Dealing with Wisdom Tooth Pain During Pregnancy: Gentle and Safe Treatment Guidelines for Expectant Mothers
Hello, I am Hiroshi Miyashita, Director of Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi. Our clinic has a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Zhao, on staff, who prioritizes the safety and peace of mind of pregnant patients. Here, I will gently and accurately explain the best ways to handle wisdom tooth pain during pregnancy from a professional’s perspective.
1) Reassurance (Trust and Comfort)
- Tooth pain during pregnancy is not uncommon. Nausea can make brushing difficult, and hormonal changes can increase inflammation, leading to worsening cavities or surrounding tissue infections. We will first acknowledge and support your concerns and discomfort.
2) Why does wisdom tooth pain occur during pregnancy? (Expert explanation)
- Inability to brush thoroughly due to nausea → Plaque buildup, which accelerates cavities and periodontal disease
- Hormonal fluctuations cause gums to swell
- Difficulties in cleaning around wisdom teeth due to partial eruption, tilting, or hitting adjacent teeth, leading to increased bacteria
3) Treatment policies during pregnancy (Professional judgment and authority)
- Early pregnancy (1–4 months) and late pregnancy (8–10 months): To avoid burdening mother and fetus, invasive treatments like extractions are generally not performed, and only emergency care to relieve pain and swelling is provided.
- Examples: Safer painkillers (primarily acetaminophen after medical consultation), oral cleaning, rinsing, and guidance
- Mid-pregnancy (5–7 months): Since this is a relatively stable period, if overall health is good, procedures like cavity treatment under anesthesia or simple extractions without gum incisions may be possible. However, complex surgeries like difficult extractions requiring bone or root procedures are generally avoided.
4) Emergency indicators (Specific instructions to protect patients)
- Seek urgent care immediately if experiencing:
- Severe swelling preventing mouth opening, breathing, or swallowing
- High fever
- Intense pain causing inability to take fluids or ongoing vomiting
- Our clinic will evaluate the overall health of the pregnant patient and respond promptly to such emergencies.
5) Safety measures and expertise (Experience and authority)
- Dr. Zhao, a specialist oral surgeon, conducts weekly consultations. For difficult extractions, we perform detailed CT scans and simulation to develop the safest possible treatment plan.
- We consider the comfort of pregnant women through adjustments in positioning, short treatment sessions, and even intravenous sedation if necessary (to relax during treatment).
- Pain medications and prescriptions are carefully chosen in collaboration with obstetricians, prioritizing safety.
6) Home care tips (Practical advice)
- If nausea makes brushing difficult, use a soft toothbrush, rinse, and fluoride mouthwash for short durations
- Rinse with water after meals and maintain thorough cleaning before bedtime
- If experiencing pain, do not self-medicate blindly—please consult us first
7) For women planning pregnancy (Prevention importance)
- It is safest to check the wisdom teeth and oral condition before pregnancy. If extraction is necessary, completing it beforehand helps avoid unnecessary worries and restrictions during pregnancy.
8) Final message (Reassurance)
- We prioritize your safety and the baby’s, working together to reduce pain and devise the best treatment plan. If you have concerns about wisdom tooth pain during pregnancy, please do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Zhao and I, along with our team, will provide careful and considerate support.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi
Contact & Appointment Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi
Address: 2nd Floor, TIDS Building, 5-13-25 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5544-8544
Nearest stations: Azabu-Juban Station (Namboku, Oedo Lines), Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line)
Dr. Zhao provides weekly consultations, with special attention to pregnant patients’ visits and positioning. Please call us first for an appointment or inquiries.