Many pregnant women avoid dental visits for fear that dental work can harm their unborn babies. But maintaining a healthy smile is crucial during pregnancy. So what do you do? Raleigh NC dentists Dr. Ben Thompson and Dr. Susan Thompson follow recommendations and guidelines provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and other organizations to deliver safe, effective care for pregnant women.

During this special time in your life, we want you to feel comfortable with the care you receive. Here, the doctors provide information to set your mind at ease and help you determine the optimal course of action to maintain good oral health while you’re pregnant.

Checkups and Cleanings
During pregnancy, dental checkups and cleanings are considered safe by the ADA and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They’re also recommended. Shifting hormone levels can increase the risk of gum disease during pregnancy. Untreated gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. A dental cleaning at our Raleigh office and diligent brushing and flossing at home can reduce the risk of gum disease.

Routine Dental Work
If you need a filing or a crown to eliminate dental decay or repair a compromised tooth, the doctor will address the urgency of the situation to help you determine the timing of the procedure. Typically, restorative dental work is performed to alleviate infection or pain and, as such, may be necessary to prevent further damage to oral health. In addition, it’s possible for a pregnant mom to pass on cavity-causing bacteria to her baby, which makes it doubly important to address dental decay.

Emergency Care
A dental emergency should be addressed right away. The doctor can assess the situation and recommend the safest course of action to resolve the situation without jeopardizing the health of your unborn baby.

Cosmetic Dentistry
It’s better to avoid any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure until after pregnancy.

X-Rays
ACOG reports that dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy. Dr. Thompson will take the minimum amount of X-rays needed for your individual dental needs. A complete set or routine X-rays can typically wait until after your baby is born.

Local Anesthesia During Pregnancy
A recent article published by the ADA states that local anesthesia is safe for pregnant women. If you need dental work done that requires anesthesia and you’re pregnant, this should set your mind at ease.

Learn More
Call Thompson Family Dentistry today. Our doctors and team are happy to address your questions and concerns. We want you to have a healthy smile and a healthy baby.