Dental filling
Can you get a cavity filled while pregnant?
Yes. The ADA says preventive, diagnostic, restorative and emergency dental care is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy, and that ACOG says untreated cavities can be treated at any time. The FDA says pregnant women should avoid amalgam fillings when possible and are encouraged to choose non-amalgam options.
Is it safe to have a filling during pregnancy?
The ADA's pregnancy page says preventive, diagnostic, restorative and emergency dental care are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy. It says restorations are considered safe, and that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says treating untreated cavities can be done at any time. It also says delaying needed treatment can lead to more complex problems, and encourages dentists to coordinate with the patient's obstetrician. Tell your dentist you are pregnant and how far along you are before treatment begins.
Does it matter which trimester?
The ADA says routine and urgent dental care can proceed in any trimester, and that oral care generally does not need to wait until after delivery. The sources we read do not recommend a particular trimester for fillings. Some people find a later stage of pregnancy more comfortable in the dental chair, which is a question to raise with your dentist, but the ADA does not make safety depend on it.
Why untreated cavities matter in pregnancy
The ADA says pregnancy raises the risk of cavities and gingivitis because of snacking, acid exposure from vomiting, dry mouth and hygiene challenges. Recommended care includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, and considering fluoride varnish over gel if nausea is an issue. Cleveland Clinic says leftover decay can make a cavity grow larger, and complications of a deeper problem include a throbbing toothache, pain when biting or lingering pain from heat or cold, which may need a root canal.
Are silver fillings bad for you?
The FDA says the available evidence does not show that mercury from amalgam fillings causes health problems in the general population, though uncertainties remain, and notes that amalgam is about half mercury. Cleveland Clinic says the ADA, the FDA and other agencies say amalgam fillings are safe. The FDA lists pregnant women, their fetuses and women planning pregnancy among higher-risk groups, and strongly encourages non-amalgam options such as composite resins and glass ionomer cements for them, if a dentist considers them appropriate for the tooth. It says there is very limited clinical data on long-term outcomes for pregnant women.
Should you remove old silver fillings?
No, not for this reason. The FDA does not recommend removing or replacing intact amalgam fillings in good condition unless a health care professional considers it medically necessary, because removal causes unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure and a temporary increase in mercury vapour exposure. Cleveland Clinic says the FDA does not recommend removing intact amalgam fillings from higher-risk people. Discuss any old fillings with your dentist rather than removing them in pregnancy.
X-rays, numbing and laughing gas
The ADA says dental radiographs are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy and that abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer recommended. It says local anesthetics, with or without epinephrine, can be used during pregnancy, and that nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is not recommended for pregnant patients or staff. If you are nervous about numbing or X-rays, ask your dentist to explain what they will use and why. See our guide on laughing gas.
Can you get a cavity in a filling?
The sources we read do not address new decay under or around an existing filling directly. Cleveland Clinic says leftover decay can make a cavity grow larger and that regular cleanings and checkups reduce the risk of decay, and says some fillings can last up to twenty years depending on the material. Because decay can start at the edge of old work, mention any sensitivity or a rough edge at your next visit.
Questions to ask your dentist
Take these to your appointment.
- Is it safe to treat this cavity now, or can it wait?
- Which filling material do you recommend for me, and why?
- Will you coordinate with my obstetrician?
- What numbing will you use, and will I need an X-ray?
- How can I protect my teeth while I have morning sickness?
Planning for the cost?
The material and the size of the cavity change the fee, so ask what is covered. See what a dental filling costs and what a quote should include.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a cavity filled while pregnant?
Yes. The ADA says restorative care is considered safe at any stage.
Can you get a filling in the first trimester?
The ADA says care can proceed in any trimester. Tell your dentist how far along you are.
Are silver fillings bad for you?
The FDA says evidence does not show harm in the general population but encourages pregnant women to choose non-amalgam fillings.
Can you have dental X-rays while pregnant?
The ADA says dental radiographs are considered safe at any stage.
Can you have laughing gas while pregnant?
The ADA says nitrous oxide is not recommended for pregnant patients.
Can you get a cavity in a filling?
The sources do not address it directly. Decay can grow if left, so have checkups.
Sources
General education only. Where sources give different timings, this guide shows the range and tells you to follow your own clinician.
- ADA: pregnancy and oral health (updated July 14, 2025) (checked October 21, 2026)
- FDA: dental amalgam fillings (current as of February 18, 2021) (checked October 21, 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic: dental fillings (updated May 13, 2024) (checked October 21, 2026)
This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. If you have a concern about your health, please consult your nearest doctor or dentist.