Pathology · single question
A pregnant patient presents with acute dental infection. When should she be treated?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Treat immediately — dental infections during pregnancy are always emergencies
Active dental infection (swelling, acute abscess) during pregnancy must be treated IMMEDIATELY regardless of trimester. Untreated oral infections can spread systemically, cause bacteremia, and have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight). The standard of care is that pregnancy is not a contraindication to urgent dental treatment — emergencies are treated at any trimester.
- A. Incorrect. Deferring treatment of an acute infection can lead to life-threatening spread, sepsis, or adverse fetal outcomes.
- B. CORRECT. Acute dental infections in pregnant patients are true emergencies and must be treated immediately, regardless of trimester.
- C. Incorrect. Consultation may occur but treatment should not be deferred — OB/GYN coordination is useful but not a substitute for immediate dental treatment.
- D. Incorrect. Antibiotics alone do not eliminate the source of infection — definitive dental treatment (I&D, extraction, root canal) is required.