Simple Steps To Better Dental Health
Search  
Help With Search
Help
space placeholder.space placeholder
Featuring consumer information from Columbia School of Dental & Oral Surgery
.
HomeFree E-mail
Oral Health Made Simple: Your Prescription For Knowledge
 PREVENT PROBLEMS
Small BoxAll About Cavities
Small BoxBrushing and Flossing
Small BoxFluoride
Small BoxMouth-Healthy Eating
Small BoxSealants
Small BoxTaking Care Of Your Teeth
Small BoxTobacco
Small BoxYour Dental Visit
Small BoxMORE
 CONDITIONS
Small BoxBad Breath
Small BoxCavities
Small BoxCold Sores
Small BoxDry Mouth
Small BoxImpacted Tooth
Small BoxSensitive Teeth
Small BoxTMJ
Small BoxTooth Discoloration
Small BoxMORE
 TREATMENTS
Small BoxCrowns
Small BoxDentures
Small BoxFillings: The Basics
Small BoxGum Surgery
Small BoxImplants
Small BoxRoot Canal Treatment
Small BoxScaling and Root Planing
Small BoxWhitening
Small BoxMORE
 GENERAL TOPICS
Small BoxControlling Pain
Small BoxCosmetic Dentistry
Small BoxEmergencies
Small BoxFill, Repair, Replace
Small BoxKids And Teens
Small BoxOral Health and Your Body
Small BoxOrthodontics
Small BoxPeriodontics
Small BoxSeniors
Small BoxMORE
.
Step 1 Prevent ProblemsSimplestepsPrevent Problems
Step 2 Understand ConditionsSimplestepsUnderstand Conditions
Step 3 Explore TreatmentsSimplestepsExplore Treatments

go to Parents' Guide go to News go to Ask The Dentist go to Interactive Tools

back to Oral Health and Your Body
New reviewed by Columbia banner
.
.
Anesthesia During Pregnancy

space placeholder.space placeholder
space placeholder.Local Anesthetics.
space placeholder.Sedation.
space placeholder.General Anesthesia.
space placeholder..
space placeholder

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your dentist during your visit.

During the first trimester, it is best to avoid any elective dental treatment. After that point, you can discuss your anesthesia options with your obstetrician or midwife, as well as with your dentist, to come up with the safest choice for you.

space placeholder
space placeholder.Local Anesthetics
space placeholder

Pregnant women can receive some local anesthetics if dental treatment is necessary, though most dentists recommend postponing elective dental treatment or completing it before a pregnancy. Nursing women can receive normal doses of local anesthetics without affecting their infants.

If possible, pregnant women should avoid local anesthetics that contain epinephrine. If this type of anesthetic is accidentally introduced into a blood vessel, it could lead to a decrease in blood supply to the placenta. It also could cause spasms in blood vessels, including the arteries that supply the uterus.
space placeholder
space placeholder.Sedation
space placeholder

Pregnant women should avoid nitrous oxide, particularly during the first trimester. There are many alternatives to alleviate dental anxiety, such as listening to music, or acupuncture. Diazepam and other similar drugs should not be used in women who are pregnant or who could be pregnant.
space placeholder
space placeholder.General Anesthesia
space placeholder

The effects of general anesthesia on a pregnant woman and her fetus vary depending on the drugs used. In most cases, general anesthesia should be avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant, make sure your dentist or oral surgeon knows about it.
.
printer friendly format option iconPrinter-friendly version     
.
Last updated October 25, 2006
.
.
printer friendly format option iconPrinter-friendly version
 
  See Also . . .
Introduction To Dental Pain Control
Terms and Conditions / Disclaimer.Privacy Policy.Editorial Policy.Contact Us.About Us.Site Map.
Powered by Aetna Dental Plans

© 2002-2008 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window.