Many pregnant women put up with weeks of toothache because they believe dental treatment is forbidden until delivery. That is not true. A dental infection that is left untreated can spread, cause fever, disturb sleep and eating, and lead to more medicines later. Removing a tooth that needs to come out is generally considered safe in pregnancy when it is done with the right precautions.
Timing
- Emergencies: any trimester. Swelling, abscess (a pocket of pus), severe pain or a broken tooth should be treated when they happen, not postponed.
- Planned extractions: second trimester is preferred. Roughly months four to six. Morning sickness has usually settled, and lying in the chair is still comfortable.
- Third trimester: treatment is still possible, but lying flat can press on a major blood vessel and make you feel faint. Your dentist will keep sessions short and tilt you slightly onto your left side.
- Elective procedures, such as removing a wisdom tooth that is not causing trouble, are usually postponed until after delivery.
Anaesthetic, X-rays and medicines
- Local anaesthetic. Lignocaine (lidocaine), the anaesthetic most commonly used in Indian dental clinics, is widely regarded as safe in pregnancy in normal dental doses. Being in pain is more stressful for you and the baby than a correctly given injection.
- X-rays. A small digital X-ray of one tooth gives a very low dose, and it is taken only when needed to plan the extraction safely, with a lead apron covering your abdomen and a collar for the thyroid.
- Painkillers. Paracetamol is usually the first choice. Ibuprofen and similar painkillers are generally avoided, especially in later pregnancy, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Antibiotics. If needed, your dentist chooses ones considered safe in pregnancy, such as amoxicillin, and avoids those that are not, such as tetracyclines.
Do not take anything from the chemist on your own. Check with your dentist and your gynaecologist.
What you need to tell us
Our working policies require every patient to tell the front desk and the doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, and our registration form asks about it. Please also tell us:
- How many weeks pregnant you are
- Any high-risk factors: bleeding, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, anaemia, twins
- All medicines and supplements, including iron and calcium
- Your gynaecologist's details, in case we need to discuss the plan with them
Simple steps that help
- Eat a light meal beforehand so your sugar does not drop.
- Bring someone with you.
- Ask for a break if you feel dizzy, nauseous or need the washroom.
- Follow the same aftercare as anyone else: bite on gauze, no spitting or straws, soft food, gentle salt-water rinses after 24 hours.
Breastfeeding mothers can also have extractions. The anaesthetic and common painkillers are generally compatible with feeding, but tell us so medicines are chosen accordingly.
If you are pregnant and in pain, do not wait it out. Call 8484 990 678 or see our emergency dentist page. For a planned extraction, book a consultation and mention your pregnancy when you register. The procedure itself is described on our tooth extraction page.
