A root canal is one of the most effective ways to save a smile, allowing you to keep your natural teeth for years to come. The truth is, with proper care, a root canal can provide a long-term restorative solution for tooth preservation. At Grand Ledge Smiles, we want to help you understand what to expect after a root canal and how to ensure your treated tooth remains healthy for as long as possible!
Continue reading for your need-to-know root canal insights.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
According to the American Dental Association, a restored tooth can last a lifetime if you take good care of it. The research team at the Regenstrief Institute gathered dental records from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network and determined that after receiving a root canal, a tooth’s median survival time is 11.1 years.
However, the Regenstrief Institute also reports that there are several factors, such as subsequent treatments, that influence root canal longevity, including:
- The lifespan of teeth with a root canal, filling, and crown is roughly 20 years.
- After a root canal, teeth that get a crown or filling typically last 11 years.
- After a root canal, teeth that don’t receive any restorative work only last roughly 6.5 years.
What Is The Recovery Time After Root Canal Therapy?
After a root canal, most patients can go back to work or school right away, though their mouths will probably be numb for two to four hours. Eating should be avoided until the numbness is totally gone, though.
How To Safeguard Your Smile After Restoration
Following your procedure, our doctor will send you home with instructions on managing your pain and taking care of your tooth until your next appointment. Observe these important guidelines:
Take Medication As Directed: Over-the-counter medications typically work well for temporary symptoms, but our doctor may also recommend stronger, narcotic medications. It’s important that you follow prescription drug instructions carefully, and since narcotics can make you drowsy, you should be careful when taking them while operating machinery or driving a car.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: To ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy, brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, clean in between your teeth once a day, and visit our dentist on a regular basis.
Avoid Certain Foods and Smoking: Until our dentist gives the all-clear, refrain from biting down firmly on the treated tooth or chewing hard foods. For the first hour, avoid chewing or drinking hot or cold liquids. Smoking should be avoided as it can impede the healing and procedure process.
Grand Ledge Smiles is here to help save your smile. Call us to make an appointment for a consultation to maintain its strength and health!