Can you get your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant?

Pregnancy is an incredible season of life for women, but it still poses distinctive challenges. You might feel exhausted, your back could be sore, every smell and taste might trigger nausea, and your gums could feel extra sensitive. You get the point. Although being pregnant can be physically

demanding, it’s vital to pay attention to your health as a mother. Likewise, skimping out on dental health might lead to more significant health issues down the road for mother and baby. Some women wonder, “Can you get your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant?” and how to book a safe dental extraction experience.

Indeed, the American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends postponing all unnecessary procedures (such as teeth whitening) until after the baby comes. Even if the risks are minimal, it’s best to avoid exposing a developing baby to the potential side effects of elective treatments. However, suppose the situation requires immediate attention due to acute problems. In that case, extraction can be performed during pregnancy under the guidance of a specialized oral and maxillofacial surgeon, ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. The APA states that it’s safest to have most dental procedures during pregnancy, including wisdom teeth extraction, during the second trimester as the preferred time. Necessary Wisdom Teeth removal is generally safe during this pregnancy stage when proper precautions are taken. The first trimester is usually avoided for wisdom teeth removal due to higher risks to the developing fetus, while the third trimester can be uncomfortable for the mother. After the APA’s recommendation to postpone unnecessary procedures, most dentists advise consulting both your dentist and OB-GYN to make an informed decision about the best course of action for expectant mothers.

Do you need your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant? Like any other medical procedure, there are slight risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction. The potential risks of wisdom teeth while pregnant include infection, pain, and complications that may affect both mother and baby. Yet sometimes, the biggest risk you can take is ignoring your body’s cues and doing nothing. Certain circumstances, such as infection, warrant a dental emergency, requiring immediate medical attention. If you’re stuck in one of the following circumstances, your oral surgeon can safely remove your wisdom teeth. It is important to seek expert advice from dentists and oral surgeons to determine the safest timing and approach for wisdom teeth removal during pregnancy.

There’s a possibility of infection.

One interesting thing about the human mouth is that it’s directly connected to other body parts. Unfortunately, an untreated infection in your mouth can travel to other parts of the body, causing you to feel ill and worsening other medical conditions. Dental infection during pregnancy can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn baby. Leaving wisdom teeth untreated during pregnancy can lead to health risks such as chronic infection in the gums or surrounding bone, dental infection, pain, decay, and eating complications.

These risks can have detrimental effects on both the pregnant individual and the unborn child, emphasizing the importance of addressing any issues related to wisdom teeth during pregnancy. Infections from wisdom teeth can threaten the health of the developing fetus if not treated promptly. According to a study published in 2021, 25%-40% of preterm births are linked to infectious pathogens. Furthermore, hormonal changes in pregnancy might make your gums more vulnerable to inflammation, bleeding, and infection. So, please speak with your dentist or oral surgeon to check for signs of infection before it has a chance to spread.

There’s a risk of permanent damage to your teeth or gums.

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to grow in a complete set of adult teeth. When they are finally ready to emerge, there’s a chance that your wisdom teeth might not have enough room to erupt and become trapped underneath the gums or in the jaw, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth or partially erupted wisdom teeth can increase the risk of gum inflammation, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth has the potential to cause a range of other problems that might adversely affect you and your baby, including (but not limited to):

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Infection
• Cysts
• Damage to neighboring teeth

Pregnant women may be at higher risk for complications if impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are left untreated.

You’re suffering from severe pain that impacts daily life.

Other consequences of an impacted wisdom tooth are pressure and discomfort in the affected tooth, gums, and jaw. Especially when you are pregnant, you shouldn’t ignore dental pain. Not only can wisdom tooth pain feel excruciating, but it’s also your brain’s interpretation that something is wrong with your body. Home remedies such as applying a cold compress to the cheek or rinsing with warm salt water can help relieve pain from wisdom teeth during pregnancy.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to sensitive gums, making wisdom tooth pain more pronounced.

What precautions are taken during wisdom teeth extractions for pregnant women?

During wisdom teeth extractions for pregnant women, extra precautions are taken to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing baby, including the use of a lead apron during dental x rays to minimize exposure to rays. Protective aprons are used during necessary radiographs to evaluate the condition of the abscessed teeth. To control infection and manage comfort, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon prescribes anesthetics, pain relievers, and antibiotics that are safe for use during pregnancy. Local anesthesia is the preferred method for pregnant patients, as it minimizes risks compared to general anesthesia or IV sedation. Oral surgeons are experienced in performing medical procedures for pregnant patients and will discuss available sedation options to ensure safety and comfort. The dual-degree physician and dentist specialist will appropriately assess each patient individually to determine the safest approach for wisdom teeth removal during pregnancy.

Are there safe medications and treatments for pain and infection during wisdom teeth extraction while pregnant?

When it comes to managing pain and infection during wisdom teeth extraction while pregnant, rest assured that there are safe medications and treatments available. Your dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide you with protective aprons during necessary radiographs to assess the condition of the infected teeth. They will prescribe suitable anesthetics, pain relievers, and antibiotics that are considered safe for use during pregnancy to control infection and ensure your comfort throughout the process. You can trust that the recommended medications and treatments will prioritize both your and your baby’s well-being.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and prioritizing your oral health during recovery are essential to promote proper healing after wisdom teeth extraction. Following your oral surgeon’s instructions and practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Safe and Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Removal in Colleyville, TX

Generally, necessary dental extraction during pregnancy is safe as long as you and your oral surgeon practice the proper precautions. Removal during pregnancy is possible when dental issues become urgent, and our dedicated team will assess your overall health before proceeding. If you have concerns about getting teeth removed while pregnant, it’s always advisable to consult your OB-GYN. When considering the timing of wisdom teeth removal, it is recommended that even if they present a low health risk, removal before pregnancy or after the baby is born is preferable. However, in cases where issues with the wisdom teeth become urgent, extraction during pregnancy is possible, with the second trimester being the recommended time for the procedure. Removing wisdom teeth or wisdom tooth removal should be carefully considered in consultation with your healthcare providers to ensure the safest outcome for both mother and baby.

Find out more information about this topic by calling 817-552-3223 or scheduling an appointment with Dr. Chris Tye at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX. Our dedicated team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists is experienced in helping patients extract wisdom teeth safely during pregnancy.

Posted by Dr. Chris L. Tye, MD, DDS on May 31st, 2022

Tags: best oral surgeon near me, dental extraction, wisdom teeth removal near me, wisdom teeth removed while pregnant