Dental implants offer benefits that no other tooth replacement solution can provide. From their complete root-to-crown restoration to their 30+ year lifespan, they remain the gold standard among professionals and patients alike. There are countless reasons why so many individuals continue to choose dental implants, but are they a viable option for those who are pregnant?
Pregnancy & Dental Implants: Things to Consider
On one hand, waiting too long to replace missing teeth can be problematic. Tooth loss is associated with bone resorption over time, which can increase the risk of additional bone and tooth loss, as well as facial sagging.
However, during pregnancy, dentists typically recommend waiting until after the baby is born before proceeding with treatment. Here’s why:
- X-rays are required as part of the dental implant planning process. Any level of radiation can be potentially harmful to an unborn baby, causing growth restrictions, congenital disabilities, and more.
- Placing dental implants requires oral surgery and the use of local anesthesia. This can be a stressful situation for a patient and their baby, causing a rise in blood pressure. As a result, it can disrupt blood flow to the placenta, a vital component that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby in the womb.
- The surgical procedure can also cause stress that leads to premature birth or a low birth weight.
- If dental implants are placed, the potential changes to one’s oral health can lead to possible prosthetic failure, especially if gum disease occurs. It is common for women to develop bleeding gums during pregnancy. Still, if proper oral hygiene habits are not maintained, it can lead to peri-implantitis, which affects the success of one’s dental implants.
What Can Be Done During Pregnancy?
Although dentists prefer that women wait until after childbirth to receive dental implants, it does not mean a person cannot begin the process during pregnancy.
Meeting with one’s dentist to discuss the likelihood of these prosthetics and generating a basic treatment plan is safe and encouraged. Also, maintaining good oral health during this time will ensure the mouth is in optimal condition to receive dental implants when it is time to place them.
Keeping the mother and baby safe during pregnancy is most important. In the meantime, a dentist can provide helpful tips to support better oral health, so that dental implant placement and restoration can be successful one day.
About the Author
Dr. J. Travis Kobza is a qualified dentist with more than 15 years of experience. Earning his dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he completed a one-year general practice residency at UNMC Omaha. His professional achievements include a Fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, earned in 2014 for his work in dental implant placement and restoration. If you are thinking about permanent prosthetics to improve your smile, visit our website or call (402) 245-2243 to schedule a consultation today.