Dentist when pregnant

[wondering7777]

I need to register with a new dentist, which I assume will mean they’ll want to do an X-ray of my jaw. I’m 11 weeks pregnant - is that an issue? I urgently need a check-up and hygienist appointment so need to go soon!

I went to the dentist when I was around 10 weeks pregnant, they wouldn't x ray me. my appointment was only for a check up and clean though, and they couldn't see any issues with my teeth

Tell the dentist you're pregnant and they'll give you a choice to defer the x rays to the next appointment - at least, that's what they asked me.
I waited until a post-birth checkup for the x ray but also flew a couple of times during pregnancy... apparently you're exposed to the same amount of radiation on a short flight!

As a side note, you are also eligible for free dentist as you're pregnant (and up until a year after birth), but you'll need to have the maternity exemption card (or claim back later)

Hey - I recently had to have a root canal at 10 weeks pregnant and researched a bunch of info with my dentist and my doctor.

Copied from my insta page...

Some info below for anyone requiring dental treatment while pregnant as there’s a lot of mixed info online!
🦷Can you have Dental Treatment? - Yes, even through the first trimester if needed. You do not need to have a temporary fix and then delay the actual treatment until after birth, you can have fillings, root canal, extractions - whatever is needed. 💉Can you have Anaesthetic? - God yes! This was one of my biggest fears but don’t panic because you can have it. Lidocaine is the most commonly administered and is safe for pregnancy. My dentist said they just need to make sure it is given via an aspirating syringe needle so they can ensure it doesn’t go into your blood stream. ❌Can you have an X-Ray? - Yes, you can provided your exposure is minimal and you cover up with a lead apron. My dentist covered both my front and back with two lead aprons and took one x-ray only which was enough to show that a root canal was needed. Some women prefer to avoid x-rays until the second trimester which is your own choice to make but if you do need one, you can have it. 💊Can I have pain relief/ antibiotics? - Yes, my dentist prescribed panadol (paracetamol based) which is safe to use in pregnancy. You cannot take Ibruprofen at any stage so avoid that one! Certain antibiotics are also safe for pregnancy - I was prescribed Amoxicillin but you can also have penicillin and clindamycin.
👩🏻‍⚕️Wishing you a safe and pain free dental treatment!

Dentists will see you and won’t x-ray as PP said unless absolutely necessary m. If it’s just for check up and clean, that should not be an issue.

Dentists in England do not ‘register’ patients, they see them for courses of treatment though.

What are you talking about @tini17 ?! I’ve registered with several dentists over my life.. you go in, fill in the registration forms and are assigned a dentist. You then see them every 6 months for a check up?!

*and if I miss an appointment, they kick you off their books! As I found out when in hospital and I forgot I had an appointment! 🙈 luckily, my hospital notes was enough for them to begrudgingly re-register me!

Ps. OP, you can decline the xrays for now although there are safe ways to have one in pregnancy if absolutely necessary!

@Bol87 I’m talking about the fact that the Dental Regulations in England (and Wales, if I remember correctly) do not allow for registration, unlike with GPs (although it is currently being tested).
You get seen for ‘courses of treatment’ so technically, you can be on more than one Dentist’s ‘list’ but you will not be registered.
Scotland is different I think and they register.
What you filled in was most definitely not a registration form, most likely a claim form for your treatment at every visit and a new patient form/medical history questionnaire at first visit. They may call it a registration form for ease but it is definitely not.
I deal with this for living and it is a very common misconception.