Pregnant, toothache, concerned?

Question

I have had a severe tooth ache for days now, I went to the dentist and they said that they thought my teeth were just being sensitve to pregnancy. But after a few days I could not take the pain . I went back in today, and they did a exray, but they double vested me. Do you think that is ok? I am only 7wks pregnant, so I worry cause the baby is still forming? And they gave me penicillian, they found that i had such a severe infection that it went into the bone. But should I be worried about the exrays, and being on penicillian?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Pregnany is NOT a contraindication to dental treatment, although it's best to defer elective dental work (ie. cosmetic procedures) until one has given birth. In your case, since you have a severe tooth ache, your body responds to this "stress" by releasing excessive norepinephrine, epi, and cortisol. This is turn may cause your body suffer unnecessary systemic stress, and may also influence placental function. The best course of action is to resolve the pain source, which then relieves the excess epi, norepi, and cortisol output.

The x-rays are focused on your oral cavity; the percentage of scatter radiation to your abdominal area is low to begin iwith. Since you were double shielded, you fetus probably absorbed as much radiation from that x-ray as from walking around outside for a few minutes.

Penicillin is a FDA pregnancy category B drug, which means it either has not been shown to have confirmed adverse human effect in the first 1st trimester and no evidence of risk in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, OR animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk. In other words, pen VK is a safe drug.

Source(s):

I am a dentist.

Answer 2

a little late now.

Answer 3

Your dentist was well aware of the x-ray risk as he double vested you. Sometimes you have to do what is absolutely necessary in order to make a diagnosis and that is what your dentist did. I would not be overly concerned about the x-ray as he took extra precautions and only did the x-ray because he absolutely had to. As for the penicillin that is obviously ok for you to take being pregnant or the dentist would have prescribed something different. Your dentist is doing all he can to help with your infection and looking out for your child.

Answer 4

I am really not sure, maybe you should ask your doctor. Dentists are only going to be there to help your teeth, most aren't going to know if the medicine they percribe to you will harm your baby.

Answer 5

R u more concerned about the toothache or the x-rays? Pregnant women are more prone to gum disease. I used Colgate Total during my pregnancy and it stopped my gums from bleeding. And for the x-rays, no pregnant woman should ever have one.

Answer 6

If you're worried you should ask your MD for advice on what u can take during these important weeks and see if u can get dental treatment done. It is important your Dr. gives u a release to get dental work done.

Answer 7

I had an x-ray when I was about 5 weeks pregnant. I didn't know at the time I was pregnant. My son is almost 4 years old and is fine now. You will be okay. As far as the penicillin is concerned you should ask your Dr. You will have to be on some type of antibiotics if you have a severe infection though. Your Dr. will advise if penicillin is your best option.

Answer 8

i think the double vesting was a good idea i wouldnt worry. and i would call your obsritrcian and ask her about the pennicillan

Answer 9

The penicillian should be okay. I had a tooth pulled when I was pregnant. They gave me penicillian to clear up any infection and then he made me wait until I was 3 months along before he would pull the tooth. When they x-rayed me the double vested me. I know have a beautiful healthy baby and no tooth ache! I hope this helps.