Pregnancy is an incredible season of life for some 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.
So, here’s the deal. 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. In the same breath, the APA state that it’s safe to have most dental procedures during pregnancy, including wisdom teeth extraction.
Do you need your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant? Like any other medical procedure, there are slight risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Yet sometimes, the biggest risk you can take is ignoring your body’s cues and doing nothing. Certain circumstances 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:
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 (like gestational diabetes). 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 have enough room to erupt and become trapped underneath the gums or in the jaw. Thus, leading to impaction. 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
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.
Safe and Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Removal in Colleyville, TX
Generally, dental extraction during pregnancy is safe as long as you and your oral surgeon practice the proper precautions. Of course, if you have any concerns about getting teeth removed while pregnant, always consult your OB-GYN. 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.
