What is the appropriate treatment for a pregnant patient exhibiting periodontal issues, such as bleeding gums and mobile teeth?

• A. Immediate extraction
• B. Conservative debridement
• C. Immediate endodontics
• D. Wait until after birth

Answer: (B)

The appropriate treatment for a pregnant patient exhibiting periodontal issues, such as bleeding gums and mobile teeth, is conservative debridement. This approach involves non-surgical cleaning procedures aimed at removing plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums, which can help to reduce inflammation and the severity of periodontal disease.

During pregnancy, women experience hormonal changes that can exacerbate gingivitis and other periodontal conditions. Conservative debridement is beneficial because it can help manage these conditions without the need for more invasive procedures that may pose risks. This treatment can be safely performed during pregnancy and can significantly relieve symptoms while promoting overall oral health.

Immediate extraction or endodontics would be more aggressive approaches. Extracting teeth may not only be unnecessary but could also cause undue stress or complications during pregnancy. Immediate endodontics, while sometimes needed, may also be delayed in favor of conservative measures unless there is a severe infection or pain that warrants immediate attention. Waiting until after birth might not be the best option either, as managing periodontal disease can prevent further complications for both the mother and the developing fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, conservative debridement is the most appropriate and beneficial choice in this scenario.