Pregnancy heightens the sensitivity of expectant mothers to many risks, which is valid because of the complex development of the fetus. They ought to be cautious about their environment and what they consume. They should avoid alcoholic beverages, cigarette smoking, and some medications.

What Happens When You Get a Filling?

When getting a filling, you are first given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The dentist drills a hole in the enamel to remove cavities. Our dentist uses a slow drill for dentin because the tissue is soft. The dentist then shapes the space in preparation for filling. In some cases, they place a base or a liner to protect the tooth’s pulp cavity.

If your dentist decides to place a bonded filling (typically done with composite fillings), they will first etch the tooth with an acid gel. Etching engraves tiny holes in the tooth’s enamel that place the composite material when the dentist fills. A bonding material bonds the filling to the tooth in two ways. Bonded fillings significantly reduce the probability of leakage or decay beneath the filling.

A special light hardens some types of composite fillings. With these fillings, your dentist lays the material and stops to shine a bright light on the resin to set it and increase its strength.

Finally, your local dentist uses burs to finalize and polish the filled tooth. In some cases, sharp edges might remain after the procedure. Your dentist usually fixes these during a consecutive visit in such a scenario.

Should you postpone all dental treatment until post-delivery?

Dental professionals advise that expectant mothers maintain their regular dental cleanings and annual exams. They are both safe for the developing fetus and critical during the pregnancy due to the higher hormone levels that make their mouths more susceptible to gum inflammations, bleeding, and bacterial build-ups that accelerate tooth decay. Therefore, preventive dental work during pregnancy is essential to minimize the probability of oral infections such as gum disease, closely associated with preterm births.

Potential dental problems during pregnancy

Several strange and identical symptoms are associated with pregnancy, and the mouth is not immune to this.

Pregnancy Gingivitis:

Around 40% of women experience bleeding gums during pregnancy, although the figure could be much higher. Hormones leading to the development of the placenta usually enhance the leakiness of delicate blood vessels in the gingiva. Commonly, the gums bleed too much when you brush or floss, and it can lead to several severe conditions if not treated. The accumulation of plaque causes gingivitis. You can rectify it seamlessly with a professional dental cleaning and basic oral hygiene.

Periodontal disease:

It is a complex gum disease that can cause permanent bone loss and gum recession if left untreated. Low birth weight and preterm babies can also result from periodontal disease. Premature delivery comes with numerous lifelong problems for your newborn baby. The symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breathe, loss of teeth, and bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Pregnancy Tumours:

Roughly 10% of women experience pregnancy tumors. They are swellings in the gingiva caused by a severe inflammatory reaction to plaque. In some people, it appears like a small raspberry. Luckily, they usually get resolved instantaneously after birth. They don’t require treatment unless they mess up with your bite, become painful, or persist after birth.

Increased Decay Risk:

Pregnant women stand a higher risk of dental decay. It may be due to a surge in the uptake of snacks, sweets, carbohydrate-based food, eroded enamel, morning sickness,  and difficulty with brushing and flossing caused by an overreactive gag reflex. Evidence points out that the bacteria in mum’s mouth colonize the baby’s mouth in fluids such as kissing and tasting food. A mum with a high decay rate increases the baby’s chances of getting cavities. It is essential to treat the cavities before the baby is born. Strict changes to oral hygiene and diet are also pivotal in reducing cavity-causing bacteria.

Is it safe to have dental treatment while pregnant?

It is safe for a mother to go to the dentist during pregnancy. Furthermore, they can receive tooth decay, gum disease, and additional dental health problems if they don’t go to the dentist. Your dental health plays a significant role as a big impact on your overall health, meaning that it can significantly influence your baby too.

Even when you’re not pregnant, make regular trips to the dentist. For most people, a bi-annual check-up is ideal. However, your circumstances may dictate how frequently you should visit the dentist. It’s therefore crucial when dealing with hormonal changes and cravings that can jeopardize your oral health.

Dentists usually recommend making several appointments in pregnancy to assess the condition of your teeth and gums, propose adjustments to your dental care routine and perform any treatments needed.

Conclusion

Suppose you’re planning to get pregnant soon. In that case, it’s wise to visit your dentist and get a comprehensive oral test on specific dental issues such as affected wisdom teeth are taken care of first to eliminate the risk of complications.

If you are pregnant and require a dental check-up, especially one that deals with cavity fillings and dental fillings, you can visit a local dentist near you. For instance, Rifle Dental Care is a dental filling expert in Vernon, BC.