Infected root canal extraction whilst pregnant
 

Hello,

I was looking for some advice. Last week I started to experience tooth ache on one of my upper teeth, I went to the dentist on the Thursday and, after an x-ray advised me I had an infection which was common with a root canal. I was given two options, take antibiotics and re-do the root canal or extraction. I advised the dentist I was possibly pregnant (to early to test but currently trying to conceive) I was not keen with the antibiotics and due to other reasons decided to get the tooth extracted. the following days I was still experiencing pain, I returned to the dentist today and she advised me I had a dry socket and possibly the infection was causing pain. she cleaned out the wound, packed it and prescribed me antibiotics. As I said above I really do not want to take antibiotics if I'm pregnant and I expressed this concern to my dentist but she said I should take them. what I would like to know is:

* If i self care, keep rinsing with salt water and taking care will the infection finally clear up

* If I leave it and the infection gets worse can it potentially cause me harm.

The pain since this morning before going to the dentist HAS actually subsided considerably, does this make a difference to the outcome?

Thank you in advance :)

Hi lexilexi,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some help here.

I believe you can take certain antibiotics during any trimester, but best to not take them during the first one. However, if you have an infection in your jaw bone then you need to understand there are health risks of not treating that infection which may outweigh the risk of treating it. There are antibiotics that are considered safe during pregnancy..... penicillins, cephalosporins and erythromicin to name a few. But always check with your doctor and pharmacy to be sure.

The socket feels better because the dentist probably put a medicated pack in it after she cleaned it out. That packing is meant to be removed by the dentist and re packed every day or two for about a week. You may be able to avoid antibiotics by doing that if the site is not infected.

To answer your questions....

**You cannot self care an infection in the jaw bone. It will spread without antibiotics and sometimes intervention.

**If the bone is infected, yes it can be potentially harmful to you and your unborn baby as it can become a systemic infection. Your body goes through major changes and vulnerabilities during pregnancy and infection can interfere with the process. Your baby is also relying on you for nourishment... if you are not healthy, the baby's health is also a risk.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Wish you all the best!
Bryanna







If you have entered the second trimester, about 12 weeks

Hello Bryanna,

Thank you for taking time to reply which was very helpful. I've still not taken the antibiotics yet however they pain has subsided cons ideal with only slight tenderness round the base of the gum where the tooth came out. Does this indicate the infection is clearing up? or am I kidding myself. I don't have a temperature and I don't feel unwell either.

Thanks again

Hi lexilexi,

There is no way I could tell you if there is an infection brewing. It is a good sign that the site feels better and that you feel physically well.

If you feel that the site is not improving any further or it gets worse then see your dentist again. He/she may want to take an x-ray (it's okay as you would be completely covered with the lead shield and the radiation is extremely minimal and it only hits the targeted area which is the tooth site) to see what the bone looks like and if there is any evidence of pathology that cannot be seen clinically.

If you find out that you are not pregnant, then consider seeing your dentist for that x-ray before you try to conceive again.

Keep us posted...
Bryanna

Thanks for the reply once more.

It's still feeling like it's getting better. I'm keeping a close eye and swirling with salt water. I've made a decision that if I truly believe it isn't getting better to take the antibiotics and go back to the dentist.


Thank you :D