When a woman becomes pregnant, she is almost immediately concerned with how best to preserve her own health, along with the health of her growing child. There are many “dos” and “don’ts” that are recommended to pregnant women and it can be difficult to sort out what is safe and appropriate for the body when pregnant. One concern that many patients have is how safe dental care is and whether they should continue to see the dentist throughout pregnancy. General dentistry services preserve oral health and prevent dental complications, both of which are extremely beneficial to pregnant patients. Dr. Christy Savas is a dentist in Worcester who understands the benefits of dental care and pregnancy; he offers patients quality dental care that is both safe and comfortable for pregnant patients.

Which Dental Services Are Safe During Pregnancy?

The majority of dental services are completely safe for women throughout pregnancy. However, in order to provide pregnant patients with improved safety and comfort, Dr. Savas is likely to practice certain precautions when providing dental care. Below are some general guidelines that are likely to be followed for the different types of dental services:

• General dentistry: General dentistry services such as dental exams and cleanings are completely safe and are extremely beneficial to pregnant patients. By preserving oral health, patients can avoid dental complications or oral health problems that may cause discomfort or other general health complications. For this reason, Dr. Savas recommends that patients continue to schedule routine general dentistry services throughout the duration of their pregnancy.
• Restorative dentistry: If oral health problems arise, restorative dentistry services will be needed to repair damage and restore oral strength and function. Because oral health problems such as gum disease have been linked to pre-term labor and low birth weights, it is important to treat oral health problems that develop in pregnant women. However, to increase safety and patient comfort, it is ideal to perform these treatments during the second trimester of pregnancy whenever possible.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry services are beneficial in creating a flawless, attractive smile. However, these treatments are optional and, therefore, in order to avoid any unnecessary risks for pregnant patients, cosmetic dentistry treatments should be postponed until after a patient has given birth.

Ensuring Patient Comfort

While we do our best to ensure that dental treatments are safe and comfortable for all patients, we take special care in ensuring the comfort of our pregnant patients. We understand that it can be difficult for pregnant women to sit in a certain position for extended periods of time, especially as pregnancy progresses. We are happy to provide our patients with extra pillows, blankets, and any other amenities that may improve their comfort throughout treatment. We also recommend that patients keep their knees bent, when possible, or voice their needs if they feel the necessity to get up and stretch their legs during treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Christy Savas understands the benefits of quality dental care throughout pregnancy, so he does his best to make his pregnant patients feel safe and comfortable. If you are pregnant and are looking for an experienced dentist who will take special care of your needs and comfort, schedule an appointment with Dr. Savas at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!