I have a terrible tooth ache and the tooth must just be extracted but I'm 22 weeks pregnant and........?

Question

I was just telling my mom that about it and she told me I can never have an extraction while pregnant is this true?? Today I woke up and my right ear [this is on the same side as the problem tooth] is half closed. Maybe the infection has is affecting my ear too?? Anyone knows anything about it??

Answer 1

I beg to differ. I had eight teeth pulled while 5 1/2 months pregnant. The nerves died in my teeth causing extreme pain. My daughter was born just fine. There was no way I could have stayed like that until she was born. You having an infection can be dangerous too.

Answer 2

I had a top wisdom tooth pulled out while i was pregnant no problems just some local anasthetic but it didnt really hurt.
I have a problem with my bottom wisdom tooth as it gets infected every 3-4 months as it has a flap of skin over it.
They wouldnt pull it out when i was pregnant as there is nerves around it and it needs proper surgery and anasthetics.
It really depends what tooth and where.
You want to avoid antibiotics for tooth infections but there is safe ones if neccessary.
I used safely advised by my dentist 1 drop of hydrodgen peroxide on my tooth/gum left it a minute and rinsed.3 times for 2 days
and stopped tooth infections that would normally be treated with antibiotics for over a week.

Answer 3

GO to the dentist! I've had lots of tooth problems and there is NO worse pain. Just tell the dentist that you're pregnant and they will take precautions. If its a filling that's come out, it's pretty simple to fix. My daughter in law had to have a tooth pulled when she was 8 months pregnant and there was no harm to her baby. I understand your concerns, but if you let it go and it gets infected, then THAT is what could harm the baby......the infection could go directly into your system and not only is that poison to you, but it's poison to your baby. Please call and get in and have this taken care of before it does become a problem.

Answer 4

I didn't have teeth pulled while pregnant, but I did chip a tooth and had to have it filled. Two things my dentist did that you should see about:
1) if they take x-rays, have them use a shield that covers your neck as well as your chest/tummy
2) there is different pain/numbing medication that is safe to use while pregnant, although it wears off faster so you may need a second dose
As for your ear, you should tell your doctor about it and see what they say.
Hope this helps! Best wishes for the dentistry and the baby!

Answer 5

HI you can have your tooth out if your dentist is a good one. They use different medicines now to help. You will be antibiotics before they extract. Go to the dentist and tell him to give you antibiotics, tell him you are pregnant so they can give you the right ones.

All the best.

Answer 6

I had a ton of dental work done while I was pregnant, the rule of thumb is that you just can't a freezing in the frist trimester. The second is fine, and as for the third my doctor said sure, but my dentist said no.

Answer 7

See a dentist immediately. They will treat the infection, which will make a huge difference. They will also remove the tooth if absolutely necessary, but usually wait until after birth for that. The dentist will fit you in as this is an emergency.

Answer 8

Get the tooth extracted. the infection may affect your baby

Answer 9

You can get your tooth extracted, especially in the second trimester. It is better to get it done, than for the infection to spread to the baby. And yes, the infection can be causing the ear problem.

From the American Pregnancy Association website:

Dental Work during Pregnancy Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but are recommended. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gums. Preventive dental work is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth.

What about other regular dental work during pregnancy?
Dental work such as cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.


The safest course of action is to postpone all unnecessary dental work until after the birth. However, sometimes emergency dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary.


Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. It is best to avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.

What about medications used in dental work during pregnancy?
Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine (Category B) does cross the placenta after administration.


If dental work is needed, the amount of anesthesia administered should be as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, request additional numbing. When you are comfortable, the amount of stress on you and the baby is reduced. Also, the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for the anesthesia to work.


Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, may be prescribed after your procedure.

What about x-rays used in dental work during pregnancy?
Routine x-rays, usually taken during annual exams, can usually be postponed until after the birth. X-rays are necessary to perform many dental procedures, especially emergencies. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus.


Fetal organ development occurs during the first trimester; it is best to avoid all potential risks at this time if possible. If non-emergency dental work is needed during the third trimester, it is usually postponed until after the birth. This is to avoid the risk of premature labor and prolonged time lying on your back.

Suggestions for addressing your dental needs during pregnancy:
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that pregnant women eat a balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily
Have preventive exams and cleanings during your pregnancy
Let your dentist know you are pregnant
Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or until after delivery, if possible
Elective procedures should be postponed until after the delivery
Maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed while you sit in the dentist's chair
Take a pillow to help keep you and the baby more comfortable
Bring headphones and some favorite music

Answer 10

Watch the movie , 'cast away' and save some $$ it won't hurt the baby, just get your skates resharpened before next skating season.