Can I Get A Root Canal Treatment During Pregnancy?

When a woman is pregnant, many questions arise regarding the safety of using certain products. This also includes eating certain foods or undergoing medical treatments at this stage. The question of whether it is possible to get a root canal treatment during pregnancy is quite common.

This particular procedure involves the use of anesthesia, x-rays and medication. How these affect the developing fetus is a major fear for pregnant women. And sometimes it seems like the best solution to skip.

The truth is that it is not only annoying and painful to let a condition in the mouth develop and be untreated. It can also be dangerous. In the following section, we will tell you what root canal treatments consist of and what the purpose is. We also discuss what to keep in mind if you are pregnant.

When is a root canal treatment necessary?

Endodontics, also known as a root canal treatment, is a dental treatment that involves cleaning and removing the damaged tissue inside a tooth. The dentist fills the hole with a biocompatible material and seals it.

When a tooth is destroyed, this treatment makes it possible to keep the diseased or dead tooth in the mouth and prevent extraction of it. The most common cause of internal damage to a dental element is deep holes.

Lack of treatment of the problem in time allows it to grow deeper. Therefore, it affects the tissue, which is the soft part with nerve endings and blood vessels.

Another reason why a tooth may need a root canal treatment is if it has suffered a fracture or severe blow. Therefore, there are symptoms that indicate the need for this treatment, which are as follows:

• Pain in the tooth. It can be constant, intermittent, pulsating and with different intensities depending on the case.
• Sensitivity to cold and heat.
• Change in the color of the crown.
• Discomfort when chewing.
• The occurrence of gingivitis.
• Swelling in the area.

As soon as any of these symptoms appear, it is best to consult a dentist to resolve the issue. Acting early prevents further discomfort along with more serious complications.

How are root canal treatments performed?

This dental treatment can take place in one or two sessions. Although it depends on the clinical case and the needs of the patient. In general, these steps are:

1. Anesthesia: In order for the patient not to feel pain, use a professional local anesthetic in the area.
2. Access to the hole: The professional insulates the tooth with a special elastic. Then they use a tool to remove the diseased tissue and make a deep hole to reach the root.
3. Cleaning: The dentist removes the root and cleans all the space it has taken up. They use manual and rotating instruments to scrape the inside walls of the tooth. In addition, they inject disinfectant fluids into the inside of the piece to draw and remove dirt from the organic tissue.
4. Filling the root: When the area is clean, the dentist fills the space with a biocompatible material. It is inserted until it reaches the end of the root.
5. X-ray: At this point, a professional takes an X-ray to make sure the material reaches the root tip but does not exceed it.
6. Reconstruction of the tooth: Finally , the dentist fills the tooth with preliminary or final material. This restores the shape of the tooth so that it can once again perform its function in the mouth.

Is It Safe To Get A Root Canal Treatment During Pregnancy?

Not only is it possible and safe to perform a root canal treatment during pregnancy, but it is also convenient to avoid complications. Failure to treat a problematic tooth can lead to an infection. This poses a risk to mother and baby.

In addition, both inflammation and infection in a tooth cause pain. This causes stress on the baby and contractions during pregnancy. This is another reason why treatment is necessary and beneficial.

During periodic dental visits, the professional will evaluate the health condition of the woman’s mouth and the need for a treatment. If a root canal treatment is necessary and not urgent, it is planned to be performed at the most appropriate time.

If the woman has symptoms such as pain, swelling of the face or fistulas, she should go to the dentist immediately to get a root canal treatment. As already mentioned, these symptoms lead to other more serious complications.

It is always a good idea to remind your dentist about your pregnancy and how far you are. Although it is safe to perform these treatments, non-urgent treatments should be planned in advance. Preferably, they should be performed in the second trimester.

At this stage, the baby’s main organs are already developed. Likewise, the unpleasant symptoms in the first trimester such as vomiting and nausea usually disappear.

At the same time , it is also preferable to get a root canal treatment before the last trimester. This is because the size of the abdomen and sitting in the same position for a long time can be tiring and uncomfortable.

Some common doubts about having a root canal treatment during pregnancy

When a dentist asks an expectant mother for root canal treatment during pregnancy, it is common for fear and doubt to arise. If the professional knows about the pregnancy and suggests this, it is because they recognize that it is a safe option.

It is important to trust the dentist to keep your mouth healthy at this stage. Here, however, we will clarify some of the most common types of fears for pregnant women who need a root canal treatment:

• Local anesthesia: Anesthesia is likely to be necessary for the procedure. The doses used are minimal and do not pose a risk to either the mother or the fetus. In addition, it is used to perform the procedure without discomfort. As we have already mentioned, pain can cause complications during pregnancy.
• X-rays: X-rays are needed for this treatment. They allow the dentist to make an accurate diagnosis, measure the length of the channels being worked on, and control the extent of treatment. The radiation doses used are minimal and do not pose a risk to the fetus. In any case, the professional who performs a root canal treatment during pregnancy protects the expectant mother with aprons that cover the abdomen and neck to minimize exposure.

• Medication: In some cases, a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers is needed to end treatment. It is important to remind the dentist about the pregnancy as well as whether other medications are being used. The professionals will prescribe drugs that can be taken safely. Pregnant women should never self-medicate.

The importance of dental check-ups during pregnancy

A root canal treatment is a safe procedure that can be performed when the woman is pregnant. However, it is still a time that gives worry and even fear.

That is why it is so important to get frequent and regular checkups. Root canal treatment can often be avoided if the disease is treated early.

It is ideal to visit the dentist when planning a pregnancy. All necessary procedures can be performed safely and the pregnancy can begin with a healthy mouth.

Pregnant women should visit the dentist once a week. trimester. The professional examines the mouth, helps to take care of it, recommends necessary treatments and determines when it is convenient to perform them.

Dentists are an ally that pregnant women should trust. Oral health care is essential for peace of mind during pregnancy.