I had severe hyperemesis gravidarum for three pregnancies and it really did a number on my teeth. I went in for a dental consultation before my last pregnancy and it was pretty bad. We’re talking thousands of dollars of work that will take dozens of visits. I’m sure it’s way worse now since I went through another pregnancy and a couple years have passed since the exam.
Honestly, I’m still trying to get into the flow of things while caring for three kiddos and I’m really not up for arranging sitters for all these visits, but my teeth are really starting to hurt. What’s the best way to tackle my dental woes in a way that’s not so intimidating/overwhelming? Do I need to see some kind of specialist who treats patients who have had hyperemesis gravidarum or can any dentist help?
Thanks,
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
Hyperemesis gravidarum can be debilitating. Add to that your young family and the treatments could seem undoable. My suggestion is to use sedation dentistry. You can do way more work in each appointment, which will cut down on the number of times you will need a sitter to go to the dentist.
You will need a friend to drive you to and from the appointments and stay with you until the medicine is out of your system enough to manage your children safely.
Your appointments will be pain free, which is a real bonus. Consult with the sedation dentist, bring the list of work you need. Together, the two of you will come up with a treatment plan that will work for your family.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.