Are dental anesthetics safe for pregnant women?

Dental anesthetics in pregnant women are thought to be generally safe. The anesthetics dentists usually use are lidocaine (FDA category B) or prilocaine (category B). Other anesthetics are less safe, such as mepivacaine and bupivicaine, both of which are both category C and can slow a baby's heart rate. Dental anesthetics are injected into the mouth to deaden nerves and prevent the sensation of pain during procedures. The dentist may use these anesthetics to prevent pain while drilling cavities, performing root canals or extractions, inserting crowns or implants, or for many other procedures.