Dental sedation is a very helpful modern method that helps both the patient and the dentist. Some patients might experience acute anxiety during dental procedures. This makes the process extremely uncomfortable. On top of that, if the procedure is difficult or long, having the patient sedated can help the dentist to perform the procedure in a proper manner. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?

Typically, sedation is considered safe for general patients. However, expecting a child is a delicate condition, and patients want to know if sedation dentistry is safe while pregnant. In this article, we will go through the possible concerns patients may have about the effects sedation can have on the unborn child. Also, the article will help you determine if sedation dentistry is right for you when you are pregnant.

What Is Sedation Dentistry

The main focus of sedation dentistry is to alleviate stress and pain during dental procedures. The levels of sedation depend on the individual needs of the patient and on the length and difficulty of the procedure. There are different types of sedation:

Oral conscious sedation

Medication for this type of sedation usually comes in a pill form. Typically, a patient takes the medication an hour before the procedure. You might expect feeling sleepy or actually falling asleep after taking the medication. But it is easy to wake the patient up, and they can communicate with their dentist without any issues. Patients have to make sure that they have someone to drive them back home after the procedure, as the medication can temporary affect memory and motor skills. 

Intravenous sedation

IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation than oral conscious sedation. The medication is delivered into the bloodstream through an IV line. The dosage of the medication can be adjusted at any point during the procedure if necessary. Also, reversal medications can be used if need be. Typically, after receiving IV sedation, patients fall asleep and later have almost no memory of the procedure. This method is usually used in cases of very long and complicated procedures or if the level of anxiety is unbearable for the patient.

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas)

The medication is delivered by inhaling nitrous oxide through the mask. You can expect the calming effects to start in 3 to 5 minutes. The amount of sedation can also be adjusted during the procedure. After the dental procedure, the patient receives oxygen to remove nitrous oxide from their body, which happens quite quickly. Usually, this method does not have any effects once the procedure is over, and the patient can drive home by themselves.

Your general health condition and medical history will determine the choice of sedation appropriate for you.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant

Even though there are different opinions on sedation dentistry during pregnancy, some doctors advise against using this method when pregnant. In fact, sedation has not been proven safe for pregnant patients. The concern is that some of the chemicals contained in sedation medication might pass through the placenta. This can result in developmental issues in the unborn child. 

The stage of pregnancy can also determine if you can have sedation in cases when it is unavoidable. Usually, the second trimester is considered to be the safest time to undergo sedation. Undergoing sedation during both the first and third trimesters can cause problems with development and labor. 

Dental Treatments While Pregnant

There are still options to alleviate the pain during dental procedures while pregnant. Topically applied numbing medications are safe to use for both you and the child.

On top of that, preventative dentistry is a big help when it comes to pregnant patients. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes to the body. There is also a possibility of higher carbohydrate consumption and an increased amount of acid in the mouth caused by morning sickness. These lead to weakening of the tooth enamel and to cavities and tooth decay. Make sure to constantly maintain good oral hygiene to avoid acid and food debris collecting in your mouth. This can ensure that complex treatments will not be necessary while you are pregnant.

It is a good idea to see your dentist regularly while pregnant to have checkups and cleanings that are totally safe for pregnant patients. These preventative measures will help you avoid health complications caused by tooth decay and infections.

Make an appointment with one of our qualified dentists at Smiles of Arcadia to ensure your and your unborn child’s health.