During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should ignore your oral health. It is even more important to take exceptional care of your teeth during pregnancy to avoid gingivitis. If you keep up with your regular dental visits, you are likely to require X-rays during the pregnancy. Women often wonder whether having x-rays during pregnancy is safe.
Dental X-rays
During a dental X-ray, the radiation is low, and it won't harm the patient or her unborn child. When you've had dental X-rays previously, you likely remember the dentist or hygienist using a heavy apron on you beforehand. During the X-ray process, radiation exposure is minimized by using a leaded apron. Since the apron covers the abdomen, a child is protected when undergoing an X-ray. When your dentist puts it on, the apron will have some weight to it, but it can be worn anytime during.
Its Your Choice
Despite the safety of the dental X-ray procedure during pregnancy, some women choose to limit their exposure to other procedures and X-rays during this period. It is important to notify your dentist of your pregnancy. Together with your dentist, you can devise a treatment plan that works for both of you. Women often decide to postpone X-rays until after the first trimester because this is the time when the baby's development is at its peak. Although not medically necessary, this may alleviate their anxiety. Dental x-rays that are routine can also be delayed until after the baby is born, but this is not recommended. Dentists use X-rays to detect problems that could become more serious if left untreated.