Q&A: Is dental work safe during pregnancy?

by Marie O'Sullivan, RN

I'm 7 weeks pregnant and due to go to the dentist to have a cavity filled. Is this safe to do at this point in my pregnancy?

It is recommended that you wait to have dental work done until you are at least 12 weeks pregnant. The reason for waiting is because the fetus is developing so rapidly that any medications used to help with pain coulkd cause harm in this early stage. Talk to your OB-GYN about when he/she feels is the best time to get your cavity filled. Also discuss what pain medications you should asked to be used. Lastly, make sure your dentist knows you are pregnant before he does any work.

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