Dr. Shvartsman has been safely treating pregnant women in a holistic manner for over 15 years. It is common for women avoid dental care during pregnancy. This may lead to small dental problems turing into large and expensive ones. Since most mothers refrain form going to the dentist for several months and even years after giving birth as they are caught up in caring for their new infant, they may become victims of dental neglect.
Fortunately, over last 5 years, newer scientific evidence has shed more light on the safety of dental treatment of pregnant women. Research thus far indicates that mothers who receive dental care through the second trimester-both restorative dental care and gum disease treatment-do not appear to increase risk of adverse events during pregnancy. The National Institute of Dental of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)-supported Obstetrics and Periodontal Therapy Trail (OPT) has provided some of the most scientifically rigorous data. The OPT reported in 2006 in the New England Journal of Medicine that pregnant women, most with early to moderate periodontitis, benefitted from general and periodontal care without an increase in preterm births or other negative pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers report findings from a follow-up study of the OPT, which was published online in the Journal Pediatrics, on the women patients and their children born during the original trial. Neurodevelopment was evaluated in 411 children, including 32 preterm infants, 2 years after the study. The scientists found no difference in the neurodevelopment of children from mothers previously assigned to the treatment or control group. They also report slight associations between improvement in a mother’s periodontal attachment loss during the original study and higher cognitive and motor skills in their children. But both the associations are so weak, the scientists considered them “to be of little or no clinical significance.”
Dr. Shvartsman advised that caution should be exercised during the first trimester. Dental treatment should be limited to emergency dental treatment. The first trimester is dominated by development of tissues and organs, which may be effected by the administration of medicines during dental care. While the second and third trimesters are devoted to growth. In light of the new research, going the dentist during the second and third trimesters is safe.
Dr. Shvartsman is careful not to use toxic materials in his office. This is critical for dental treatment during pregnancy. His office is mercury free, BPAfree. Air filters, UV air cleansers and air ionizers are always used during dental treatment to create a safer atmosphere. Dental Lasers for cavity treatment will eliminate or minimize the patients need for local anesthetics. Although x-rays are not talked during pregnancy, sometimes in emergency situations it may become necessary. Women are Double draped with shielded aprons and digital x-rays are used that emit 92% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Great care and thought is made to ensure the safety of your baby.
Source: Alex Shvartsman, DDS, MAGD, founder of State of the Art Comfort Dentistry, is a Biomimetic dentist. State of the Art Comfort Dentistry is located at 260 E. Main St., Suite 109, in Smithtown. For more info, call 631-361-3577 or visit SmithtownSmiles.com.
