Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?
Yes – dental implants can technically be placed after the first trimester, but most oral surgeons strongly recommend waiting until after pregnancy unless there is an urgent medical need. This approach protects both mother and baby from unnecessary stress, radiation exposure, and anesthesia risks.
Before you decide how to proceed, it’s important to understand why timing matters and how to care for your dental health during pregnancy.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn when it’s medically acceptable and why waiting is often recommended.
- Why oral surgeons avoid elective procedures during pregnancy (X-rays, anesthesia, stress).
- How to maintain oral health while pregnant and prevent issues caused by hormonal changes.
- What to expect when scheduling implants after delivery.
- Answers to the most common questions about pregnancy and dental implants.
Why It’s Usually Best to Wait Until After Pregnancy
X-Rays
Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers dental X-rays safe during pregnancy, most providers recommend avoiding non-essential radiation exposure – especially for elective procedures like dental implants.
Anesthesia Considerations
Local anesthesia is safe during pregnancy, but general anesthesia should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Elective surgeries that may require stronger sedation are postponed until after childbirth.
Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy is already a time of heightened stress. Surgical procedures can raise anxiety levels, which the American Pregnancy Association notes may influence fetal development. If the procedure isn’t urgent, waiting reduces unnecessary emotional strain.
Learn more about Tips for Managing Dental Phobia & Anxiety.
Maintaining Good Oral Health During Pregnancy
Even though implants should generally wait, good oral health is essential for pregnant patients.
Essential Oral Care Tips:
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily.
- Use a fluoridated, alcohol-free mouth rinse every night.
- Schedule a dental cleaning if you haven’t had one in six months.
- After vomiting from morning sickness, rinse with 1 tsp baking soda in 1 cup of water to neutralize acid.
- Follow a low-sugar diet to prevent decay and gum irritation.
Learn more about ‘Oral health Care During Pregnancy: A National Consensus Statement’
Dental Implants After Pregnancy
Once pregnancy (and breastfeeding, depending on your provider’s recommendations) is complete, you can proceed safely with:
- Full diagnostic X-Rays
- Implant planning
- Sedation options, if appropriate
- The complete implant placement process
Our surgeons ensure predictable, comfortable outcomes at every stage.
Why Choose Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Dental implants are best performed after pregnancy, when X-rays, anesthesia options, and healing conditions are safest for both you and your baby. Until then, maintaining strong daily oral care and keeping up with dental checkups will help protect your oral health.
For more than 70 years, our practice has been serving Bergen County with patient-centered expert oral care. Our four convenient locations in Franklin Lakes,Hackensack,Ridgewood, and Westwood have received a combined 2,000+ Google reviews—and an average rating of 4.9 stars.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
Dental Implants & Pregnancy (FAQ)
Can You Get Dental Implants During Pregnancy?
Yes, technically after the first trimester – but more specialists advise waiting unless it’s urgent.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe While Pregnant?
ACOG says they’re safe, but they’re typically postponed for elective procedures.
Is Anesthesia Safe During Pregnancy?
Local anesthesia is safe; general anesthesia should be avoided for elective care.
What Oral Care is Recommended During Pregnancy?
Brush, floss, get routine cleanings, rinse after morning sickness, and eat a low-sugar diet.
When Is the Best Time to Get Dental Implants?
After pregnancy, when X-rays, sedation, and surgery can be performed without limitations.
