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I’m in a bit of a panic. I had porcelain veneers done last month without even knowing that I was pregnant. Does this mean I’ve hurt my baby?
Deanna
Dear Deanna,
Welcome to motherhood. It’s rich and rewarding. It’s also terrifying and you constantly worry you’re not doing it right. I want you to go ahead and take a deep breath. While dentists try to avoid anything but routine care during pregnancy, and even then tend to keep it to the second trimester, your porcelain veneers procedure likely did no harm to your baby whatsoever.
The only drug used during the porcelain veneers procedure is a local anesthetic such as Lidocaine. This has been proven to be very safe for both the mother and the baby. In fact, it is even used during the delivery.
Here’s what you want to keep in mind during your pregnancy. Don’t skip your dental appointments. They’re important. You will be most comfortable doing that in the second trimester. This is because you’re past the early time when things are riskier. You’re also not to the third trimester when you are larger and less likely to sit comfortably in the dental chair.
Check ups and cleanings are fine, but you’ll want to avoid other procedures whenever possible. The exception to this is if you develop a tooth infection. You absolutely must get that treated, both for your sake and the baby’s. Dental infections spread. In fact, people still die from untreated tooth infections every year.
Your dental health also impacts your general health, which in turn impacts your baby. Let the dentist know you are expecting and they will be certain to use materials deemed safe.
Again, congratulations! Children are such a blessing and really help us see the world differently. Be sure to get your baby to a pediatric dentist early on before they develop any tooth problems.
This blog is brought to you by a compassionate dentist in Baton Rouge, Dr. John Theriot.