Did you know that some sources estimate that 3 million Americans have dental implants, and an additional 500,000 patients get them every year? These replacement teeth continue to gain popularity because of their unique advantages. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, they include a titanium rod that’s placed in your jawbone for added strength and stability.
However, that doesn’t make them the best treatment for everyone’s unique circumstances. For instance, if you’re pregnant, you might not be approved until after delivery. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Does Pregnancy Impact My Oral Health?
If you’re expecting, you already know certain things are off limits to keep you and your baby safe. For instance, you have probably been instructed to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Your current condition can affect your dental health, too. The hormonal changes in your system increase the acidity in your mouth, so you’re more vulnerable to oral concerns, like cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, morning sickness and heartburn expose your teeth to stomach acids that can erode the enamel, increasing the risk of injuries and other issues.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Dental Implants?
Would you be surprised to learn that the number one leading cause of implant failure is a pervasive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis? If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site, they can infect the connective and bone tissues, leaving your new tooth without a firm enough foundation to remain in place.
Pregnancy increases the risk of developing this or other oral issues because the hormonal changes already compromise your dental health. Not only that, but many different medications required for the procedure, including certain antibiotics and sedatives, are off limits because they might pass to the baby through the placenta.
Can I Get Dental Implants When I’m Pregnant?
Most dentists wait until after delivery to perform the implant procedure because of the risks it could pose to you and your unborn baby. Even if you do complete surgery successfully, you’re vulnerable to infection during recovery and might not be able to receive the medications required to address complications.
However, getting dental implants usually requires multiple visits over a period of several months. If you’re pregnant and want to replace missing teeth after delivery, you can typically schedule your initial consultation sometime in the second trimester. It’s considered safe to take X-rays or other scans as needed during this time to evaluate your jawbone density to determine whether you’re a good candidate.
Then, after you welcome your child to the world, you can proceed with your elected restorations!
About the Practice
At Premier Dental, you and your family benefit from a husband/wife dental duo dedicated to helping you build your healthiest, most beautiful smile. Dr. Adam Jones and his wife, Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, are certified prosthodontists, meaning they’re dental restoration experts. Their comfortable office environment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide a wide range of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. If you’re pregnant and need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (772) 234-5353.