Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant? Learn everything in detail.

Pregnancy can be a delightful phase of life for every woman becoming a mother, a time when they may blossom and look their best. But, during pregnancy, several hormonal changes take place in the body and the body is put under great stress. For some women, pregnancy can result in unexpected dental problems like losing one or more teeth as a result of an injury/trauma that causes beyond-repair damaged teeth, severe decay, or gum disease.

Losing natural teeth can lead to gaps in the smile, loss of teeth functionality, loss of confidence and ease while smiling, laughing, eating, or speaking; and other health issues. In such cases, pregnant women would not like to ignore missing tooth/teeth and look for treatment to fill the gaps and restore their smiles without any delay.

With above 95% success rates, dental implants are the gold standard procedure for dental restoration. They are popular because they mimic the appearance, form, and feel of the natural teeth and help one replace the entire missing tooth structure for a lifetime if properly cared for and maintained. Also, they help preserve jawbone health, prevent oral hygiene issues, and avoid damage to adjacent teeth and their shifting. Dental implants in Chicago at EON Clinics offer various health benefits, but not everyone can successfully have them.

If you are pregnant and planning for dental implant surgery, your major concern would be to ensure that you can get dental implants in your current condition. The dentist at EON Clinics understands your concern and suggests waiting.

Read on to know whether women with tooth loss can go for restoration with dental implants during their pregnancy. But, before jumping straight onto clearing the doubt of the safety of having dental implants at the time of pregnancy, let’s learn about dental implants and their surgical placement.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made up of titanium which provides a strong anchor or support for the tooth’s visible part like the dental crown, dental bridges, or dentures, and helps eliminate the gap. 

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Placement of a dental implant requires minor oral surgery and the use of local anesthesia or sedation. Firstly, the dentist makes a gum incision and drills a hole into the jawbone in the missing tooth area to install the titanium post into the jawbone. The implant site is allowed to heal for 2-3 months until the jawbone fuses with the implant and makes the implant sturdy. Next, the abutment is attached on top of the implant upon which the replacement tooth/teeth will adhere. Following the healing of the gums after placement of the abutment, the replacement tooth/teeth are attached. 

Is it Safe for Pregnant Women to Get Tooth Implants?

According to experts, those who are considering getting dental implants during their pregnancy must speak to their concerned dentists about the risks associated with the surgical placement of their dental implants. Talking to the dentist will keep pregnant women informed about all possible side effects and risks and help them make the right decision for themselves and their babies.  

Any surgery during pregnancy is not recommended. The placement of the dental implant is a complex, extensive surgical procedure that involves several steps and can be time-taking. It can lead to bleeding and other complications. As the surgery involves the use of IV or oral sedation on the pregnant woman, there could be complications like the low birth weight of her baby or slow fetal growth as the fetus might get directly or indirectly affected through maternal blood circulation. Dental implant patients have to get dental X-rays done to thoroughly examine their mouth condition and prepare the patients for implant procedures. Dental X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women and it’s best to avoid them if not necessary, even if there is appropriate protective covering. Furthermore, dental implant surgery is lengthy and involves many dental visits which could be discomforting and stressful for the expecting mother.

Although dental implants are the most successful missing tooth/teeth replacement, they still present a few complications such as nerve bruising, swelling, and infections which in pregnant women and their babies could result in other health issues.

Dental implants can be placed safely if the woman is in her first trimester. But, as it is not an urgent dental concern, it’s advised for a woman to hold the dental implant surgery until her baby is born. If women are found to be allergic to titanium, zirconium implants might be ideal for them post-pregnancy. 

The Potential Problems that Can Arise :

As women undergo many changes at the time of their pregnancy, hormonal levels can make it difficult for them to receive dental implants when there is an existing risk of having gum disease. Therefore, expecting mothers can use their time of pregnancy to remain proactive about their oral health i.e. be committed to oral hygiene practices just as continued regular brushing and flossing to avoid bacteria build-up that leads to gum bleeding and inflammation.

Moreover, it is important to note that an antibiotics course is only recommended after dental implant surgery. If pregnant, many such medications cannot be taken out of caution for their baby. When an infection occurs or complications arise, the patients may be at risk of failure of their dental implants and would potentially require an additional investment of time and money for getting another dental implant.

What if I am Pregnant but Urgently Need Implant?

Ideally, if you are pregnant it’s safe for you to have a dental implant installed in your mouth after waiting until the second trimester. For comfort, it’s best to get dental implants before you enter the third trimester. Whatever your situation, it’s advised to talk to your dentist that whether you should proceed with dental implant surgery or wait and even determine whether or not the benefit of you getting your missing teeth urgently replaced is worth the risk.

Schedule a Dental Appointment 

If you are pregnant and seeking dental implant surgery to restore your smile, you may need to wait. The dental professionals at EON Clinics are ready to help pregnant patients battling tooth loss. They are happy to carry out your oral evaluation and offer suggestions for you to restore your smile appearance without implants until your childbirth. If you still need to know whether you are eligible to have dental implants during your pregnancy, come and consult with our experts at EON Clinics.