Home » Dentist Refused to Treat Toothache Because of Pregnancy

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For safety considerations, most dentists forgo dental works and treatments until after pregnancy. Unless emergency operations are needed to be done, your dentist would most probably have to reschedule you. This deferral takes into mind the welfare of both the mother and the baby as there are medications used during treatments that may be harmful to the growing fetus. Also, your dentist takes into consideration your comfort as most dental procedures take a bit of time and would require you to be on your back on the dental chair for hours.

Yes, our dentists have the foremost obligation to administer relief and medication on our tooth ailment. However, they must take your obstetrician's opinion before proceeding with any dental procedure especially during first trimester and third trimester are considered high-risk to perform any dental procedure. First trimester is the stage where the fetus' organs are developing and also a crucial time for its brain development. All unnecessary exposure to x-rays and other radiation and medications should altogether be avoided. To circumvent the possibility of early labor (premature labor) and prolonged lying on you back, most dentists would suggest to wait out the third trimester and through after birth.

Any dental intervention, most especially dental operations, at this time should be collaborated first with your Obstetrician for proper precautionary measures.

A proper assessment of your toothache pain should be given by your dental health provider, regardless of the trimester you are currently in. It is true that some dental procedures and medications at this time may cause probable danger to your developing baby's health. But any acute dental pain, any toothache pain, left untreated also poses a potential risk to your baby's health. It has been found out that relentless toothache pain, may it be acute or severe, during the course of the pregnancy contributes to the low-birth rate of babies and premature births.

If for any reason, your dentist refuses to perform dental intervention on the basis that you are pregnant, know that your dentist should properly give you a thorough assessment and a clear explanation of your current dental situation. Also, your dentist should be able to give you a detailed elucidation on the reasons as to why he or she would not be administering dental procedure on you. The key here is proper information. So both parties would avoid any medico-legal ramifications.

Should your current dentist refuse to give you any explanation as to why an emergency procedure on your severe toothache pain, or dismisses your case without due rationale, it is best to look for another dentist who would be willing to assess your situation and confer with your obstetrician the correct way of handling your medical condition.

Other regular dental procedures do not pose a threat to the baby's health and is even encouraged to promote proper oral hygiene. Pregnancy elevates the production of your estrogen and progesterone hormones causing soft and swollen gums. The bacterial film also increases the cavity build up around the gum area and may cause Pregnancy gingivitis.

To reduce possibility of infections oral cavities cleanings and annual examinations are recommended, along with dental works such as filling and crown repairs. For other medications that have to be administered after any dental procedure, make sure that you clear these medications with your obstetrician if they are safe to take.

With any dental treatment during the whole course of the pregnancy, one should always put into mind the safety first of the unborn child.