Toothache! Dental X-ray in very early pregnancy - can I do it?

[ChewyGiraffe]

Aaargh! FINALLY got a BFP with my second - and then toothache! Dentist couldn't identify the problem (sounds bonkers but its not even clear which tooth it is) so he was going to do an X-ray, but I wanted to think about it first. Can I have a dental X-ray this early in first trimester? Has anyone had a dental X-ray in early pregnancy? Or are there any dentists out there with a view on this? Please help!!!

[Sofia02]

Hi girls, is there anyone here who had dental anaesthetic (aticaine with adrenalin) plus tooth X ray in their first trimester and went on having a healthy child? I found out I am 4 weeks pregnant, but I was at the dentist around the 3rd week. There is so much contradicting information on the internet that I don't know what to do. I've read articaine with adrenalin can damage the foetus if it is this early on in the pregnancy. My dentist said it was fine and just to pray about it. My GP said I was asking questions that could not be answered and we won't know if something went wrong until the later stage of the pregnancy. Anyone with similar experience who had positive or difficult results?

[Mrsmorton]

It's far better to have the x ray than to spend your whole pregnancy with the stress of being in pain/worrying about pain and possible antibiotics, painkillers constantly in your system.

The LA that induces labour would probably require hundreds of cartridges of it (and I've never met a dentist who uses in routinely) to create even a tiny risk.

[EeeekItsTwins]

I had a dental x-Ray early in previous pregnancy. Tooth needed work that would require more, but I actually got some relief by using sensitive toothpaste and held off on dental work til after the baby (so I agree it's worth trying).

I did need to get the tooth drained at 39 weeks though and the dentist very clearly told the nurses only to give me one type of local anaesthetic - he said the other one they use is a drug also used to induce labour!

Sorry you've got toothache - it's the worst.

[bonzo77]

Dentist here. Absolutely fine. No reason not to take dental X-rays if they're needed to solve a problem. Wouldn't take routine ones.

[BumpAndGrind]

I had dental xrays and got a bfp 2 days later.

I called the dentist and they said I would be fine. The anesthetic is apparently fine too.

[weebigmamma]

Is your toothache constant or is it just when you eat? I have had 'sensitive' (ie unbeliveably painful) teeth for my whole pregnancy and it it's due to hormones loosening my gums so that my teeth move a bit and the nerve is exposed. It doesn't feel like a gum problem, it feels like terrible toothache that I can't locate exactly. It's only on one side of my mouth, weirdly, and special toothpaste has really helped. I'm sure your dentist would have thought of this, but just in case he's a new dentist or something and not great with pregnant women maybe you should ask before the xray. I

[ChewyGiraffe]

Thanks stressbucket1 (should be my username!). Yes I did tell the dentist I was pregnant - I was just really surprised to be offered the X-ray because I thought you couldn't have them if pregnant?

[stressbucket1]

A dental x-ray is a very low dose of radiation did you tell the dentist you were pregnant? If you did and they still think an x-ray would be necessary then I would have one. I doubt any x-rays would reach the baby anyway but you could wear a lead apron for peace of mind. I
am a radiographer and there are loads of situations when we have to x-ray pregnant women its not a problem unless you are x-raying the abdomen directly.