Can I Get Tooth Fillings While Pregnancy?

It’s important to care for your teeth during pregnancy. A healthy mouth will prevent tooth decay and help you eat better. However, dental fillings aren’t an option for everyone during pregnancy. If you are considering getting a filling while pregnant or soon after giving birth, some things need to be considered before deciding what is best for your baby in the long run. It is crucial to visit a kid’s dentist near you for assessment if the dental fillings are ideal for you.

What are Dental Filings?

Dental fillings are made from various materials, including gold, silver, and ceramic. They repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury.

Knowing the different types of dental fillings is crucial, and a pediatric dentist in Greenwood, SC, will choose an appropriate option for you.

• Metal Fillings: These are made from silver, copper, tin, and zinc. They’re durable and strong but often cause allergic reactions in people with metal allergies. They can also discolor over time and may require replacement sooner than other fillings if they leak out into your mouth due to wear or decay around them.
• Porcelain Fillings: These are made from a ceramic composite that looks like natural tooth enamel when finished.

When are Dental Fillings Required?

Dental fillings are required in the following situations:

• Damaged tooth
• Cracked and chipped
• Tooth discoloration
• If you feel sensitivity when eating cold food such as ice cream; hot chocolate; mints, etc., it could indicate that one of your teeth needs attention. Dr. Sal Livreri will perform an examination using x-rays to diagnose which ones need treatment before any permanent damage occurs.

Can You Get Dental Fillings During Pregnancy?

The safety of dental fillings during pregnancy has been well studied. The ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) has stated that dental fillings are safe during pregnancy.

The material used in a dental filling can be either amalgam (silver) or composite (tooth-colored). Amalgam fillings are considered safe, although they are reported to contain mercury. Composite fillings are newer, but they have also been shown to be safe during pregnancy.

Whether or not a dental filling is necessary during pregnancy should be decided on a case-by-case basis. If tooth decay is caught early, a simple cleaning may be all that is needed. However, if the decay is more advanced, a filling may be necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth. If a pregnant woman needs a filling during pregnancy, she should discuss the risks and benefits with her dentist.

What Happens When You Get a Filling?

Your dentist will numb your tooth. They will then use a drill to remove the decay from your tooth. Once the decay is removed, they will clean the area and prepare it for the filling. A temporary tooth filling may be fixed on the teeth to protect them as you wait for the new one.

The permanent tooth filling will be placed in the hole and hardened with a light. You may feel pressure while the filling is placed, but you should not feel any pain.

The procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on how many fillings are needed and how long it takes for each one to set properly.

How Long Do Dental Filings Last?

Dental fillings can last for years, decades, and even a lifetime. While dental fillings are considered to be a permanent solution to tooth decay, they may need replacement or repair over time if you have an accident or another condition that damages them.

Dental fillings are made from metal alloys (a mixture of metals) or porcelain; both materials are strong enough to withstand chewing forces without breaking down quickly. Dental fillings also prevent additional decay by protecting the remaining tooth structure from further damage by bacteria in plaque buildup on your teeth’s surface that could eat away at it if left untreated.

How to Care for Your Dental Fillings?

• Avoid biting on hard objects.
• Avoid chewing hard foods like nuts, seeds, and candy.
• Avoid chewing gum that is not sugar-free or soft (tooth-friendly) toothbrushes with fluoride, as these can damage your enamel during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Schedule an Appointment

The risks of not treating an infection or other dental problem during pregnancy are significant, so it is crucial to address the problem early. Visit Kids First Dental to assess if the filling is ideal.