Is Getting a Dental Filling Safe During Pregnancy?

Is Getting a Dental Filling Safe During Pregnancy? Pregnancy is a beautiful experience that changes your life, often in more ways than you expect. That includes the steps preceding medical treatments and procedures, right down to dental cleanings and fillings. But don’t worry, your dentist is a professional who you can trust to take the right steps to accommodate your health. Here’s what you can expect.

Getting a Dental Filling During Your Pregnancy

A dental filling can be a stressful procedure for anyone, at any stage of life. Even the sound of a dental drill can send their anxiety through the roof.

There are two factors to consider for dental fillings during pregnancy, stress and the anesthetic. It’s healthiest for both mother that she stay relaxed during the treatment. Though certain types of sedation used in dentistry are present in the bloodstream. Though nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and general anesthesia are safe for pregnant women and unborn babies.

The answer is Yes, it is safe to have a dental filling done during pregnancy.

Should You Simply Avoid Dental Work During Pregnancy?

There’s a lot you can do to ensure a healthy and stress-free pregnancy, but avoiding the dentist would not be the right approach.

It is recommended that expectant mothers maintain all their usual dental exams and cleaning appointments during their term. Regular dental cleanings can help anyone to reduce the risk of dental health conditions. And the regular check-ups that accompany them will help your dentist spot these conditions before they can become serious, such as catching a cavity before it requires a root canal. If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s best to schedule a check-up at your earliest convenience.

If left neglected, poor oral health can affect the rest of the body. You shouldn’t hesitate to consult your dentist for any dental work intended to directly resolve pain or discomfort. Discretionary or superficial treatments like teeth whitening, on the other hand, can be postponed.

How Safe is Anesthesia?

One of the biggest apprehensions for expectant mothers who need a dental procedure tends to be the necessity of anesthetic and medication. However, with the proper precaution, these don’t necessarily pose a danger to the baby. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) in 2015, dental treatments performed under local anesthesia are safe. Post-operative antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin can also still be safely prescribed in order to prevent or treat infections.

Your dentist will also take care in prescribing your medication. In light of how serious a problem opioid misuse during pregnancy is. Natural pain relievers are often a far better alternative.

Can You Have an X-Ray Done?

According to the American College of Radiology, diagnostic X-rays don’t deliver a dose of radiation high enough to harm a developing baby. The American Dental Association states that dental X-rays are safe for mothers and children while pregnant. Be sure to mention to the staff that you’re pregnant when you go in for an X-ray so that they can take the right precautions.

Treating Your Dental Health During Pregnancy

You’ll have plenty of medical visits to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy, but don’t forget about your teeth! Your complete health is important and always worthwhile.