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DENTAL WORK AND LIGHT ANESTHESIA
I need to have some cavities filled. Is this safe to do while breastfeeding?
Yes. Since only a tiny bit of local anesthetic is used, only an
insignificant amount could get into your milk, so it is safe to breastfeed following a local
anesthetic for dental work. Also, dental x-rays pose no problem to the breastfeeding mother or
baby.
Breastfeeding is also usually considered safe following a light anesthesia ,
which is the type used in dental offices when patients don't want to be awake and aware during
dental work. Since the inhalant (usually nitrous oxide ) is cleared so
rapidly from your bloodstream, it is unlikely to enter your milk in significant quantities. Unless
your doctor advises to the contrary, it is safe to breastfeed as soon as you are able. If there is
some specific concern about the anesthetic passing into your milk, breastfeed your baby before
the anesthetic is administered, followed by a 3-4 hour wait for the next feeding. Your doctor will
be able to advise you on how rapidly the particular medicine would clear your system.
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