Can You Smoke after a Root Canal and Crown?

Can You Smoke after a Root Canal and Crown?

Apr 01, 2022

A root canal is an endodontic procedure. It involves removing infected pulp from the innermost part of the tooth. The infection-causing bacteria are eliminated, disinfected the area to prevent re-infection. It is a procedure to save a natural tooth and relieve pain caused by the infection. A dental crown in Gilbert is placed on the treated tooth to strengthen it and maintain its function.

Smoking after a Root Canal and Crown

Most people who smoke ask whether they can smoke after the procedure. However, your mouth and gums will remain numb for a few hours after the process. Therefore, smoking may cause you to bite your tongue, cheek, or lips. Besides, all forms of tobacco such as hookah water pipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes affect your oral health.

These products inhibit healing and make you more prone to infection and inflammation. They also increase the risk of getting more root canals, gum disease, and other oral diseases. Therefore, avoid smoking after the procedure and during recovery to promote healing. If you must smoke, wait for at least three days after the treatment and observe proper dental care.

Does Smoking Make Tooth Pain Worse?

Yes, smoking makes tooth pain worse. After the oral surgery, the mouth remains sensitive and vulnerable. During recovery, you will have some pain and discomfort, which is more severe for smokers. This is because smoking reduces blood flow. It also inhibits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the gums.

The healing time is prolonged compared to non-smokers. This happens since smoking lowers the body’s immune system. In addition, some antibiotics and pain-relieving medications used during this period are unsuitable for smokers. So, the patients will remain in pain until the medicines are replaced. All these issues contribute to worse tooth pain for smokers as they recover.

How Do You Know Whether You Need a Root Canal and Crown?

A dentist at Coral Pointe Dental & Orthodontics will assess your teeth and gums. The dental team will diagnose to determine if you need the treatment. You may require the procedure if you have a deep cavity or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to reach the pulp chamber. Contact us if you notice the symptoms below:

  • Pimples on the gums around the infected tooth
  • Severe pain while biting or chewing
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Tooth chipping or cracking that reaches the tooth roots
  • Lingering tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures in foods and drinks
  • Darkened gums
  • Deep tooth decay

After the treatment, a dental crown in Gilbert is placed over the tooth. First, the dentist will set a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. Then, your dentist will take 3D scans of the tooth to help design a permanent crown in the dental laboratory. The crown may be made of porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramic materials based on individuals.

The cap-like tooth restorative device strengthens the tooth and prevents tooth sensitivity. It also makes it easy to clean the tooth and provide dental care. In addition, the dentist ensures that the crown matches the rest of the teeth in color and size to retain a natural look.

What to Eat after You Get a Crown

Both temporary and permanent crowns require you to watch what you eat. It is because they can break, chip or stain. In addition, tooth sensitivity is common after the placement of the crown. Therefore, avoid taking hot or cold foods and drinks but eat them at room temperature.

Also, avoid chewing on hard foods such as seeds and nuts since they can break, chip, or crack the crown. Do not consume chewy foods frequently as they weaken or loosen the crown. Also, refrain from taking candies, caramels, chewing gums, and other sticky foods. This is because they can become trapped between the crown and the gum leading to dental decay.

Finally, stay away from highly pigmented foods and beverages as they may stain the crown. Choose soft foods and avoid chewing with the treated tooth to protect your crown. Instead, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Coral Pointe Dental and Orthodontics
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