is it safe to have dental fillings during pregnancy?

[mars06]

[Old_Geezer]

Fillings have been around for years so I don't see why they would be found to be dangerous during pregnancy now. But if you are that concerned, talk it over with your dentist. Maybe they can remove the offending teeth for you.

[ladyalex]

It was a long time ago now, but I'm sure I had my teeth filled when I was pregnant.

I'm also pretty sure that in my day, dental treatment was free during pregnancy, which would suggest that the NHS was trying to encourage dental health at this time in your life.
After all, you'll only be having a local anaesthetic if anything.
Ask the dentist. They're not going to do anything dangerous to your baby.

[craft1948]

lol ladyalex this reminds me of my dentist. When I was young you had free dental care up until you were 21 and after one check-up the dentist gleefully announced that next time I would have to pay. I turned up for my next appointment and told him I was pregnant so got free dental care. His thoughts were that this was a rather extreme action to take to avoid paying........

[mars06]

thanx for your answer old geezer. my concern is the mercury in the amalgam in the fillings i already have may have an adverse affect on baby and then for the dentist to put in new fillings......

[mars06]

thanx everyone! unfortunately my dentist is'nt free, i cant get registered with a nhs dentist in my area :o(

[J9PUR]

Current guidelines are that all non-essential dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimester, and postponed until after the birth.
If treatment is unavoidable, then thought needs to be taken with the following:
a) radiographs (considered safe if using intra-oral techniques)
b) amalgam restorations (to be avoided if all possible)
c) local anaesthetics (avoid is possible, especially those containimg Octapressin)
d) antibiotics (avoid if possible)
You should discuss the treartment with your own dentist who will be able to advise you on the ebst course of action, and to allay any fears that you may have.

[ladyalex]

It does sound a bit extreme, craft, but in the old days times were hard!

My goodness times have changed, it's a wonder anyone got born in the old days.

[karenmac60]

I remember there being a scare about this around the time I was pregnant and I spoke to my dentist about it. The worry about mercury in fillings causing harm to the baby was based on the removal of old fillings, not getting new fillings put in. Speak to your dentist and make sure he/she knows you are pregnant.