Dental implants are a replacement option for missing or damaged teeth. A dental implant must be surgically placed in the jaw, taking the place of the natural root of the missing tooth.
The fact that it is a surgical procedure, although minor, raises the question of whether or not it is safe during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and need to have a tooth replaced, here’s what you should know about the dental implant procedure.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that takes the place of a natural tooth root. It is surgically placed in the jaw so that it can fuse with the bone tissue. Once the dental implant has bonded securely with the bone, an abutment and crown can be attached to complete the restoration. One implant can replace a single tooth and multiple implants can support bridges and dentures.
Dental implants are considered to be a great tooth replacement option because they look and function as closely as possible to a natural tooth.
Risks Of Getting Dental Implants During Pregnancy
There are some risks of getting dental implants while pregnant, such as:
- Anesthesia. Although local anesthesia is considered to be relatively safe during pregnancy, implants are generally not advisable as it is an elective procedure that can be postponed until after pregnancy.
- X-Rays. X-Ray images must be taken to prepare for dental implant placement which may increase risk to the fetus
- Stress. Increase body stress for the procedure also increases pregnancy risk
Most dentists and OBGYNs agree that it is best to wait until after you deliver the baby to get dental implants.
Risks Of Waiting Until After Pregnancy to Get Implants
The risks of waiting until after you have delivered are much lower than the risks associated with getting dental implants while pregnant. If a tooth has been missing for a while already, waiting a few more months won’t make much difference. If you need to have a tooth extracted while you are pregnant, replacing it can still wait until after you have delivered your baby. Any non-essential procedures should wait until you are no longer pregnant for your own safety and the safety of your unborn baby. Transitional tooth replacement can be applied as needed without incurring risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Is a bridge just as good as a dental implant?
It is safer to get a bridge while pregnant, but it is not the same quality as a dental implant. A bridge consists of crowns that are placed over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap with an artificial tooth in the middle. Healthy tooth enamel is lost and the jaw bone that once supported the missing tooth will dissolve over time. A dental implant does no damage to the neighboring teeth and preserves bone structure of the jaw.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire process of getting dental implants from the initial consultation until the restoration is complete can take a few months to a year. The actual timeline varies based on each individual situation.
Schedule a Consultation
You can go ahead and start preparing to get dental implants even if you are pregnant. Schedule a consultation with Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If so, you can make plans for after your due date to start the process.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.