I'm in my second trimester, went to the dentist, and he offered me an ultrasonic cleaning. I want to get rid of the tartar, but I'm a bit scared because of the pregnancy. Is it safe or should I wait until after the birth?
During pregnancy, the second trimester is the best time for dental procedures if you need them. I myself went to the dentist twice while pregnant, and the doctors told me that the second trimester is the sweet spot: you've already got a bump, but sitting in the chair is still fairly comfortable. Ultrasonic cleaning is used precisely because it's safer than mechanical cleaning: no pressure, just vibrations that break up the tartar. The main thing is to tell your dentist that you're pregnant (if he doesn't know already) so he can avoid putting pressure on your abdomen and choose the right chair position.
Tartar buildup during pregnancy can lead to gum inflammation, and that's already risky for more serious complications than the procedure itself. Your worry makes sense, but you shouldn't put it off - after delivery you'll have your hands full anyway. Ask your doctor to reassure you again that ultrasound is specifically safe, or look for reviews from pregnant women about this clinic. During the procedure, let them know if you're feeling unwell - the dentist will stop right away.
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