If you’re missing permanent teeth, you may have already been made aware of the risks associated with this condition, especially to your oral and overall health. In addition to making it difficult to speak clearly and smile confidently, having gaps in your arches can also lead to things like gum disease, bone deterioration, and further tooth loss. Thus, most dentists recommend replacing them with dental implants as soon as possible. But what if you’re pregnant? Here’s why if you’ll be expecting soon, it’s best to wait until after to restore missing teeth with these permanent prosthetics!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement solution available today. They work by surgically inserting a titanium or zirconia post into the jawbone, which then connects to an abutment and a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. This not only keeps the replacement permanently attached, but it also restores full biteforce, allowing you to once again enjoy all the benefits of a complete smile. Better still, because dental implant posts simulate the roots of a tooth, they provide important jaw stimulation that keeps your bones healthy and strong and prevents further tooth loss.
Why Is Dental Implant Surgery Not Recommended for Pregnant Patients?
When you lose a permanent tooth, your dentist will likely recommend replacing it as soon as possible. This is to not only boost your self-confidence by eliminating unsightly gaps in your arches, but it will also help you speak more clearly and properly chew a variety of healthy and delicious foods. This in turn will allow you to eat a more nutritious diet and prevent things like acid reflux from improper or inadequate chewing. It will also assist you in avoiding things like tooth drift and jawbone deterioration which could both wreak havoc on your remaining natural teeth.
Unfortunately, however, dental implant surgery is not recommended for pregnant patients. This is because the risks of surgery and things like dental X-rays and anesthesia are too severe for your growing baby. Furthermore, hormonal changes can sometimes affect pregnant patients’ oral health, temporarily raising their risk of things like gingivitis and periodontal disease that could increase the odds of dental implant failure.
When Can I Safely Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, your dentist will recommend you wait until after your pregnancy has ended and you are feeling ready for dental implant treatment. While it is understandable that you’d be eager to get your healthy smile back as soon as possible, it is imperative that you are mentally and physically prepared for surgery, too. Pregnancy can affect every aspect of your life, and it is more important that your emotional wellbeing is in good shape before worrying about restoring your smile. Thus, don’t feel pressured or rushed into any procedure during the postpartum period, as you have just been through some incredible changes and deserve time to fully recuperate!
Remember, once you are feeling physically and mentally strong enough to undergo treatment, your dentist will be ready to assist you with replacing your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants, so don’t rush yourself, and when the time is right, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist to get back your healthy, glowing grin!
About Our Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, it’s no coincidence that our first name starts with Health. If you are pregnant and missing one or more permanent teeth, it’s certainly important to replace them, but permanent solutions like dental implants should wait until you are physically and emotionally ready for them. When you are, we’re here for you, and can’t wait to help you get the gorgeous, gleaming grin to go along with that new parent glow! To schedule your dental implant consultation, give us a call at 517-333-3160 or visit our website.