xrays while pg? Anyone?

CHI-06 · September 2009

I was told I could get dental work done no biggie just no xrays... so I went... and now my tooth is throbbing...has been for days. I don't want to just keep taking tylenol all the time! I called and they think it must be nerve related following the drilling they did. BUT they say they would have to take xrays to see the root etc... I don't know what to do

Has anyone gotten xrays while pg?

ScissorTailedFlycatcher · September 2009

I know we are generally supposed to stay away, but I think my doc told me that if they HAD to, they could double up on the protective thingy that they put over you. I would call your doc just to check. It's at least worth exploring since you're only doing it this once.

palomaLuna · September 2009

My dentist avoids routine x-rays on his pregnant patients, but if there is an urgent need, he takes extra precautions.

Since the x-rays are directed at your mouth, and you'll be wearing a lead "bib" the amount of radiation that will go to your abdomen will be very slight, if any.

ETA: and if you have an infection, that would be a much bigger problem than the amount of radiation an x-ray would expose you to.

Carmela752 · September 2009

They'll just shield your abdomen with a lead apron, shouldn't be a problem. They might want to avoid routine xrays if you weren't having a problem, but since you are having a problem it's more important to figure out what's going on.

AmandaToo · September 2009

I've read that it's ok for dental procedures. Just make sure they cover you from the neck down. Maybe check with your dr. But getting a tooth infection would be bad for the baby, too, so you need to take care of it. Feel better.

Kanne0729 · September 2009

I just had xrays on my teeth last week. The dentist had to get an approval from my OB, but the OB said it was fine as long as I was well protected. They put 3 of those covers on me.

kate1011 · September 2009

I talked to my dr about this yesterday because I need to get dental work done. She said she doesn't want any x-rays, especially before 20 weeks but if I need to have them done, to have the dentist double cover my belly. GL, hope your tooth feels better!

babygirlcc · September 2009

i'm having some tooth problems too but my dentist won't consider doing the xrays until the 3rd tri if my ob says it's ok. They said they could do some double covering and the amount of radiation probably wont be harmful but they still wont do it...i guess they don't want to give me any reason to sue them lol...I'm just hoping the pain subsides

mrs.oz · September 2009

You could also try to research and find a place that does digital x-rays. ?I have heard digital x-rays are a bit safer than traditional. ?You'll still have to double up on the lead apron. ?

If they stick to one or two x-rays on that one tooth that's bothering you, I would go for it. ?Although x-rays are not something that people want to get while pregnant, you never know what might happen you your tooth if you let it go and pregnant women need to take care of their teeth.

soontobecapek · September 2009

Carmela752:
They'll just shield your abdomen with a lead apron, shouldn't be a problem. They might want to avoid routine xrays if you weren't having a problem, but since you are having a problem it's more important to figure out what's going on.

this, I had my leg x-rayed 2 months ago

vernab · September 2009

I'm an xray tech. Make them give you two aprons and it won't affect the baby. 1st tri is when xrays can do the most damage. If it hurts that bad, I would do it.