Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 2/3/2009

Question
Hello... I just found out that I am expecting today 2/2/09, before I knew I was expecting I had some dental work done... I also had a root canal a week ago... the dentist used anesthesia and he also did x-rays (both times), they did use the apron while doing the x-rays... I just want to know what risks are involved. I have to go back at the end of the month to have my permanent crown put in. I am very nervous because I had a miscarriage in October 2008 and my husband and I just started trying and this tooth really needed to be taken care of.

Answer
There are really no risks. Due to beam collimation and so forth that are part of the x-ray machines, you don't really even need the apron, but we put it on anyway. The anesthesia is very local as well, particularly since a vasoconstrictor is used that keeps it in place, so like the radiation, the effect on baby is infinitesimally small. Not to worry.