Pregnancy and Sedation Dentistry: Important Things to Know

If you experience phobia or anxiety around dental procedures, sedation dentistry can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. However, if you are pregnant, you may be unsure about the safety of sedation dentistry. This blog explains what to know about sedation during pregnancy to help you make sound choices.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medications to calm your nerves during dental procedures. Your dentist may use various sedation methods.

Moderate Sedation

As the name suggests, moderate sedation will make you feel relaxed but not asleep. The sedation is also referred to as conscious sedation. This method is usually administered intravenously (IV), and while you may not remember much after administration, you can respond to verbal commands.

General Anesthesia

This method is the deepest form of sedation, and it can make you appear to be asleep during the procedure. You will not remember anything that happened during the procedure.

Inhaled Minimal Sedation

This method is also known as laughing gas or nitrous oxide. The sedation involves inhaling a mixture of oxygen and the sedative through a mask that goes over your nose during the procedure.

Each of these sedations has its own risks and benefits, so your dentist will recommend the best option.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe During Pregnancy?

Whether sedation is safe depends on the type of medication and how far you are with your pregnancy. Experts recommend waiting until the second trimester before you undergo any sedation, preferably nitrous oxide.

During the first trimester, your baby is still growing and forming vital organs, so the risks of side effects or complications increase. The third trimester is also not ideal for undergoing sedation because you may be too uncomfortable, and the procedure can cause premature labor.

Additionally, consult your obstetrician-gynecologist before getting sedation. Your doctor can provide valuable advice and help you decide whether you should go ahead with sedation.

Is Local Anesthesia Safe During Pregnancy?

Local anesthesia features numbing agents to protect you from feeling pain during certain dental procedures. The most common local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is safe for pregnant women.

This anesthesia is, therefore, a great option for pregnant women, as it is fast-acting and doesn't cause any side effects. However, your dentist will still need to monitor you during and after the procedure to ensure you don't experience any adverse reactions

What If the Procedure Cannot Wait?

If your dental procedure is urgent or you are in severe pain and discomfort, the dentist may consider giving you a single dose of moderate sedation. Generally, your dentist only recommends sedation when the procedure is extremely painful or you are in extreme fear.

The dental expert will work with you to select the safest sedation method and monitor you closely before, during, and after the procedure. In most cases, local anesthesia is all you need to complete the procedure safely and comfortably.

If possible, your dental issue can wait until delivery, when you can choose a sedation option without worrying about your baby's safety.

Sedation dentistry may be a great way to help you relax during a dental procedure. But first, understand the risks and benefits of sedation before proceeding. Talk to your dentist and OBGYN about all your concerns when selecting a type of sedation so that everyone involved can rest assured that proper precautions are in place for you and your baby.

You can trust us at Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC, for all your sedation dentistry needs. Our team of dental professionals is here to help you make the best decision for your health and that of your baby. Contact us today for a consultation.