PREGNANCY AND DENTISTRY
There are two questions to evaluate dental treatment during pregnancy.
Where are you at in your pregnancy?
How urgent or emergent is the treatment that is needed?
If you present with an emergent dental need (i.e. infection, swelling, significant pain), this may be an indication to move forward with dental treatment regardless of the gestational age of the baby. A significant dental infection can pose a risk to both the mother and baby and merits dental treatment ASAP.
The second trimester is the best time to do relatively urgent dental treatment. This is the time when the mother is most comfortable, generally feeling the best, dental anesthetic is less likely to raise mother’s blood pressure, and the baby is less likely to put pressure on major blood vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava) of the mother, causing lightheadedness, when laying flat.
Routine dental cleanings can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but again the mother will be more comfortable in the 1st and 2nd trimester. Hormones during pregnancy can cause some significant gum inflammation for some mothers and staying current on routine cleanings during your pregnancy is beneficial and preventative.
Periodontal disease can increase the chances of pre-term labor and should be treated in the second trimester ideally.
Dr. Nicholson prefers not to do elective treatment during pregnancy, including elective (no cavity present) amalgam removal.
BREASTFEEDING AND DENTISTRY
For most mothers, breastfeeding after having dental treatment is acceptable and generally will not affect your baby. However, if you have concerns or would just rather be on the safe side, you can pump until the anesthetic is out of your system (generally 2-5 hrs depending on the amount of anesthetic given and your metabolism).
If you pump and “dump”- you do not have to throw it away!
- Use it in the bath
- Apply it to skin for skin irritation
- Titrate it with other breast milk (1oz of post dentistry milk with 3 oz of normally pumped milk)
Hope this helps guide you through one aspect of motherhood!
CLIENT REVIEW
I have been looking for an amazing dentist office for sometime and was thrilled to meet Dr. Nicholson. She was kind, personable, very professional and very detail oriented. Having a dentist who truly cares about your dental health and their patients is a breath of fresh air. I am so glad I got to meet Dr. Nicholson and her team.
Michelle Renee
Dr.Nicholson and her staff are the best of the best! Jenna is fabulous with what she does. Very calm modern office makes you feel so comfortable.
Mayra Ramos
Dr. Nicholson's practice is full spectrum. Whether you are needing personalized service or a place for your whole family, The Smile Suite provides a state of the art, pristine and welcoming atmosphere. Jenna keeps pace with the latest dental technology and performs exceptional dental care.
Megan and Jeremy
I have been a patient of Dr Nicholson for several years and she is very skilled. She listens, takes time, and is aware of what's new in dentistry and what is necessary vs not necessary. Her work is exceptional. I have recommended her to friends.
Ginney Hitchon
Our family has been seeing Dr. Nicholson for years. Jenna is fabulous at what she does... She is very caring and puts the patient first. She will listen to all your concerns and help you make the best informed decisions. Dr. Nicholson has the most up to date technology and is very skilled in what she does. Not only is Jenna a truly amazing dentist but The Smile Suite is an absolutely stunning and comfortable place to receive dental care. We trust her with our own dental needs and our children's.
Morgyn Hood
I chose to switch dentists after almost a decade. I was very nervous about my appointment since I had been neglecting to floss for some time. I was immediately put at ease. Dr. Nicholson spent time talking with me and genuinely cared about my concerns. The staff was professional and friendly. The office was comforting and incredibly clean. Dr. Nicholson is quite clearly talented in both dentistry and service.
Devon Torres
