Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?

Dentists consider dental implants the best possible replacement for missing or damaged teeth. They are durable, attractive, and preserve oral health. However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for this treatment.

Dentists do not recommend implants for pregnant patients. While elective procedures are generally safe after the first trimester, most dentists and oral surgeons recommend waiting until after pregnancy due to the risk of complications.

Why Pregnant Patients Should Wait For Dental Implants

Necessary dental procedures like root canals are routinely performed during pregnancy because avoiding them could jeopardize the patient's health. However, dental implant surgery is an elective procedure, so the timing is not urgent.

Patients sometimes have problems with gingivitis during pregnancy due to increased estrogen and progesterone. Since implant surgery requires excellent gum health, this is another reason to wait to plan implant surgery.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants start with surgically placing a small titanium anchor in the jawbone. Over a few months, the anchor tightly bonds with the jawbone. After healing, the dentist can place the stainless steel abutment and dental crown. The crown completes the restoration and provides a natural look.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Long-lasting
• Preserve jawbone mass
• Keep teeth from shifting
• High success rate (greater than 90%)
• Improve oral health by lowering the chance of tooth decay and gum disease

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most patients can safely receive dental implants. Ideal candidates share the following characteristics:

• Healthy gums: Resilient gums heal more efficiently. An absence of gum disease and infection reduces the likelihood of complications.
• Sufficient jawbone mass: If you do not have enough, you can visit an oral surgeon for a bone graft. After a healing period, you can undergo dental implant surgery.
• Non-smoker or willing to quit: Nicotine use impedes healing.
• Generally good health: Patients with diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other severe conditions may not be good candidates for dental implant surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How soon after an extraction can you get a dental implant?

Many dentists place an implant post at the same time as extracting the original tooth. If you need a bone graft, wait a few months while it heals.

What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don't replace it?

If you leave a gap in your teeth for over a few months, your other teeth will drift. They may become crowded and crossed, making it challenging to keep them clean. Gaps between teeth also collect food and plaque, increasing your chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

Call Fort Collins Dental Center

Balancing your oral health with a safe pregnancy can be challenging. If you are expecting and need implants, most dentists recommend waiting. After your pregnancy, your dentist will be glad to plan implant surgery and help you achieve a healthy smile.

Please call our Fort Collins, CO, office at 970-482-1477  to schedule a consultation or receive answers to your questions about dental implants.