Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are recommended.
The second trimester is ideal for cavity fillings and crowns, which should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. Root canals or tooth extraction are sometimes emergent and necessary.
All elective procedures such as teeth whitening, cosmetic procedures and x-rays should be postponed until after the birth. When x-rays are necessary in emergent situations, use of a lead shield including an apron and thyroid collar is recommend.
If antibiotics are required, Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Clindamycin (Category B) are often used. Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolones should be avoided.
Anesthesia should be used at the smallest dose possible. Lidocaine (Category B) is often used. It is recommended that elective procedures that require nitrous oxide use be avoided during pregnancy. However, some studies show that limited amounts of nitrous oxide may be acceptable when needed for extensive procedures. Narcotic pain medications are acceptable.
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