Dental Problems, Early Pregnancy?!
Question: I am just 4 weeks pregnant. The only reason I know so early is because I went to the dentist for quite severe pain in my teeth. I have a bad phobia of the dentist; I have panic attack whenever I go, which I avoid at all costs, thus the toothache. I may need a root canal. I don't want to hurt my unborn child. What kind of painkillers are ok during pregnancy? Can I go under IV sedation pregnant? Are any anti-anxiety pills acceptable during pregnancy? Help! What do I do?
Answers: I am just 4 weeks pregnant. The only reason I know so early is because I went to the dentist for quite severe pain in my teeth. I have a bad phobia of the dentist; I have panic attack whenever I go, which I avoid at all costs, thus the toothache. I may need a root canal. I don't want to hurt my unborn child. What kind of painkillers are ok during pregnancy? Can I go under IV sedation pregnant? Are any anti-anxiety pills acceptable during pregnancy? Help! What do I do?
If you are having pain, then seek treatment ASAP. There is no specific reason not to seek treatment during the 1st trimester, and that includes Xrays, local anaesthetic, and RCTs. Treatment is usually preferred during the 2nd trimester, but in an emergency and to avoid excessive use of painkillers you should have treatment ASAP in any pregnancy. Tylenol is the usual painkiller, but don't exceed recommended dosages.
Valium and other benzodiazepines should be AVOIDED as they will cross the placenta and have been known to have side-effects on unborn children. Try some nitrous oxide (Happy Gas) instead.
Unfortunately, some dentists (and doctors) are still outmoded and think that treatment in 1st trimester is strictly taboo, so you may have to ring around to find someone useful. If you want reassurance, SPEAK TO YOUR OBSTETRICIAN and I'm sure he/she will reassure you.
Nothing right now.Your baby is developing.After 3 months they can stop your pain and eventualy finish your rooth canal.It is very important to have an infection free mouth during your prgnancy.Make sure to consume lots of calsuim.Brush well,floss to keep it clean.no iv sedation.You just have to think you are doing it to have a healthy kid,calm yourself by thinking about other stuff.Ask your dentist to give you as many brakes as he can during prosidure.Hang in there.For your next pregnancy,make sure your teeth are fixed and cleaned.Good luck to you.
First of all, see a specialist. Next, get the tooth opened so you can get it out of pain. Then, wait for your second trimester for the completion. Pain meds are usually OK (like tylenol #3; no advil). I had to have the same thing done when I was newly pregnant, though I don't have your fears. My daughter's 14 and just fine. Do the minimal now, finish later (though don't wait until you're done being pregnant... not only are you too busy, once your tooth doesn't hurt, you won't want to go back. In the long run, you'll end up losing the tooth that way)
Good luck!