In need of root canal.

I have been pushing off getting one for a few weeks but the pain is starting to get annoying.

Has anyone had one during pregnancy? Are they able to do this without an x-ray?

Re: In need of root canal.

No experience with this, but wishing you luck and lots of pregnancy-friendly pain killers!!

Re: In need of root canal.

I had one around 18 weeks. The pain was intolerable so my dentist sent me to an endodontist. The worst part is the novicaine isn't strong and you can't take anything for the pain besides Tylenol and antibiotics. My ob had to write a letter allowing me to have X-rays and the office put two coats over me to protect the baby. If you need an endo recommendation let me know, the place I went was amazing! Feel better!

Re: In need of root canal.

How far along are you? It should be totally safe. As for xrays - do you have a recent one? I think any dentist is going to want to see a recent one, at least. They usually take a few during the treatment (but if you tell them you are preggers, they will probably limit it). Try to see someone who has digital xrays since the exposure is much less. You should see an endodontist, too, since they specialize in this and you don't want any complications if you can avoid it. I know some endodontists in Suffolk I can highly recommend if you need someone. But if the pain is bad, in my experience, it only gets worse or, worse yet, becomes infected which is not good for pregnancy.

Re: In need of root canal.

crashing...

i had a root canal done at around 20 weeks. they double shielded me for xrays and gave me novicaine without epinephrine. everything was fine both with the tooth (didn't feel anything in the chair or after) and with the baby. eta: i went to an Endodontist.

they made me wait until after DD was born to get the post and crown. they just put in a temporary until i could have it done.

also, i was prescribed Tylenol with codeine for pain, but I really didn't need it.

My dentist wanted to speak to my OB before doing anything, but I had already gotten a note from my OB saying what he could and couldn't do/what i could have and couldn't have. Your dentist may want to discuss with your OB.

hth! feel better!!!

Message edited 12/19/2011 10:11:05 AM.

Re: In need of root canal.

I have never had a root canal...but I did need my wisdom tooth extracted when I was pregnant with my DD. It was partially impacted but the part that was exposed developed a bad cavity since it was hard to brush, and a piece of the tooth broke off and my root was exposed. It was extremely painful and I had no choice but to have it extracted.

I spoke to my OB first who write me a letter clearning me and write a script for Tylenol 3 after the procedure, which he said was safe.

They did take x-rays with the apron on but they did this stand up xray that just was on the side of my cheek because they said it was safer. They gave me shots of novacaine and afterwards I ended up just taking tylenol, not the tylenol 3 that they prescribed me.

Good Luck!