Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth since they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. The American Dental Association recommends replacing lost teeth as soon as possible to prevent a host of oral health problems, but health conditions like pregnancy can make a person especially susceptible to inflammation that can complicate the placement process. Here’s a brief look at what receiving dental implants looks like for pregnant women.
Can Pregnant Women Receive Dental Implants?
While it’s ideal to replace lost teeth as soon as possible to prevent dental drift and support the remaining teeth, pregnancy causes inflammation that can make it more difficult for the body to accept dental implants. After a brief review of your mouth, medical history, and list of medications, your dentist may determine that you can safely receive dental implants while pregnant. However, some patients may need to wait until after the pregnancy is over to receive implants safely and effectively. Please be thorough and honest when discussing your medical history with your dentist during your consultation.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
The first step to receiving dental implants is having a consultation at your dentist’s office. A suitable candidate for dental implants will be free from oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay and have jawbones strong enough to support the devices. If a patient doesn’t meet these criteria, they can probably become a great candidate later after resolving these issues with restorative treatments or procedures like bone grafts.
After the patient is cleared for implants, they’ll be scheduled for surgery. This procedure will begin with the dentist administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort before surgically inserting small titanium pieces into the jawbone through careful incisions in the gumline. These pieces will gradually fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration during the following months, creating the sturdy foundation the implants need to work and last like real teeth. Most patients report that receiving dental implants is much more comfortable than having a tooth extracted, and many of them are able to return to work the next day.
After the implant has fused with the jawbone, the patient will return to their dentist’s office for two more appointments so their customized crown, bridge, or denture can be fitted and placed. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best timeframe for replacing your lost teeth while pregnant.
About the Practice
WellSmiles Dyntl at Greenway offers the finest oral healthcare in Houston. Led by Dr. Hoa Tran, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and amazing customer service. Areas of expertise include cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental restorations such as implants. If you are interested in dental implants, contact the practice on the web or dial (713) 437-3902.