Going to the dentist - Question

carmeng

I have an appt. with my dentist for a general check up/clean. I'm 6 weeks pg. I don't want them to do x-rays.

What are your thoughts? Have you had this issue? Did you have x-rays done?

sillypit

Tell your dentist you are pregnant, you should not  be having x-rays.

mollymay38

Just tell them you are pregnant, and they will not do x-rays. 

Flumby

I went to the dentist when I was six weeks along as well.  I didn't need any x-rays. I would just be sure to tell your dentist that your pg. I do know that they can give you numbing meds if you need a cavity filled but you can't get nitrous.

Sorry I couldnt directly answer your question, but your Dentist will be able to and s/he will know what is safe.  

kepharmd

I have not been to the dentist yet while pregnant but I did read in Dr. Oz's book that it's ok to have an X-ray at the dentist as long as they put that heavy vest on your torso. He says the risks of periodontal disease on the baby (harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause problems) are higher than the risks of possible exposure of radiation from a dental X-ray.

That being said... I think I wouldn't want to risk it either, as long as you have been having regular dental visits and everything has been fine I don't think I would want an X-ray at this point either.

Have you asked your OB?

lindsey913

It is especially important to get your teeth cleaned when pregnant.  Just tell the Dr./hygienist that you are pg and would prefer not to have xrays taken.  The dentist can do a visual exam and if he/she has any concerns can discuss them with you and when would be the safest time to have tx done.

BeachM

I was 6 weeks at my last dental appointment.  As soon as I told the hygienist she said "I guess we're holding off on x-rays then!".  Knock on wood, I've never even had a cavity, so it wasn't a big deal for my dentist to skip this year's x-ray.

Unless you really need them for a serious issue, I'd skip them.

juangela

Just tell your dentist you are pg. I can guarantee you aren't the first pg lady they've had in their chair. They will let you know what is best depending on your medical history. You always have the right to refuse treatments/x-rays, etc in any medical office.

As a pp said, dental care is critical during pregnancy, so whatever you do, go to the appointment.

MSC03

You should not have xrays while pregnant and you should tell them that you're pregnant.

My dentist always asks if there are any changes to your medical history when you arrive--and they were actually pissed that I didn't bring a letter from my OB... Like I would know to do that!

pink_bubbly

Jus went through this today. Both OB and dentist said no x-rays.

Jody81

I went to the Dentist around 16 weeks my last pregnancy and needed x-rays. They just put 2 huge apron thingies over you instead of just one. Just make sure you tell them your pregnant and they'll advise, I'm sure every Dentist is different in their comfort level of doing this.

anneimal98

kepharmd:

I have not been to the dentist yet while pregnant but I did read in Dr. Oz's book that it's ok to have an X-ray at the dentist as long as they put that heavy vest on your torso. He says the risks of periodontal disease on the baby (harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause problems) are higher than the risks of possible exposure of radiation from a dental X-ray.

That being said... I think I wouldn't want to risk it either, as long as you have been having regular dental visits and everything has been fine I don't think I would want an X-ray at this point either.

Have you asked your OB?

This. My doctor said that dental xrays are fine as long as you wear the vest. That said, if the dentist doesn't feel they're necessary, you may as well skip.

carmeng

kepharmd:

I have not been to the dentist yet while pregnant but I did read in Dr. Oz's book that it's ok to have an X-ray at the dentist as long as they put that heavy vest on your torso. He says the risks of periodontal disease on the baby (harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause problems) are higher than the risks of possible exposure of radiation from a dental X-ray.

That being said... I think I wouldn't want to risk it either, as long as you have been having regular dental visits and everything has been fine I don't think I would want an X-ray at this point either.

Have you asked your OB?

No, I haven't asked my OB. I haven't had my OB appt. yet. I guess I can call an advice nurse.

I have pretty healthy teeth and no problems. I also try and visit my dentist every 6 months. The problem is that this is a new dentist I'm going to because I hated my last one. If anything I can swing by the old dentist and pick up the last set of x-rays they did last year.

 

carmeng

Thank you for all of the advice ladies!

 

djfacemachine

I have a 6 month cleaning coming up in a few weeks and I'm not comfortable having x-rays done regardless of how many aprons they use or if they say it's safe. I'm just going to TELL them (not ask them!) that I will be skipping the x-rays since I'm pregnant.

allip504

Mine said xrays are safe as long as you wear the protective cover.  That said, I think I will hold off unless necessary.