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Dr Paul F Mitsch
Paul F. Mitsch, D.M.D. believes that this is such an exciting time to be a dentist. Innovations and refinements in technology and treatment options are introduced continually. To maintain a leading edge, he has added to his educational foundation with advanced training in the newest of the new techniques. Education: D.M.D. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. B.A., Biology, University of California at San Diego. Fellowships: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Dentistry International, and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Associate Fellowships: American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration. You can reach Dr. Paul Mitsch at (316) 775-2482 or stop by his office in Augusta at 401 State Street in the historical downtown district.
Dental
2004-10-01 15:07:00
Dental care and pregnancy
: How is dental care different for women who are pregnant?
ANSWER: Women are different than men! This statement may not be politically correct but it cannot be denied when it refers to pregnancy and pregnancy-related problems. In my practice, there are routinely a number of questions and conditions that occur during pregnancy that may be understood and when they are, the patient will not be as anxious and can seek appropriate care. The main focus in dental care for any expecting mother will be two fold:  the mother needs to know how to take care of herself and her teeth; and, the mother needs to know the effects of care or treatment on her unborn child.Understanding the most common or routine problems and treatments is important. The most common situation is pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is a swelling of the gum tissue (or the periodontal tissue) that occurs in relation to the hormones and hormone levels during different phases of a pregnancy. This is usually reversible with simple rinses and the patient should seek dental attention to assure there is no other treatment necessary.  Pregnancy gingivitis is generally accompanied by bad breath, bleeding gums and minor to moderate pain. This may occur in any trimester, but is usually most uncomfortable in the months five through nine.  Home remedies should not be employed and aspirin should never be used.  A good idea is to make a dental check-up as soon as you find out you are pregnant and ask for a cleaning and thorough examination. X-rays can be taken and your unborn child will be protected by a lead shield that you should request. Another common problem is decay and abscess formation.  Often patients may neglect pain or minor symptoms in their mouths.  During pregnancy as the body adapts to  the growth of the child, the mother many times will become "run down" or exhausted and nutrition is difficult to tend to properly.  As this condition prevails, infections that were minor begin to become stronger and may threaten the health and comfort of the mother.  Abscessed teeth are infections.  These are usually periodontal (associated with the gum tissue) or periapical (associated with decayed teeth and the roots of the teeth).  These infections once acute - painful and noticeable - must be dealt with.  Elective treatment like root canals may save the teeth or the teeth must be removed.  Generally, the dentist will visit with the patient's OB/GYN and consider the best medicines to use and any treatment for the mother that may affect the baby.  Again, ignoring treatment is not an option because the infection can affect the pregnancy and the baby.  Finally, wisdom teeth are a common problem in pregnancies.  Pericoronitis of a wisdom tooth describes the condition when the wisdom tooth is not completely in the mouth or is impacted (under the tissue) and the area around the tooth begins to swell with infection.  Pain is traditionally the first symptom.  Treatment of pericoronitis usually involves medicating the patient, using home rinses and removing the tooth as soon as possible.  However, with a pregnancy, we will often attempt to palliate the patient - or make the patient more comfortable until treatment is safe - and control or eliminate the infection and remove the tooth after delivery.  This one problem can and should be avoided by early removal of third molars (wisdom teeth).Pregnancy should be a healthy and productive time in most women's lives.  Dental problems are minimal.  If the expectant mother begins to experience problems or is anxious about the risk of problems, immediate evaluation and consultation with a dentist is advised.  Because there are two patients to consider, it is never fair to allow the mother to be anxious in this time and most dentists will agree that all questions the mother-to-be has about dental health should be addressed.  There are no bad questions regarding good dental health before - and during - this special time for women.
 
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