Are you pregnant and have plans to get a dental implant? If yes, you might be worried about whether proceeding with the procedure while pregnant is safe.
Typically, it’s advised to only receive basic dental care and minor restorative treatments during pregnancy. However, if possible, it’s better to delay complex or extensive procedures such as dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant refers to a synthetic tooth and root mechanism that fully substitutes a natural tooth. A dental implant is the best substitute when a tooth is badly decayed, irreparable, or lost due to gum disease. The implant comprises a titanium tooth root surgically inserted into the jaw bone, with an artificial tooth (crown) placed on the top. As it appears and performs like a natural tooth, it is considered the superior option for tooth replacement.
What Does a Dental Implant Procedure Entail?
The dental implant procedure involves a minor surgical operation. Sometimes, your dentist on Bell Blvd inserts the implant with local anesthesia, although sedation may also be required. Initially, the implant root is inserted and given a few weeks to heal. Following this, the abutment is connected, serving as the crown attachment’s foundation. Once the gums have healed after the abutment placement and the root has fused with the jaw bone, the crown can finally be affixed to the implant.
Why Should Dental Implant Procedure Wait Until After Pregnancy?
The dental implant procedure should be postponed until after pregnancy due to the use of anesthesia. Local anesthesia, administered to numb the mouth before filling cavities or performing root canals, is considered safe during pregnancy. However, intravenous or oral sedation may not be safe. Although there is no evidence to show any harmful effects, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid the procedure unless it is urgent.
Dental Work During Pregnancy
In case of an urgent requirement for a dental implant, it may be necessary to undergo the procedure during pregnancy. However, waiting until the second trimester for safety reasons and before the third trimester for comfort is recommended. It is good to consult your dentist to evaluate whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
How to Take Aftercare of Dental Implants Surgery
Some of the aftercare of dental implants in Bayside, NY, include:
Avoid Hot Food and Drinks
After a dental implant procedure, it is crucial to commence with aftercare immediately. This involves refraining from hot food or drinks, as they can intensify the stress on the mouth tissue, which requires time to heal. Sticking to cold water for a certain period is recommended, as the specialist specifies.
Additionally, avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers, and refrain from solid foods until the local anesthesia wears off. Drinking cold water can help alleviate discomfort and swelling in the mouth during the initial 24-48 hours. Sipping it instead of gulping will further minimize disruption to the surgical site. Experts in the dental implant field have provided these aftercare tips.
Treat any Mild Discomfort and pain with Ice Pack and Painkillers
After your successful implant procedure, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort and swelling in the affected area. Swelling may peak two to three days after the surgery, but you should not worry as it is part of the normal healing process. To alleviate pain and swelling, you can use ice packs and painkillers.
Basic items like a bag of frozen peas can help to reduce swelling and discomfort. You should start taking your painkillers before the numbness wears off for a more comfortable recovery. Your dentist in 11361 will prescribe pain relievers such as paracetamol with codeine and Nurofen. If you have any concerns, it is important to consult your dentist.
Don’t Brush Your Teeth Straight Away
Brushing your teeth for good dental health is important, as your dentist has likely told you. However, after your implant procedure, the sensitive wounds around your implants will require special attention when brushing.
Our expert at Dental Expressions by, Dr. Gary Bram, recommends using a small toothbrush with soft and flexible bristles for the first few days after your procedure. You can continue brushing your remaining teeth as normal, but wait until the implant site has settled before brushing and flossing around it. Your specialist can provide more specific advice based on your recovery progress.
