Dental radiographs and pregnancy

[Sharon Brooks]

When the Food and Drug Administration published their guidelines for
dental radiographic examinations in 1987 they specifically stated
that the recommendations do not need to be altered in the case of the
pregnant patient. The abdominal dose with dental radiography is
extremely low and the guidelines stress taking radiographs based on
patient's needs. From your description of the case, it sounds like
the radiographs requested were needed and appropriate for her.

>I need expert advice on taking dental radiographs during pregnancy.
>
>We have a female patient who is 3 month postpartum and breatfeeding and
>presented to our clinic for an exam (her first dental exam in two years).
>Her dentist presribed 4 bitewings and 3 PAs. This patient is not in pain but
>do have caries and need restorative works done. The DA asked the patients
>about possible pregnancy before taking the radiographs. Patient anwered she
>has not had a period yet after the delivery so she could not be absolutely
>sure that she is not pregnant. The DA asked the opinion of one faculty
>member and she was instructed to take the radiographs as prescribed. But one
>of the senior faculty member opposed taking the radiographs because patient
>was not 100% sure that she is not pregnant. Patient was asked to leave and
>have a pregnancy test done and return for the radiograph if not pregnant.
>Patient was not happy. This patient is a physician, knowledgeble about the
>minimal amount of radiation from dental x-rays and does not have the
>psychological concerns even if she is pregnant.
>
>So, my questions to the experts on the oradlist are:
>1. is there a guideline available with regard to taking dental radiographs
>while preganant?
>2. are bitewings radiographs, as in this patient, contraindicated in the
>first trimester?
>3. is a pregnancy test required before taking 4 BWs and 3PAs as in this
>patient if she is not sure that she is not preganant?
>4. is there evidence to show that it is beneficial to postpone dental
>radiographic exam and dental treatment to second trimester if patient is
>pregnant?
>
>Any input is appreciated.
>
>
>JY Chen DDS MS

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Sharon L. Brooks, DDS, MS (slbrooks at umich.edu)

University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
Phone: 734-764-1595     FAX: 734-764-2469 (UM)     FAX: 734-475-0122 (Home)