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Pregnant with tooth infection: how should I proceed?

Last Updated: Apr 18, 2013

In November of 2012, I was informed that my #7 tooth had a dissolving root and an implant was recommended. Regrettably, I did not have this procedure completed and was planning on having it done in the near future. At the time, my tooth was not causing me any pain or issues. Currently, I’m 14 weeks pregnant and have a tooth infection in this #7 tooth. Five days prior to having pain in my tooth from the infection, I accidentally bit down extremely hard and noticed discomfort immediately after. My infection is under control with antibiotics that are considered safe during pregnancy. I’m having a hard time about deciding how I should proceed as I want to do the safest option for my baby. Should I wait until after I deliver and hope that I don’t get another infection during my next 6 months of pregnancy? Should I proceed with the tooth extraction and bone graft to reduce the risk of my tooth/gum becoming infected again? My periodontist suggested that I receive the implant the same day as the bone graft. Should I do this? Wouldn’t that require several x-rays? I have been approved by my OB/GYN to complete the tooth extraction, bone grafting, and implant. However, my OB/GYN also supports my decision if I decide to wait and hope that I don’t get another infection as no one can predict if and when it will get infected again. Again, I just want to do the safest option for my baby. I would greatly appreciate your expertise for my current situation.

5 Comments on Pregnant with tooth infection: how should I proceed?

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Dr. G.

4/18/2013

Here's the best solution. You need the tooth out... Go to a good dentist/oral surgeon and insist on not taking further x-rays (bring an old x ray of the tooth with you), get it removed, end of story! There's no harm to the baby unlike leaving an infected tooth which can cause a premature birth potentially.

Carlos Boudet, DDS DICOI

4/18/2013

Hi, You are in your second trimester , which is a good period in which to do any nacessary dental work that was not done before you became pregnant. If your tooth was abcessed and is treatment planned for extraction and replacement with an implant, the two safest options are: 1- Extract and graft and wait until soon after the birth of your baby to place the implant, or 2- Extract and place the implant at the same time. You have not mentioned whether you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, and that brings up the question of doing procedures while breastfeeding. Depending on the source of the infection and the severity, I tend to be cautious and prefer removing the abcessed tooth (a simple process) and grafting. Sometimes there is no bone loss and the implant can be placed at the same time the extraction is done, also avoiding a bone graft. The dentist doing the extraction is in the best position to evaluate your options and determine what is best for you. If you have to use a temporary tooth, I would stay away from flippers, and use an Essix or a bonded tooth. Hope this helped, and wish you a happy and healthy baby.

Dr. Alex Zavyalov

4/18/2013

Hi, First, youâ€™ve mixed two different diagnoses: a dissolving root (itâ€™s a remnant of deciduous tooth) and infected root. Itâ€™s not the same. Second, any infection in the body is a cause of unpredictable complications when your metabolism will be changed by pregnancy in the future. So, if you have a really infected root you should get rid of it as soon as possible but not to take antibiotics which might lead to an allergic reaction..

Shar

5/9/2013

I would find a new periodontist....He should know better. You cannot do the implant the same time as the bone graft. The bone graft is done and then you have to wait several weeks before the implant is put in. Ask him how in the heck an implant is suppose to stay in bone that has just been grafted in???

Shar

5/9/2013

To add to my previous comment, I am going thru the same thing right now with an infected tooth and will need implant if it does not clear. However, dentist said that there is a 50/50 chance it can clear up. If it clears up he does NOT recommend an implant. He is an excellent dentist with an excellent reputation and he said you don't go pulling teeth if it's not needed. Infection clears - no implant. If your infection is gone, hold off.

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