Root Canal at 30 weeks

mkpatterson

So during my 27th week of pregnancy I had some horrible dental pain. This is the first dental pain I've had during pregnancy but I would describe it as severe, I was unable to eat or even drink anything other than room temperature liquids, and sleeping was impossible. It was March 27 when I finally couldn't take any more so I called my regular dentist to explain the issue and was told by his office manager that I would have to have an appointment before they would make an assessment of the tooth but they could get me in on April 6 (today) which would mean 2 more weeks of having only Tylenol and ice to ease the pain. (and the Tylenol was barely touching the pain and wore off 30 minutes to an hour after taking it).

So in desperation I called a nearby dentist I had seen once for an emergency appointment in 2011. The dentist not only called me back himself but told me to go directly to my pharmacy and he would have a prescription for antibiotics waiting when I arrived and he would get me in to see the tooth as soon as I had completed the antibiotics (which my OB signed off on me taking). The office manager even called me back to make sure I got everything I needed and set up the appointment. Within 2 days of starting the antibiotics I felt so much better. The intense throbbing had stopped and I was able to eat and drink and sleep again.

I finished the antibiotics and it looks like I'm going to be having a root canal (also okayed by my OB) I will be 30 weeks pregnant during my appointment.

My question or discussion point is, has any one else had work like this done this late in your pregnancy? What was your experience? I realize it's more beneficial to have the procedure than to risk preterm labor, I'm just anxious about everything.

kyleegail89

I don't have any experience with this while pregnant, but just wanted to wish you luck! I had a root canal done about 10 years ago and it wasn't too terrible.

KaLikeAWind

Yes I also haven't had a dental procedure while pregnant but I have had a root canal and its not as bad as people make it out to be. You've been in contact with your OB who has signed off on everything so I think you're doing just great. Mostly a root canal is just kind of annoying cause as they are cleaning out the root you're just laying there while they do that. Local anesthetics always adequately blocked out the pain for me. The discomfort afterwards wasn't that bad, either. I would think Tylenol may leave you with some discomfort, but nothing like you were enduring before the antibiotics.

Good luck!

mlb15

I went through the exact same thing around the 20 week mark. The prescription helped the pain tremendously until I was able to get in for the root canal. My dentist performed the root canal with just local anesthesia per my OB's request.but is having me come in after baby to finish with the cap.

klkonwi

I just had a filling.....but no experience with a root canal. Wishing you luck and minimal pain after! Don't be afraid to get those pain meds if you are miserable.

mkpatterson

Thank you so much ladies! I've been worried about it since the pain started. The OB okayed Lortab for pain if it is unmanageable after the procedure. Typically when I go to the dentist they have given me gas before a lengthy procedure but I think that's more for nerves than for pain.

I feel confident about my dentist and OB making the right decisions, I think I'm just nervous about the pain and being able to lay there for the procedure.

mathistm

I just had a filling done today at 29 weeks. I know it didn't take nearly as long as a root canal will, but take a pillow to put under one of your hips so you aren't lying completely flat on your back-that's what they had me so to make sure I wasn't putting pressure on the vena cava that makes your legs numb.

disney815

I've had a root canal while in early pregnancy, then an implant while breastfeeding, and I just had a cavity filled a few days ago (31 weeks)
The biggest thing my dentist told me was to use the novacaine without epinephrine because it speeds up your heart rate and this far in pregnancy it could cause complications. My root canal experience wasn't bad, but it is a lengthy process... And then mine didn't take so I needed an even worse procedure which was the implant. Good luck!!

ReadyforBaby2

I had a root canal about weeks at 29 weeks. It wasn't too bad. Only needed Tylenol after it. Good luck!

mkpatterson

Thanks again for all the responses. Looks like I will be going in next Tuesday. I will be sure and take a pillow of some sort. I have a feeling it's going to take longer due to my bladder not staying empty for very long!! I will update after the procedure. 

mkpatterson

ReadyforBaby2 said:

I had a root canal about weeks at 29 weeks. It wasn't too bad. Only needed Tylenol after it. Good luck!

Did they just use lidocaine for numbing?

ReadyforBaby2

Yes. It really wasn't that bad. My husband is a dentist and he felt comfortable (along with my OB) with me having it down at 30 weeks.

Emilywooddesign

Just think of the drugs they give you when you are in labor and how intense they are. I mean, they are numbing your whole lower body if you have an epidural, I think some freezing in your mouth is not a big deal at all. I've had a root canal before and it wasn't any worse than having a filling done- the tooth is already dead so they are basically cleaning it out and snipping the nerves ( I think) you will feel so much better after its done. Trust your doctors and your dentist that it's safe.

Arailah

I can completely relate! A few weeks ago I had four fillings and tomorrow I am getting two teeth pulled and a root canal done. Apparently they can do a lot in the 3rd trimester. Not looking forward to it but insurance is covering it and getting a lower partial denture so I am on it.

klkonwi

Oh I wanted to mention that when I had my filling they so nicely had a hard stuffed pillow to put under my hip to keep the pressure off your back. Hopefully they have that!

KaLikeAWind

When I am going of have a dental procedure that's longer than a cleaning I bring my headphones and close my eyes and try to zone out. I let them know I will get their attention if I need to but to otherwise just do their thing. I never get to actual sleep, but I try to relax and breathe as if I were trying to sleep. Helps me with any anxiety I may be having. And yes, you should be fine with just the lidocaine.

Knottie64157109

I needed some dental work done but my dentist recommended waiting until after baby is born to avoid stress and possible infection getting into bloodstream. He gave me antibiotics and I feel fine.

krystleshel

I had a couple fillings in my first that were okay'd by my OB. I was confused about the number of shots they were giving me to keep my mouth numb (way more than usual). Ask a dentist's wife (family friend) a few weeks later & it was the type of numbing medicine used. It wears off quickly, but is safe for pregnancy. So maybe expect multiple shots in your mouth (but your already numb so you don't feel them!!). Good luck!

mkpatterson

@krystleshel - thanks for the information, that's good to know! I think I'm mentally psyching myself out because in the past my dental work has been an all day affair with gas, needles, recovery oxygen, etc. and this they are saying will be 90 minutes, lidocaine and tylenol after. The good news is, the tooth itself isn't in pain right now, due to the antibiotics shrinking the infection. I think I'm just nervous but I'm trying to tell myself this is the best thing for me and the baby so it's the right choice. 

mkpatterson

UPDATE: I had the root canal done yesterday afternoon and I'm back at work today! It took around 2 hours for the whole procedure (including seating the temporary crown). I had one shot of lidocaine to numb the area and wasn't flat on my back, but at a nice angle for the procedure. If anything my anxiety was the biggest issue. It wasn't completely painless but after the procedure I used an ice pack for swelling and took 2 Tylenol. I woke up this morning feeling fine and my face actually looks a lot better since the swelling from the infection is gone. Just wanted to let anyone else who might be needing dental work during this 3rd trimester know my experience. 

sideboth

What a timely post.  I just came back from the dentist office where I had to have one of my wisdom teeth extracted.  I also had a shot of lidocaine to numb and was not flat on my back.  Taking it easy today but will be fine for work tomorrow.  If you are having any dental pain, go to the dentist.  And make sure you insist on treatment.  I had to go back twice in a lot of pain and demand they do something.  They are hesitant to do dental work on pregnant ladies but an infection is far more dangerous to the baby than a little lidocaine.

KaLikeAWind

Glad to hear that you both had your dental procedures done and they went smoothly! Thanks for the positive updates, hopefully other moms who are fearful or nervous will read them and not be afraid to get their dental issues worked out

mkpatterson

@sideboth - my regular dentist was very hesitant - I actually ended up going to a different dentist who was recommended to me by my OB and I'm so glad I did. While they were prepping me for the root canal, the tooth next to it shattered (which means it likely wouldn't have lasted me much longer in it's current condition). So they were able to get everything taken care of in one visit. The risk for preterm birth due to dental infections is very real and very serious so in my mind, a little pain on my part was more than worth it to ensure the best possible outcome for my full term delivery! I'm glad to hear your dental visit went well also. I was completely sedated when I had my wisdom teeth extracted several years ago so you must be one tough cookie.