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Pregnancy

tooth out

6 replies

TeacupTempest · 23/07/2011 20:50

I think molar needs to come out now. Going to have to go to emergency dentist in morning.
Am in so much pain it hurts to breathe!
But what about x-rays and pain relief etc?
So scared :-(

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thisisyesterday · 23/07/2011 21:05

it's fine!!!!

i had a tooth extracted while pregnant (and root canal treatment)

does your dentist know you are pregnant? mine said she would use a slightly different anaesthetic (i think) when she did my work during pregnancy.

hope it all goes ok tomorrow!

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Curlyems · 23/07/2011 21:19

They will probably not xray you - my dentist said that he wouldn't, The actual extraction pain relief will be fine ie injection in mouth but be prepared for the aftermath with nothing stronger than paracetamol...that nearly finished me off at about 10 weeks pregnant. I foolishly hadn't appreciated that the only way most people can get through the throbbing post-extraction is with an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen etc and I have vivid memories of being in agony for at least 2 days. Sorry to be so graphic but I wish someone had forewarned me for the 'after' part...the actual extraction itself was a breeze in comparison.

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TeacupTempest · 24/07/2011 08:41

Omg thanks for the warning- didnt even think of that! Have to do something though as in so much pain already. God I can hardly function! Doesnt bode well for childbirth! Paracetamols actually suck!

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thisisyesterday · 24/07/2011 12:34

hmm i am sure i was given stronger stuff than paracetamol.... maybe a dentist will come along to advise!?

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thegauntlet · 24/07/2011 13:25

Hi ya,I am a dentist! I hope I can answer; but let me know if you have any more questions...
So; It is beneficial to have an xray for molar teeth to assess the position and angulation of the roots of the tooth relevant to other structures, if the dentist you are going to has digital xrays I would go straight ahead, as the dose is negligable, less than a european flight. Of course this is up to you, but there is no evidence that there is any risk at all to the fetus, as the beam does not go directly to the uterus.As a personal policy I always explain this to patients, but absolutely respect anyone who would rather wait for the baby to be born before xrays. You have to bear in mind a dentist will always carry out a risk/benefit to any radiographs and will always use the lowest dose possible.

As for the actual procedure... i would buy in the paracetamol and take a couple as soon as you leave the dentists, so they are at peak when the local wears off. For most of my patients this is more than enough, and they dont have to take them after that. If you are a smoker there is more of a risk of a 'dry socket' and that could cause more pain.

Unless you have had any health problems in pregnancy there shouldnt be too much of a pregnancy issue taking the tooth out, but bear in mind if you are very stressed your blood sugar will dip and you might become faint, eat lightly before. High levels of anxiety are also not good for your pregnancy to try to take it easy and rationalise ( dont watch crap videos on Youtube)

As with all things in pregnacy you have to look at the risk/benefit and alternatives. The alternative here is antibiotics, which will manage the infection for a while but will not remove the cause, if the tooth is restorable removing the nerve in preparation for a Root canal therapy may be an option. Certain antibiotics are not known to be harmful in pregnancy, but I wouldnt be keen to take loads in my pregnancy.

You didnt say how far along you are. We are taught that the second trimester is the safest time for treatment.
Wishing you all the best, you are less likely to have post operative pain/ swelling if the tooth is removed with 'periotomes' which preserve the bone more. ( just in my experience) but the emergency dentist may not have access to these.

Hoping all goes well. Think of me with morning sickness taking teeth out tomorrow morning! x

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TeacupTempest · 24/07/2011 14:04

Thegauntlet - thank you for your advice. The dentist was great but didnt give me many options as they wouldnt extract or do root canal today.
He gave me antibiotics which he assured me would not harm baby (?). Can go back for extraction or home (am travelling) for root canal.
Still in a lot of pain- hope pills work quickly :-(