Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?
Dental implants are today's most advanced choice for tooth replacement. While dental implants are safe and well-tested, dentists do not recommend receiving them during pregnancy.
Why Dentists Do Not Recommend Implants During Pregnancy
Gum health may change due to natural hormone fluctuations that happen during pregnancy, causing a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Patients need healthy gums for implant surgery.
After surgery, some patients require pain medication or antibiotics. Both of these medications may pose problems for the pregnancy. Since dental implant surgery is elective, patients can choose to have it done after the pregnancy has concluded.
Many patients prefer to receive implants under sedation. Sedation dentistry is generally not recommended during pregnancy without a clear medical need.
After pregnancy, dentists recommend moving forward with the implant process.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Easy Care
Dental implants require the same care as healthy teeth. Brushing twice daily and flossing as directed protect implant health. However, implants have a higher failure rate if patients neglect their teeth and gums.
Natural Appearance
Today's single-tooth dental implants look very much like natural teeth. They match their neighbors in color, shape, and size.
Improve Oral Health
Dental implants keep natural teeth from shifting out of place. They also protect jawbone health by stimulating natural chewing and preventing the bone from reabsorbing around the empty socket.
Restore Clear Speech
Patients with missing teeth sometimes have difficulty speaking clearly or pronouncing certain sounds. Completing their dentition with implants enables them to talk without difficulty.
No Food Restrictions
Dental implants have excellent chewing ability. Patients can bite and chew nearly any food they want, though they should not chip or dislodge their crowns.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implant surgery seems intimidating, but installing a single-tooth dental implant is quicker and more comfortable than most patients expect.
Step 1: Consultation
The first step is scheduling a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will discuss your expectations during your appointment and assess your oral health. They will take digital scans and X-rays of your mouth, determining which teeth need replacement and whether you have sufficient bone mass to move forward. If not, you can receive a bone graft from an oral surgeon.
Step 2: Surgery Can we have the language reflect that our office doesn’t place the implant itself, but we routinely work closely with local specialists for that aspect of the treatment
We work routinely with local specialists in the surgical placement of dental implants. After implant placement, we complete the process. To install the implant post, the dentist first makes an opening in the jawbone using special tools. The small titanium anchor will bond with your jawbone over a few months, creating a solid attachment point for your implant.
Step 3: Abutment Placement
After the post heals, the dentist places the abutment to hold the final restoration. The dentist secures the gum around the abutment and allows another healing period.
Step 4: Placing the Restoration
The final step is installing the crown. The crown looks natural and provides excellent chewing ability and an attractive smile.
Implants Are Worth The Wait
While dentists do not recommend placing an implant during pregnancy, the procedure is worth waiting for. You will feel free of restrictions on how you smile, eat, and chew. You can move forward with a new sense of confidence and enjoy improved oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What happens if I leave a gap after tooth extraction?
Whether you choose an implant, bridge, or denture, tooth replacement is vital for oral health. If you leave a gap between your teeth, food and plaque can collect and negatively impact oral health. Your other teeth will move and may become crossed and crowded, raising your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Finally, your jaw will reabsorb around the empty socket, eventually creating a sunken facial appearance.
How does pregnancy change your gums?
Gums become swollen and sensitive, often exhibiting signs of pregnancy gingivitis. This problem happens due to hormonal changes in the body, making your gums more vulnerable to plaque. Pregnant patients need to give their oral health extra attention because gum disease can lead to preterm birth.
Call Leland Dental
If you are expecting and want to receive dental implants, we would be glad to meet with you and discuss your needs. We can schedule your surgery for a future date. Please call our Hanover, MA, office at 781-826-8395 to schedule your consultation today.