Wondering if you can get a tooth pulled while pregnant? Yes! Dental extractions are considered safe at any time during pregnancy when medically necessary.
According to both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), delaying needed dental treatment—including extractions—can actually lead to more serious problems for both you and your baby.
Below, we talk more about getting a tooth extraction while pregnant. We also discuss the dental procedures that can be safely performed during pregnancy, the ideal timing, and the precautions for the unborn baby’s safety.
What dental procedures can be performed during pregnancy?
Dentists recommend delaying some dental procedures until after giving birth, while others can be safely performed during pregnancy.
Safe Throughout Pregnancy:
- Routine cleanings and checkups
- Dental fillings and crowns
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions (when medically necessary)
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays with proper positioning (lead aprons no longer recommended per 2024 ADA guidelines)
ACOG states explicitly that “conditions that require immediate treatment, such as extractions, root canals, and restoration (amalgam or composite) of untreated caries, may be managed at any time during pregnancy. Delaying treatment may result in more complex problems.
The ADA also notes that women are at higher risk for dental diseases during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that can affect the gums and increase susceptibility to tooth decay. The ADA suggests that women pay extra attention and states, “regular and emergency dental care, including the use of local anesthetics and radiographs, is safe at any stage during pregnancy.”
Not Safe (Best avoided):
Elective procedures: It’s usually advised to delay non-essential procedures, such as tooth whitening and cosmetic work, until after birth. In addition, non-urgent dental treatments can wait, and it’s better if they are postponed.
Procedure requiring significant anaesthesia: Although local anaesthesia (e.g., bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine) is safe, it might be best to avoid more complex treatments requiring stronger medications or higher doses of anaesthetics.
Considerations (depending on the urgency and trimester):
During the second trimester of pregnancy, dentists can safely perform dental fillings.
Dentists recommend having root canals and crowns done in the 2nd trimester, similar to fillings.
While extractions are safe throughout pregnancy, the second trimester is often preferred for comfort, as lying back may be difficult in the third trimester.
However, dentists can perform tooth extractions during pregnancy in an emergency with proper safety measures.
While it doesn’t hurt to consult your dentist and OB-GYN to determine the best and safest action plan for any dental procedure during pregnancy, OB-GYN clearance is not generally required for dental care.
Understanding Dental Health During Pregnancy
Maintaining dental health during pregnancy is crucial for both mother and baby, and healthy teeth and gums support your immune system, which is especially important during pregnancy.
Two pregnancy complications, preterm delivery and preeclampsia, are linked to gum disease. Regular examinations can prevent toothaches and other dental issues that can become problematic, so they should not be neglected.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes increase the risk of certain dental conditions, with pregnancy gingivitis, morning sickness, increased cravings for sugary and acidic foods, and dry mouth being some of the common dental issues during pregnancy.
Thus, good dental hygiene practices during pregnancy are needed and set a good foundation for your baby’s future dental health.
Can you get a tooth pulled while pregnant?
Yes, you can safely have a tooth extracted during pregnancy when necessary.
The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that emergency treatments, such as extractions, root canals or restorations, can be safely performed during pregnancy and that delaying treatment may result in more complex problems.
Tooth extractions are feasible during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester, and should avoid general anesthesia. Extractions are ideally scheduled for the second trimester (for comfort reasons); emergency extractions can be done at any point when medically necessary.
If you’re pregnant and need a filling, a root canal, or a tooth pulled, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use. They are safe for both you and the baby. The dentist will know you are pregnant and use only local anesthesia, which is safe.
Conclusion
Here’s what you need to remember: getting a tooth pulled while pregnant is safe when medically necessary.
The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that delaying needed dental treatment can make things worse for you and your baby.
Moreover, local anesthesia is entirely safe, you do not need your doctor’s permission, and there’s no reason to wait until delivery for dental work.
Don’t suffer through tooth pain or risk infection just because you’re pregnant– modern dental care is designed to keep both you and your baby safe.
Trust your dentist’s knowledge and communicate openly about your pregnancy. Remember that taking care of your oral health is taking care of your baby, as well.
