Root canal procedure cannot be performed without administering local anesthesia, the drug used to make the tooth and surrounding area insensitive. Some specific anesthetics have been recommended and approved by the FDA in case the patient undergoing the root canal treatment is pregnant women. Practically, they are typically administered in all dental offices.
The root canal is the remedial can save a severely infected and inflamed tooth from getting extracted. Often this treatment can create some fuss if done during pregnancy!
During pregnancy women undergoes a great deal of hormonal disturbance that serves as a factor leading to dental issues. Albeit, pregnancy itself does not result in any new dental issue but it can aggregate the dental problem, if it already exists. It can deteriorate the dental condition leading to root canal often.
Several pregnant women are worried with the thought of the impact of this treatment on their fetus. Gynecologist suggests it is advisable to ward off any situation that can expose the growing fetus to any untoward risks, be it minimal. Albeit, the safest bet is to cancel all dental work for some time. The concern arises when it’s not avoided as postponing the root canal would not be possible as it cannot be taken as the teeth whitening process.
Associated Risks
Anesthesia: Nonetheless, the anesthetics that endodontist administer are safe for conceived women, still the quantity of anesthesia applied to the pregnant women can be a cause of concern. In case the administered initial dose is insufficient, the dentist may inject additional anesthesia enabling the patient feel relaxed. Incurred pain during treatment stirs the stress, and it could be much more damaging to the fetus than some more quantity of anesthetic dose.
Associated Chemicals: It has been established that neither the cleaning liquid administered during the treatment i.e. sodium hydrochloride or bleach nor the filing component is detrimental to the fetus.
X-rays: To perform a successful root canal, the endodontist must have a good understanding of the severity of the infection and the internal layout and shape of the associated tooth and the related canals. This can only be achieved by getting x-ray done to get such necessary information. If the statement of the American College of Radiology is to be believed, no x-ray used for diagnostic purpose has such radiation dose prominent enough to impact the growing fetus or embryo adversely. In addition, the x-rays are directed to the mouth not the abdomen. Still to be in the safe side, endodontist generally provide the patient with a lead cover to avoid x-rays approaching the abdomen.
Risks if Root Canal is Avoided During Pregnancy
In case the endodontist recommends the root canal even after being aware of the pregnancy status of the patient it means the risks associated with postponing the root canal are greater than the performing the root canal treatment in pregnancy.
Risks if Case Root Canal is Postponed Due To Pregnancy
Severe Pain: Tooth abscess condition requires immediate root canal treatment and is generally followed by extreme toothache. Unrelenting pain throughout the phase of pregnancy can be much more stressful situation that may potentially impact the mother and child adversely in this critical juncture.
Infection: Tooth infection is the cause that leads to root canal during pregnancy! It is advisable to treat the infection as early as possible to ward off further complications even in pregnancy. If it is not treated it can pose threat to the pregnancy too.
Best Strategy For Root Canal During Pregnancy
The initial three months are considered to be vital for the growth of the child as per the obstetricians. Any avoidable treatment in the initial trimester is mostly shifted to next trimester with an aim to ward off any threat. If the dental situation is critical the dentist may clean the abscessed tooth as appropriately as possible and drain out all the infected fluid to relieve the patient from pain.
In the next three months of pregnancy X-ray can be performed to continue the process of a root canal procedure. The final treatment can be postponed until the delivery, if possible. It is suggested to tell your dentist about your pregnancy if you are facing any dental condition during this phase as it will enable the dentist decide the right process and time to move ahead with the treatment.
Tips To Prevent Root Canal During Pregnancy
The ideal way to ward off any risk of undergoing an endodontic treatment when you are pregnant is to maintain a great dental health during this time. Some easy tips to accomplish this could be following a strict regular oral hygiene regime, brushing your teeth regularly at least two times, flossing regularly, taking balanced diet, consuming limited sugar, and regular in dental tests and cleaning during this phase.
These are some of the tips and risk factors associated with pregnant women if she happens to undergo a root canal. Nevertheless, there is no major risk associated and there are sufficient safe approaches to consider during this phase. Just follow these tips and you can easily enjoy a healthy life with your bundle of joy.
