use of stronger anesthesia than standard dental treatments. While local anesthesia is safe for pregnant women, the type of anesthesia needed for implant surgery might pose risks to both the mother and the developing baby. Additionally, many implant procedures involve x-rays, which should be avoided during the first trimester to reduce radiation exposure risks to the fetus.

Beginning the Process in the Second Trimester

If dental implants are necessary, starting the process in the second trimester may be an option. By this time, x-rays are typically considered safe with appropriate shielding, and an oral surgeon can assess the patient’s jawbone health. This is also the point when a determination can be made regarding the need for bone grafting, which is a crucial step before implant placement. Even though initial evaluations can take place, most oral surgeons prefer to postpone the full implant procedure until after the pregnancy, to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

About Our Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, we’re proud to be a one-of-a-kind practice that offers care unlike what you’ll find anywhere else. That’s because, unlike many practices, we take the time to get to know our patients as individuals before recommending dental care to them. If you’re pregnant, we’ll be sure that the treatment prescriptions that we make for you are safe for you and your expectant child.

If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (585) 225-9114.