Dental Work - Anyone had to get it done while pregnant? :(

LO95

I have diagnosed anxiety resulting from the infertility and now here we are at 4 months and both my dentist and OB are recommending I get a filling I lost replaced to prevent inflammation later on in third tri, which the OB says could cause problems.  My dentist says there is a possibility the filling could turn into a root canal-he's not sure until he takes x-rays.  I've read about it and read about it and I know the general idea is that it's safest in the second tri.  That said, the idea of getting dental work done is causing me to feel like I'm on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.  I'm concerned about 1) laying down for too long on my back, 2) the injection for pain relief and 3) the overall anxiety I have about getting this done especially leading up to the day itself.

I suppose I'm looking for reassurance from anyone who has had to get work done while pregnant.  I hate this.

AMShark

Sorry, I don't have any experience with this.  I did find some info on the web, but probably nothing you haven't already heard:

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/dental-work-and-pregnancy/

The gist of it is that if dental work is necessary,it should be done in 2nd tri.  Also, that gum disease and dental issues left untreated could lead to pre-term labor, which you don't want.  So, I guess you can try your best to think about it as the lesser of two evils.

I like the advice about bringing your own pillow, and headphones and music for the procedure.  Maybe that can help get you to a more relaxed state.

Good luck. I feel for you on this one. ((hugs))

hopeby2015

Sorry, I don't have any advice or experienc in this but from what I understand, laying on your back isn't as bad as it's made out to be. Like you will get uncomfortable before any problems occur. Hope it helps! Good luck!

ETA: spelling

pblge

Sorry you're dealing with this. It's an area in which I would definitely trust my doctors. My teeth are a disaster zone, and I'm planning on going in over the winter break. In the meantime, I have an appt with an oral surgeon in a couple of days. Not sure if I'm going to actually get the procedure done, but I want to discuss my options.

Sigh. Pregnancy has really fun symptoms, doesn't it?

mrsrichey11

I'm sorry you're going through this =[ I had a few fillings done at 20 weeks with novocaine, my ob said that was just fine. I agree with pp that you shouldn't have a problem on your back since you aren't too far along. I'm having twins and I wasn't uncomfortable at all at 20 weeks on my back, but everyone is different. Let your dentist know and they might be able to keep you at an angle that is more comfortable or maybe see if they can take a break so you can sit up for a couple of minutes depending on how long you need to be laying down. I know it sucks, but it is super important to make sure you get problems with your teeth taken care of when you're pregnant (that's coming from someone who refused to go to the dentist for three years because she didn't want to have those pokey instruments in her mouth...)

southernyankeegirl

Sorry you're dealing with this!  On the up side, it should be no big deal.

The novocain is localized - that's why it only numbs the exact area where it's injected and not your whole body. So it shouldn't affect the baby - your Ob/gyn or a pharmacist can confirm.  They obviously like to avoid any kind of unnecessary procedure during pregnancy, but you can't put this off or it could actually be a big deal.

As far as lying on your back, you'll be able to tell when it gets to be too much.  I'm 32 weeks, and it's only been in the last month that I've had issues lying on my back - I start to feel like my lungs are compressed and slightly queasy, so I know to move.  If you're really concerned, bring a sweatshirt and roll it and put it under the right side of your body to keep your body tilted to the left slightly - you can always turn your head. It should keep your weight off the artery that causes issues.

xc1148

I would definitely call your OB, they are in the best position to assess the risks of inaction vs. risks of treating it.

As for laying on your back...don't worry about that at all. If something is wrong, YOU WILL KNOW. Trust me. People feel lightheaded, dizzy, etc, and that's all before anything happens to baby (your body is designed to sacrifice you first lol). I personally feel fine on my back, but sleep on my side just because it's better. But I get facials etc all the time.