" Dentistry for the Pregnant Patient

Although not a diseased state, pregnancy has still been considered as an impediment to dental treatment. When dealing with a pregnant patient, the dental practitioner should keep in mind the various physiological changes that occur in the pregnant female and the potential effects on the fetus. The primary concern when providing dental care is to prevent genetic damage to the fetus. Two areas of dentistry have the potential risk for fetal damage, one being dental radiography and other drug administration. Other concerns are whether usage of LA with epinephrine is safe and which period is best for providing dental care. This article reviews the current considerations in the use of local anesthesia in the pregnant dental patient, their dosage, and any adverse effect on mother and fetus. It also discusses various dental procedures and the trimester during which they can be performed and the complications that could be encountered during dental treatment and their management.