Is It Safe to Get a Filling While Pregnant?

Pregnancy and dental health problems often go hand in hand. The other wear and tear compelled by the hormones, nausea, and extra snacking on your teeth can cause problems making it essential to seek the dental care necessary during pregnancy.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of family physicians confirm dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy. The local dentist can shield you and your baby with a lead vest or apron to ensure both are unaffected. However, it helps if you inform the dentist and the X-ray technician about your pregnancy before the X-ray.

Can You Get Your Teeth Filled While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can make you vulnerable to dental caries because of the morning sickness and acidity in your mouth from the cravings for sugary snacks and the less attention you pay to your oral health. You may compound the problem if you think dental care during pregnancy is non-essential because the reverse is true in your situation.

You may be worried about getting dental fillings during pregnancy but will find it comforting to know the ADA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirm that treating cavities during any stage of your pregnancy is safe. However, if possible, you must schedule dental fillings during the second trimester when the risk of nausea has reduced.

Silver amalgam fillings contain mercury and might pose a negligible risk to your baby. Therefore you must discuss amalgam fillers and their risks with the dentist near you if you need a tooth filled. Your dentist can advise which fillers are safe for you and the baby during pregnancy.

Despite the risks, dental problems during pregnancy are better treated than left alone because they aggravate and make you vulnerable to more intensive treatments affecting you and your baby. Discuss your pregnancy with the dentist and trust them to recommend the safest treatments.

The Safety of Anesthesia during Pregnancy

Studies published in 2015 by the Journal of American Dental Association confirm dental treatments performed under local anesthesia are safe, including in the first trimester. In addition, researchers discovered no effects on pregnancy outcomes on women receiving local anesthesia during pregnancy.

Researchers claim many women avoid seeing dentists during pregnancy, even when they have dental problems. It is a vital time in a woman’s life making maintaining oral health because it is directly related to their overall health.

The dentist in Glendale encourages pregnant women to continue seeking routine dental care besides seeking treatments for problems when they arise. If you are worried about local anesthesia during pregnancy, discuss your situation with the dentist and inquire about its safety and any dental treatment requesting them to use the minimum amount of anesthesia possible. If you feel pain, it is natural for you and your baby to feel stressed. You can request additional numbing medication if required if you feel comfortable with it.

When to Inform Your Dentist about Your Pregnancy?

Informing your dentist about your pregnancy is essential before your dental appointment. While congratulating you, the dentist and their staff will consider which treatments are appropriate for your needs and whether additional precautions are necessary. When you inform your dentist about your pregnancy as soon as possible, you enable them to provide a better roadmap for your dental care during a delicate moment of your life.

Your dentist will know your dental health and may recommend taking precautions like additional cleanings. If you have not scheduled an appointment, you can call the dental office and inquire whether you should schedule a cleaning and try to get any essential treatments during the second trimester of the pregnancy.

Follow-Ups With Dentists After Childbirth

Your teeth and gums go through several body changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to follow up with your dentist after delivery because the dentist can assess the health of your teeth and gums and provide any treatments postponed because of the pregnancy.

The follow-up with your dentist can occur shortly after childbirth after you recover. However, it should not be delayed until later than your six-monthly checkups. Problems arising from the lack of dental care present challenges to your pregnancy, making them better to treat than leave alone. Your dentist is an extension of your healthcare team, and most dental treatments and procedures are safe while you are carrying.

If you must have a cavity filled during pregnancy, kindly do not hesitate to arrange a meeting with Smile Dental Group and get it filled by them providing the safest filling material for your tooth. Do not consider ignoring the cavity during pregnancy because it will leave you with an unwanted gift after childbirth that may require tooth removal.