Is Dental Sedation Safe If I’m Pregnant?

Dental anxiety is very common. It affects over 30 million people in the United States. The good news is that you don’t need to put off your dental care due to your anxiety. There are several sedation methods available to help you feel at-ease while you are in the dental chair. However, how does this change if you are pregnant? Are sedation options safe for pregnant women? Here’s what you should know.

Is Dental Sedation Safe for Pregnant Women?

The drugs that are used in dental sedation could pass through the fetus through the placenta. This means that using sedation during the first trimester can lead to issues with development. Sedation during the third trimester can encourage premature labor. Sedation is typically the safest during the second trimester, but most dentists will recommend that any invasive procedures that warrant sedation wait until after your child is born, if at all possible. If you need to receive sedation during pregnancy, it is best to go with the minimal amount to make you feel comfortable.

Which Dental Procedures Are Safe for Pregnant Women?

It is both safe and encouraged to have routine cleanings and checkups during pregnancy. Due to higher hormone levels, pregnant women are more likely to experience gum inflammation, bleeding, and irritation, so regular checkups can help to prevent oral infections.

When you are pregnant, it is important to do everything you can to prevent infections. This might include dental fillings and crowns to protect damaged teeth. Emergency procedures are also sometimes needed. In these cases, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable. This is needed not only for your comfort, but to reduce stress on you and your baby. Local anesthetics, like lidocaine, during the procedure are safe. If needed, they may also recommend a category B antibiotic to further prevent and treat infections.

If you are interested in cosmetic dental treatments, it is best to wait until after your baby has been born. These treatments are usually considered safe, but it is also important to limit any potential risks of complications during pregnancy, even if they are small.

If you are expecting a baby, let your dentist know how far along you are so they can take all the necessary precautions to keep you and your baby safe. If your pregnancy is high-risk, this is also something you should bring up. The health and safety of you and your baby are top priorities!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her dental doctorate from the Creighton School of Dentistry. Since then, she has gained more than two decades of experience and trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Today, she is a member of the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (623) 283-2088.