Can You Get a Tooth Pulled While Pregnant?

If you’re struggling with a tooth infection, may we be the first to say — urgh! Sorry, mama. So can you get a tooth pulled while pregnant? Let’s take a look.

Can you have any dental work done when pregnant?

Unfortunately, many pregnant women don’t get the treatment they need because of fear that dentistry could be harmful to themselves or their babies.

But both the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that you pay attention to your oral health when you’re pregnant.

Your dental health is directly linked to your health in general — so it's essential to stay on top of it right now.

Also, pregnancy itself can make keeping your gums and teeth healthy even more difficult.

Hormones can impact your oral health and cause conditions like pregnancy gingivitis.

This is gum inflammation that can lead to more serious disease if not treated.

Added to this, if you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting while pregnant, your teeth may be exposed to more acid than they’re used to.

This may put you at greater risk of tooth decay.

That’s why it’s important to keep those dental visits up.

But what about having a tooth pulled? Is this okay right now? Let’s take a look.

In this article: 📝

Can you get teeth pulled while pregnant?

In most cases, the answer is yes. It’s safe to get teeth pulled during pregnancy.

In fact, it’s usually recommended over leaving a tooth in that needs attention.

If you have an infection, delaying the treatment you need may do more harm than good.

There’s solid research to suggest that oral bacteria can move from your mouth area to your uterus, which may cause what is called an intrauterine infection.

This is when the membranes surrounding your baby get infected, which can lead to serious health complications.

So it’s important not to leave it.

That being said, you may have to wait a bit.

Some dentists won’t be so happy to pull teeth during the first trimester, as this is a critical phase for your baby’s development.

So, when you book your appointment, let your dentist know if you’re pregnant, and how far along you are.

Also, let them know if you’re TTC, in case there’s a chance you’re already pregnant.

Is dental anesthesia safe during pregnancy?

In most cases, dentists use local anesthetics to pull teeth — and these have shown to be safe.

The most commonly used drug, lidocaine, doesn’t pose a significant risk to you or your baby, and is considered to be very low risk.

Again, because the first trimester of your pregnancy is its most fragile time, it’s usually a good idea to wait until you’re in the second trimester to have your procedure done.

Can you get your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant?

If you need your wisdom teeth out while you’re pregnant, that should be fine too!

(We apologize if you were looking for an excuse to skip this.)

As with all teeth extractions, it’s probably best to wait until later in your pregnancy.

🔍 Read More: Why is Oral Health Important During Pregnancy?

Can you get a dental x-ray when pregnant?

While abdominal x-rays should be approached with caution, dental x-rays are generally thought to be okay.

That’s because the x-ray beams are far away from your uterus, significantly lowering your chance of radiation exposure.

The word from the FDA, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Radiology, is this:

Always tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant before having an x-ray, as well as how far along you are.

And if you’ve had any x-rays recently, tell them about those too.

That way, they can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

And if you need support along the way, touch base with your Peanut community.

You don’t have to do this alone.

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