I have a big cavity in one of my molars which i have been trying to ignore for so long. I hate going to the dentist, it really freaks me out and gives me panic attacks plus the cost is horrendous without PHI, but i am worried if i dont go soon i'll have to loose another tooth which is so much worse.
Is it ok to have a cavity filled while pregnant? And can i use the 'happy gas'? I can't go without using it. Are there any risks i should be aware of?
You sure can have a cavity filled, my sister had one done when pg with her DD. The only thing should couldn't have done was an x-ray, but it wasn't an issue. I'm not 100% about happy gas, but I can't imagine you couldn't have it if you can have it in labour. It might be worth ringing your dentist to find out?
Its safe to get dental work done while pg. It is however recommended that x-rays be avoided if possible and that amalgam fillings (silver ones) not be removed or placed.
Unfortunately nitrous oxide (happy gas) is a no no in pg. While it is ok during labour exposure to it during pg has been linked to miscarriage.
Its really important that you get your tooth attended to. As I'm sure you know when you have a large cavity you run the risk of an infection. Dental infections can be very serious and can quite easily spread - especially when your immune system is suppressed as it is in pg.
Sorry for the bad news about the happy gas. Happy gas doesn't have a huge effect anyway - it decreases anxiety but it actually has no effect on pain. Local anaesthetic is what stops you feeling anything and it is totally fine to have during pg. I'm sure with plenty of local you'll be ok.
Damn about the happy gas. Its not the pain i worry about. I do have very bad anxiety, so it is needed. Looks like i'll just have to wait until after bub is born.
There's no way I'd wait until bub to get that tooth sorted. The dentist can probably do some sort of short term dressing on the tooth that will prevent infection occurring and won't be a big deal. If you need the tooth out you can then wait until after bub. Its the potential risk of infection that's of concern for you and bub.
I'm sure you've employed some relaxation techniques for your previous births so why not try them out at the dentist. Do you have a regular dentist? If not ask some people where you live and see if you can find a lovely female dentist to see. You've been through 2 births and a 3rd soon..... getting your tooth fixed will be so much easier than this!
I don't see how a birth can be comparied to going to a dentist. Birth isn't about pain or anxiety. You're in a different state of mind when you're in labour.
I have had very bad experiences in that past with dentists which is why i have not seen one in nearly 6 years. I haven't been able to control my anxiety as yet. So if i can''t use the gas then i am just going to have to wait because the stress will not be good for the baby either. Unless there is something else i can take?
Sure, birth isn't ABOUT pain but it IS painful unless there's drugs involved. The dentist isn't ABOUT pain, its about getting healthy. Its your body and your decision if you want to risk infection.
I often prescribe a dose of Valium for my anxious patients before their appointment. I've just looked it up for you and unfortunately you shouldn't take it during pg. I can't think of anything else that would be of help to you other than just setting aside your fears and doing this for your bub.
Just had another thought....... I've had some patients undergo a desensitization treatment with a psychologist where they slowly become comfortable with going to the dentist. It worked really well. Perhaps that's something you could think about now or in the future. If not for yourself then for your children - they will develop their attitude towards the dentist based on yours.
Last edited by principessa76; October 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 PM.
Antheia,
Mate I am with you. I am more terrified of having major dental work done that giving birth! I gave myself the worst headache for days when I had a filling and it was only a minor filling and that was years ago and I had the happy gas and the needles.
Some people just don't understand the fear! I do! I went to the dentist a few weeks ago just for my 6 monthly check up and I was mostly calm for that cause they put ear phones on so you can't hear the sound of the equipment. Then the Hygenist said that I will have to get all 4 wisdom teeth removed soon! My response was, "over my dead body!" I would rather give birth to a Hippo than have my teeth pulled out. But I realistically teeth problems can make you very sick and if you leave them they only cause more damage to you with infections etc. I can understand you wanting to wait until the baby is born. I would do the same myself. But a filling is far easy to handle than having a tooth pulled... but at the same time I understand the worry also and know that its not good for the baby. Perhaps they can just pop a cap on there until you have the baby? Thats what they did for one of my teeth and I haven't gone back for the real filling in years.
Good luck with what you decide to do. And yep no happy gas during pregnancy!
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Seeing a dentist while pregnant
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