Dental x-rays question

MrsRon · February 2010

Just called to make myself a dental appointment for next week. I mentioned that I am pregnant so I won't be able to do x-rays, and the girl told me to be sure to go and get a note from my doctor saying how far along I was, because at certain stages they "can" do x-rays. Has anyone else heard of this? I'm a little weirded out because I thought it was never okay during pregnancy. Before she hung up, she made sure to remind me to "not forget" to get the doctor's note because it's really important.
I'm leaning toward not getting the note, just because I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of x-rays during pregnancy. What do you guys think?

Jennicap · February 2010

I had to get them and I was about 25 weeks I believe, my midwifes office okay it and I was triple coated in the lead, it was nerve racking and scary but it was over very quickly. If its not absolutely needed i would skip it.

mrs.Awoods · February 2010

Personally, I wouldn't have them done.

skmac05 · February 2010

Dental x-rays are very little radiation and not anywhere close to your belly. Plus they will shield your belly anyway. My exposure at work is more than you'll receive. Remember pregnant women work in the x-ray field. But if you're still worried, just have your Dr. write you a note to delay them.

Plus, x-rays are most harmful during the first trimester. In the third, it's more like a newborn getting an x-ray which happens sometimes.

nestinginjapan · February 2010

yeah, I went through the same thing. They told me that for emergencies they can do them in the 2nd or 3rd trimester (and they give you an extra shield thing to wear), but since it wasn't an emergency, I declined.

They also refused to fill my cavity so I'm dealing with a stupid sensitive tooth until April

trapani2be · February 2010

I said no to xrays, I have no obvious issues so I will wait until after lo arrives to have them done. Doc said it was ok too but I feel it is not needed right now.

kaay16 · February 2010

I was supposed to get xrays at my last appt and I told them I wasn't comfortable with it and did not want any....the tech told me well we'll have to see and if we can get away w out them then we will. Uh did you not hear me just say I'm not comfortable and I don't want any?? Needless to say she wanted to do them, I said no...I'll be back in a few months for them. End of story. Do whatever makes you comfortable.

GL

Ciconrad · February 2010

Unless you are having problems with your teeth that need to be addressed now, I would just wait. I wouldn't feel comfortable with it at any point.

goldenjes · February 2010

I broke two molars while pregnant and had to get x-rays before doing the root canal / crowns.

It was my 2nd Tri, and I was triple layered with the lead blankets. My OBs were OK with that.

frschaffner · February 2010

My OB actually said it was ok for me to get dental X-rays because the amount of exposure is very small (I went to the dentist around 27 weeks). My dentist however said he would not do X-rays and wanted to just wait until my next check-up in 6 months to do them. The dentist said there was nothing wrong with my teeth, so why do any unnecessary exposure.

If you're not comfortable getting X-rays, just tell the dentist that you don't want any right now. They shouldn't be doing something that you don't want done anyhow.

laurel_howeth · February 2010

There are "better" times to take them not times they are "ok". I am an RDA and manage a dental office. If they HAVE to they might double shield you, but if you had x-rays with in the last year and are not in any pain you shouldn't need x-rays.

sm81wells · February 2010

I am a dental hygienist and we never took x-rays on pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Just tell them you don't want them they can't force you, if they give you a hard time I would just reschedule.

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