Can You Safely Remove Wisdom Teeth During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a period that brings a lot of exciting changes, but wisdom tooth pain is definitely not something any expecting mum wants to deal with. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to have them removed while pregnant. In this article, Dr Roya, our professional South Perth Dentist will explain whether wisdom teeth removal during pregnancy is safe, the possible risks involved, the best timing, pain management options, and how to make the safest decision for both you and your baby.
Assessing the Risks: Wisdom Teeth Removal During Pregnancy
After your healthcare providers carefully evaluate everything—like how urgent the removal is during pregnancy and any possible risks—they can then make an informed decision.
Consultation
The first step you need to take is to consult with your dentist and obstetrician. They can have a thorough assessment of the risks and benefits of the procedure and decide what’s best for you based on your health, wisdom tooth situation, and the stage of your pregnancy.
Risks of Infection vs. Surgery
If your wisdom tooth is infected, your dentist may have to extract it even during pregnancy. In these cases, wisdom tooth removal may be necessary because the risk of infection can be more dangerous than wisdom teeth extraction itself. Infections from an infected wisdom tooth may spread and pose a risk to both maternal and fetal health.
Potential Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal During Pregnancy
Anaesthesia Concerns
Using local anaesthetics for wisdom teeth removal is generally safe during pregnancy. However, dentists and doctors typically do not recommend stronger forms of anaesthesia like general anaesthesia and IV sedation because of the potential risks they can have to the developing fetus.
Risk of Infection
Any surgery may carry a risk of infection. Possible infections from surgery may affect both the mother and the developing baby, so dentists need to be extra careful and, in case of infections, treat them quickly and effectively.
Stress and Discomfort
Dental procedures may trigger stress, anxiety, or discomfort for some people, which may have negative effects during pregnancy. It is important for dentists to make sure the mother feels comfortable and isn’t experiencing too much stress. This helps protect the health and well-being of both her and the baby.
Other Common Consequences After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Pain and tenderness around the back of the mouth
Swelling in the gums or jaw
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
Infections or gum inflammation
Headaches or earaches related to jaw pressure
Hormonal changes can also make gums more sensitive or prone to swelling, which might make an already impacted wisdom tooth feel worse.
Best Time for Wisdom Tooth Removal During Pregnancy
Choosing the right time to have dental work done during pregnancy is important. Here’s a simple guide:
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)
Your baby’s major organs are forming.
Procedures are usually postponed unless there’s an emergency.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–26)
Generally considered the safest time for dental procedures.
Lower risk to the baby compared to the first trimester.
More comfortable for you compared to the third trimester.
Less risk of nausea or physical discomfort in the dental chair.
If you need a dental procedure like wisdom tooth removal during pregnancy, the second trimester is usually the safest time. During this period, your baby’s organs have developed, and you are typically more comfortable, and the potential risks associated with surgery are also reduced. However, if your wisdom teeth are not badly hurting or causing you significant pain, it’s usually better to wait until after the baby is born and then have them removed.
Always consult with both your dentist and obstetrician to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40)
Lying on your back can be uncomfortable and may be risky.
There may be a higher risk of premature labour because of stress.
Dental procedures that may not be considered urgent may be postponed until after your baby is born.
If you have too much pain or an infection, treatment may still be necessary, no matter the trimester.
Why Should I Avoid the First and Third Trimesters for Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed While Pregnant?
The first trimester of pregnancy is an important time for fetal development, which is why wisdom tooth surgery is usually avoided because any surgical procedure could affect and interfere with the baby’s growth. What’s most important in the third trimester is the mother’s comfort and safety because it becomes very difficult for expectant mothers to stay comfortably reclined for long periods during that time, which is necessary during dental procedures. Moreover, lying on your back for too long can put extra pressure on major blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the baby and cause complications. Therefore, the second trimester is generally considered the safest and most comfortable time for necessary dental procedures, including wisdom tooth removal.
Urgency and Pain Management
If your wisdom teeth are causing serious pain or infections, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary regardless of your pregnancy stage.
In such cases:
It’s important to have a consultation with both your dentist and obstetrician to see what’s best and safest for you. Addressing severe pain and treating infection is necessary because infections can cause more problems for you and your baby than the surgery itself.
Anaesthesia and Sedation Options During Pregnancy
Local Anaesthesia
Safety: Local anaesthesia is safe to use for wisdom tooth extraction during pregnancy. It only numbs the area your dentist needs to work on and won’t affect the baby.
General Anaesthesia
Safety: General anaesthesia is normally avoided during pregnancy, and used only when it is absolutely necessary because it affects your entire body. It’s generally avoided unless the dental procedure is really urgent.
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
There are differing opinions about whether it’s safe to use laughing gas for dental procedures like wisdom teeth removal during pregnancy. Some believe it’s safe in small amounts, especially during the second trimester. However, sources like the American Dental Association advise that pregnant women avoid nitrous oxide due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Since opinions vary, it’s best to talk to both your dentist and OB-GYN to figure out what’s right for you.
IV Sedation
Safety: IV sedation is not usually used during pregnancy because the strong medications used in intravenous sedation may affect the baby.
When Used: IV sedation may be used (preferably during the second trimester) only if the situation is really critical and the procedure cannot be delayed.
Oral Sedation
Safety: Oral sedation is not usually given to pregnant women because the medication can cross the placenta and affect the baby.
When Used: If oral sedation is absolutely necessary, it might be used in the second trimester, but only if the benefits are worth the possible risks.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
Dental X-rays are usually safe during pregnancy because they use very low radiation. Dentists use protective measures like lead aprons to protect you and your baby. Please remember that if your dentist recommends an X-ray, it’s because it’s important to get a clear picture of what’s going on so that they can make the best decision.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain Without Surgery
If your dentist believes that surgery isn’t the best option right now, here are safe ways you can follow to ease wisdom tooth pain during pregnancy:
Warm salt water rinses
Cold compress on the outside of the cheek
Paracetamol (only under medical guidance)
Keeping your mouth clean to prevent infection
Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen unless specifically advised by your doctor.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Please make sure you call our dentists right away if you notice:
Severe or worsening pain
Swelling in your face or jaw
Bad taste or smell in your mouth
Fever or chills
Trouble opening your mouth
Untreated infections can pose serious risks to both you and your baby.
Facing a dental emergency? Our skilled Emergency Dentist Perth will help you feel comfortable and pain-free in no time.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy During Pregnancy
Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
Floss once a day.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks as much as you can.
Don’t skip your dental check-ups—we’ll work with your pregnancy care plan.
If you’re curious about the process, our detailed guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth is a great place to start.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Pregnancy comes with enough challenges, but dealing with dental pain shouldn’t be one of them. We’re here to carefully assess all the conditions for expectant women and offer the best solution for wisdom tooth pain. Whether you’re managing discomfort or facing an urgent issue, we’re here to help you feel better. Call now to book your consultation: (08) 9474 5083.