Root Canal Treatment in Spokane & Spokane Valley, WA

While the recovery process from root canal treatment will vary from patient to patient, the average recovery time is typically one to two weeks. 

During this time, it's important that patients follow the guidelines their dentist recommends. If full healing has not been achieved, or if pain or discomfort persists after two weeks, visit your dentist as soon as possible to check for complications.

At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, patients can feel comfortable and confident knowing that our dentists minimize every risk of complication possible with careful, precise, quality care during every reboot canal treatment.

Although recovery from a root canal treatment is not overly complex, several things should be avoided for one to two weeks to minimize complications.

For example, patients should avoid smoking as this can conflict with their oral health. High-intensity workouts and strenuous physical activity should also be avoided to prevent injuries to the mouth.

Additionally, being careful of what you eat is likely the most important thing during recovery from root canal treatment. Avoid the following:

• Crunchy foods such as crackers, raw vegetables, and raw fruits.
• Chewy candies such as caramel, taffy, or gum.
• Spicy foods.
• Extremely hot foods.

The lifespan of a root canal is dependent upon the type of dental care you receive after your root canal treatment:

• With fillings and a crown, root canals with subsequent fillings plus a crown can last up to 20 years.
• Root canals can last up to 11 years with a filling or a crown.
• Root canals can last up to 7 years without a filling or a crown.

If you experience tooth pain, infection, or any other issues involving a tooth that received root canal treatment, your dentists may perform root canal therapy on the same tooth again at least two to three more times before you may need an artificial tooth alternative.

With proper oral hygiene and frequent dental check-ups, root canals should not be needed unless you have a tooth injury or experience symptoms of tooth decay again.

Eat soft foods for your first few days after treatment. Meals that include well-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and smoothies are great options for soft foods you can eat during recovery. Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help prevent the growth of germs in your mouth.

Your dentist may also provide specific aftercare guidelines, especially if you have a history of oral complications or difficulty recovering from dental treatments. We encourage patients to follow these guidelines diligently to successfully recover from root canal treatments.

The duration of a root canal procedure generally ranges from 60 to 90 minutes per appointment.

In some instances, your dentist can complete the procedure in one appointment. Others may need two visits for more cleaning or further treatment. Your dentist will share a more specific timeline based on your situation.

Delaying or avoiding a recommended root canal can lead to several risks, including:

• Worsening Infection: The bacteria in the infected pulp can spread to surrounding tissues. This often causes severe pain and swelling.
• Abscess Formation: An untreated infection may result in the formation of a dental abscess. This pocket of pus can damage nearby teeth, gums, and jawbone.
• Tooth Loss: The infection can become so severe that the tooth becomes unsalvageable and requires extraction.
• Systemic Health Issues: The infection can spread to other body parts in rare cases. This may lead to serious conditions such as sepsis.
• Increased Pain: As the infection worsens, pain and discomfort often become more intense and harder to manage.
• More Expensive or Complex Treatments: Waiting can lead to complications requiring more invasive and expensive treatments. This could include surgery or tooth replacement with implants or bridges.

Yes, your dentist can perform a root canal on a tooth that already has a crown.

If the tooth's pulp becomes infected or inflamed, the dentist can access the pulp chamber through the existing crown by creating a small opening. They will seal the opening once they've completed the root canal treatment. Then, the existing crown is usually preserved if it is in good condition.

However, if the crown is old or damaged, your dentist may recommend replacing it after the root canal. This will fully protect and restore the tooth.

The primary alternatives to root canal therapy include:

• Tooth Extraction: Removing the infected or damaged tooth is an option if root canal therapy is not feasible or desired. This leaves a gap in your smile, though.
• Dental Implants: A dental implant can replace the missing tooth after extraction. This involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone and attaching a crown to mimic the natural tooth. Implants are durable but require surgery and can be more expensive than a root canal.
• Dental Bridges: A bridge can replace a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth. This is a non-surgical option but involves modifying neighboring teeth.
• Partial Dentures: A partial denture is a removable appliance that can replace one or more missing teeth. While less invasive, this option may not provide the same comfort or functionality as other solutions.

Root canal therapy is generally preferred to save your natural tooth, preserve your smile, and avoid more invasive or expensive treatments.