I am going to the dentist in a few weeks time to have a crown replaced on one tooth and a veneer replaced on another.
Will this procedure involve having dental x-rays? The dentist has taken x-rays of the teeth in the past so he does have a record.
The reason I ask is because I could be pregnant.
There’s no decay. I’m just having them replaced for cosmetic reasons.
Category: Pregnancy Concerns
mmmb says:
No xrays will be taken maybe a mould of your teeth but thats all i think.
Knownow't says:
If it is just replacing an existing crown then no….but mention it to the dentist beforehand…..
kingjd98 says:
hmm it depends on the dentist any how extensive the crowns are. if its just replacing a crown and a veneer i dont think it will be necessary.
however if you worried about the effects of the radiation dont be, the dose from a single x ray is tiny and it is aimed at your teeth not anywhere near the baby. For peace of mind though you could ask the dentist if you could weat a lead apron to sheild you and the baby from any dispersed x rays.
ensure you tell the dentist that you could be pregnant as he will need to know this if he prescribes you any medications. also you can ask him about taking of x rays and whether you can manage without.
angiekay264 says:
Not unless they think the decay is too deep and are contemplating a root canal or something like that. I would still let them know because your technically not supposed to have dental work with anesthetic performed in your first trimester. I would find out first if your pregnant and then possibly reschedule your appointment if you are. A single x-ray wouldnt hurt you though if you needed to have one, but no anesthetic. Thanks
Nebula D says:
I’m a dentist.
There are some basic protocols we follow where dentistry for pregnant women is concerned.
First trimester: only emergency work is appropriate. X-rays are to be taken only when necessary to perform such emergency work. “Emergency” refers to pain and/or infection, just FYI.
Second trimester through half-way of third trimester: routine dental work and routine x-rays are ok.
Last half of third trimester: only emergency work is appropriate. X-rays are ok.
With this in mind, you and your dentist need to decide whether or not the need to replace your crown is an emergent one. I doubt it is. If it can wait until the second trimester, then the doctor should know to wait.
Believe it or not, dental x-rays are very safe (especially when used with proper coverage with a lead apron), and produce less risk to your pregnancy at any stage than the local anesthetics we use and the stress from having dental work performed.