Is it Safe to Undergo Dental X-Rays and Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?

Is it Safe to Undergo Dental X-Rays and Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?

By admin June 12th

Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful experiences throughout a woman’s life, even with all of its trials and tribulations. With a little bundle of joy growing within you though, comes a level of increased concern about your own health and the health of your child. It is not uncommon, therefore, for any woman to be concerned about the safety of normal medical procedures, including regular dental x-rays as well as undergoing orthodontic treatment during pregnancy.

It is ultimately up to you whether or not to undergo x-ray procedures and orthodontic treatment during your pregnancy. Overall, nothing is more important than your health and the health of your child during pregnancy. Any concerns or questions you may have are best directed to your primary orthodontist and medical doctor, as only they are truly qualified to give you the best advice based on your unique medical history. The truth is, though, that these methodologies are generally accepted as completely safe for expectant mothers.

X-Rays During Pregnancy

With any sort of x-ray procedure, the obvious concern during pregnancy is what affects exposure to high levels of radiation can have on your baby. While regular x-rays may carry with them a certain risk of damage to your and your baby’s health during pregnancy, this is actually largely dependent on which are of the body is exposed to the x-ray itself. Modern x-ray technology is highly precise when it comes to exposing the targeted area to these high levels of radiation while leaving the rest of the body unaffected. Because of this, dental x-rays really don’t expose any parts of your body except your mouth and teeth to any considerable levels of radiation. Additionally, as far as orthodontics is concerned, most doctors won’t subject you to an x-ray procedure unless it is medically necessary. If it is, however; The American Dental Association typically considers any dental x-ray procedure to be completely safe during pregnancy.

The American Pregnancy Association also reports that “according to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus.”

Orthodontic Treatment During Pregnancy

When it comes to orthodontics, due to the general length of treatment, it is not uncommon at all for patients to become pregnant during treatment or to start treatment during pregnancy. It is important to note that increased hormones can cause swelling and irritation of the gums during pregnancy, so it is very important to maintain pristine dental hygiene if you are wearing braces while pregnant, as infection of the gums or mouth can indeed lead to complications during pregnancy or birth. Periodontitis in pregnant women, an inflammatory disease of the gums, has been linked to premature or low-weight births. In lieu of this, however; orthodontic braces should in no way interfere with your ability to maintain a healthy diet, they actually encourage it with their limitations on many types of foods. If you are concerned about your dental health with braces during pregnancy, consider alternate orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners. Their ability to be removed at any time can make it much easier to maintain your dental health during treatment, and they generally work faster than traditional braces, with less discomfort.

If you are pregnant and considering orthodontics, there is a high chance you may not need any sort of dental x-ray performed in order to receive treatment, and can confidently do so with little to no risk to your health if necessary. Traditional braces or clear aligners should all pose almost no risk to you or your baby.

If you have any further questions or concerns or wish to start orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact us here at Elko Dental Specialists anytime, or call us at (755) 753-6118.

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