Pregnancy and Dental Bridges: Is It Safe? Your Complete Guide to Navigating Tooth Replacement Options While Expecting
Dental bridges are safe for pregnant women. However, it depends on various factors, like the stage of your pregnancy, the condition of your gums and teeth, and your health during pregnancy. Nevertheless, you should consult your dentist and obstetrician before getting dental bridges. Visit a dentist’s office near you to inquire if you can get a dental bridge while pregnant. If dental bridges are not viable, your dentist will recommend an alternative option to restore your smile.
Which Type Of Dental Bridges Are Considered Safe During Pregnancy?
Although you can get dental bridges while expecting, it’s noteworthy that not all dental bridges are safe during pregnancy. The most recommended dental bridges for pregnant include the following:
Maryland or Resin-Bonded Dental Bridges
These dental bridges are considered safe for pregnant women as they are non-invasive and don’t require a lot of preparation before the treatment. Maryland dental bridges are prosthetic teeth held in place by metal wings. Maryland bridges don’t require the removal of your tooth’s natural enamel, making them a safe option for pregnant women. Additionally, the method is painless, and anesthesia is unnecessary during treatment. Moreover, there are minimal chances of irritation as the method of teeth preservation is conservative.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
Traditional bridges can be made of ceramic or porcelain. For this method, your dentist in Winter Haven places a crown on either side of the missing tooth. The dentist then fixes the prosthetic tooth using resin cement to the abutment teeth. The treatment is non-invasive, and there are no harmful drugs used during the procedure which may affect the mother and unborn baby.
Alternative Safe Tooth Replacement Options For Pregnant Women
Apart from dental bridges, there are other alternative tooth replacement options for pregnant women. They include the following:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a safe, long-lasting replacement solution for missing teeth. However, the dentist has to perform oral surgery for a dental implant procedure, making it unsuitable for some pregnant women.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are among the safest smile restoration options for expecting women. The dentures can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. They are typically made of acrylic. The dentures are non-invasive, as no surgery is required during treatment. They are also removable to ease the cleaning. However, they are a temporary option, and patients may need a more long-term solution after childbirth.
Temporary Solutions
Winter Haven Dental Dentists may recommend temporary teeth-replacement solutions for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies. The temporary solutions are non-invasive and can be easily modified. Some temporary teeth replacement solutions include tooth-colored fillings and dental bonding.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: They are also known as composite fillings. They look almost similar to actual teeth and blend in with your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are temporary for pregnant women when solutions like dental bridges are not an option.
Dental Bonding:
Dental bonding is a mode of cosmetic surgery used to whiten teeth, repair chipped teeth, Change your tooth’s color, or fill in gaps. For this method, your dentist applies resin-colored material to your tooth to enhance its shape, color, or size. Therefore, this method is reversible and non-invasive and is a safe option for pregnant women.
Ways To Care For Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Caring for your teeth during pregnancy is paramount for your well-being and that of the baby. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene eliminates the need for costly dental operations that require regular maintenance. Some good oral hygiene practices you can practice during pregnancy include the following:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Visiting your dentist regularly
- Using a mouth rinse
- Eating a balanced diet
The Takeaway
Overall, dental bridges, mainly traditional and Maryland dental bridges, are a safe option for pregnant women. Not only are they less invasive, but they are also painless and don’t require anesthesia. However, it would help to consult with your dentist and obstetrician before getting a dental bridge in Winter Haven. However, there are alternative options to dental bridges for pregnant women, including dental implants, removable partial dentures, and temporary solutions like tooth-colored fillings. Also, it would help to practice good oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing and eating a balanced diet to eliminate the need for costly dental procedures.