Pregnancy brings a lot of big changes, both in your life and in your body. Many parents, especially if they’re first-timers, become especially mindful of their health instinctively. So, if you’re missing a tooth while expecting, you may wonder if it’s safe to move forward with implant surgery. The short answer? It’s usually best to wait. Here’s why timing matters for dental implants and what you can do in the meantime to protect your smile.
Why Should Dental Implant Surgery Be Delayed During Pregnancy?
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, which means it involves anesthesia, possible medications, and recovery time. While local anesthesia is generally considered safe during pregnancy, there is the matter of additional stress and risk of infection to think about.
Most dentists recommend postponing elective procedures like dental implants until after your baby is born. Your body is already doing a lot of hard work growing a new life, so healing from surgery at the same time would be an unnecessary strain.
Are There Ever Exceptions?
In rare cases where a missing tooth causes severe pain, infection, or affects your ability to eat and stay healthy, your dentist and medical professionals might collaborate and discuss limited treatment options. However, it’s extremely rare to move forward with full implant placement during pregnancy.
Usually, your dental team will focus on managing symptoms and protecting your oral health until it’s safe to continue treatment.
What Can You Do Instead of Getting Dental Implants Now?
Even if implant surgery has to wait, there are still ways to protect your smile and plan ahead:
- Use a Temporary Solution: A temporary partial denture (also called a “flipper”) can replace a missing tooth until your implant can be placed.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Keeping your gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy will make implant surgery safer and more successful later.
- Schedule a Consultation: It’s a great time to meet with your dentist, create a personalized treatment plan, and schedule your implant timeline for after your baby’s arrival.
Pregnancy is a time to prioritize your health and your baby’s safety. While dental implants are an amazing way to replace missing teeth for good, it’s usually smarter to hit pause until after delivery. In the meantime, your dentist can help you manage your smile and keep you feeling confident and comfortable.
About the Practice
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, restoring healthy, confident smiles is at the heart of what we do. Our experienced team offers advanced services like dental implants to help patients regain the function and beauty of their grin after tooth loss. From personalized treatment plans to compassionate care, we’re committed to helping you achieve your best smile yet. Call (904) 932-1193 to schedule a dental implant consultation or visit our website to learn more.