How to Maintain Your Dental Crowns and Root Canals
Undergoing a root canal or receiving a dental crown can significantly restore oral health. These procedures can also be relatively costly. However, the journey doesn’t end once you leave the dental office. In fact, proper post-treatment care is essential to ensure these dental restorations’ long-term success and durability and protect your investment.
Here are some tips and advice on maintaining your dental crowns and the treated tooth after a root canal.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Root Canals
Before diving into the care tips, it’s essential to understand what dental crowns and root canals are:
- Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are caps placed over an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often used after a root canal treatment to protect the treated tooth.
- Root Canals: This treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth, cleaning, and sealing it to prevent further infection. A crown is usually placed over a treated tooth to provide additional protection.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dental Crowns
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily for three minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and any food particles between your teeth and around the crown.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your dental crowns and gums, helping to prevent irritation and gum recession.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods:
- Hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard candies can damage or crack your dental crowns. Sticky foods can dislodge them. Do your best to avoid or limit these types of foods to protect your crowns.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups:
- Schedule and keep your regular dental check-ups so that your dentist can keep tabs on the condition of your crowns and overall oral health. Your dentist can identify potential issues early and address them before they become significant problems, saving you money in the long run.
- Avoid Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
- Grinding can cause your crowns to damage or fail. We recommend getting a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Some people even unconsciously clench and grind during the day, in which case we recommend that they wear their guard throughout the day as well.
Tips for Maintaining Teeth After a Root Canal
- Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions:
- After a root canal, your dentist will provide specific instructions. Follow them carefully, especially regarding pain management and any medications prescribed.
- Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth Immediately:
- Give the treated tooth time to heal by avoiding chewing on it for a few days. This helps to prevent irritation and ensures the filling or crown stays in place.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene:
- Your daily brushing and flossing routine is the bedrock of keeping your crown in good shape. Pay extra attention to the treated tooth to keep it clean and free from plaque buildup.
- Monitor for Unusual Symptoms:
- It’s normal to experience some discomfort after a root canal. Potential signs of complications to watch out for are persistent pain, swelling, or an uneven bite. Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Avoid Hard Foods and Objects:
- Just like with dental crowns, avoid chewing on hard foods and objects that could damage the treated tooth.
General Oral Health Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Besides providing hydration, drinking water helps rinse any food particles and bacteria from your mouth. This along with a good daily dental routine can reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill harmful bacteria and maintain a healthy oral environment.
- Healthy Diet: The old adage of “you are what you eat,” applies to your smile as well. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products can make a big difference in your oral health.
At ABC Dental, our top Chicago dentists have performed thousands of root canals and placed at least as many dental crowns. It’s very important to understand that proper post-treatment care is essential in keeping your dental crowns and root canal treatments in tact.
By following these tips and maintaining regular dental visits, your smile can stay healthy and beautiful for years to come. Taking care of your dental restorations preserves your investment and contributes to your oral health and well-being.
Our team is here to answer any questions you have. You can also schedule an APPOINTMENT or a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our top Chicago dentists: Schedule online or Call us at 773-481-2200