Is It Safe to Have a Root Canal with Braces? Here’s What You Should Consider

Imagine this: You've finally started your orthodontic journey with braces, and just when you think everything is on track, you experience persistent tooth pain. Your orthodontist suggests you might need a root canal. Naturally, questions start flooding your mind—“Can I get a root canal with braces?.”

You're not alone. Dental issues can arise at any stage of orthodontic treatment, and root canals are no exception. In fact, studies show that nearly 15% of people with braces may require additional dental procedures, including root canal treatments, during their orthodontic care.

In this blog, we'll answer all your burning questions about root canal with braces, discuss whether braces can cause root canals, and guide you through what to expect if you find yourself in this situation.

Let's get started.

Can You Get a Root Canal with Braces?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely get a root canal while wearing braces. Braces are designed to gradually shift your teeth into their optimal positions, and while they may make access slightly trickier, they do not prevent root canal procedures from being performed effectively.

A root canal treatment involves carefully accessing the affected tooth's pulp to clean out infection and seal the tooth. While the presence of braces might require a little extra precision, your orthodontist and endodontist (root canal specialist) will work together to ensure the process goes smoothly.

In some cases, your orthodontist may need to temporarily root canals

from the affected tooth to give the endodontist better access. However, this is typically a minor adjustment and doesn’t significantly delay your orthodontic treatment plan.

Can Braces Cause Root Canals?

It’s a common concern—can braces actually cause root canals? The answer is no, braces do not directly cause the need for root canal treatments.

However, braces apply constant pressure on your teeth, and while this is essential for moving them into alignment, it can sometimes expose or worsen pre-existing dental issues. For instance:

• If a tooth already had a deep cavity or an old filling, the movement from braces might aggravate the issue.
• Pre-existing trauma or damage to the tooth might become more apparent during orthodontic treatment.

In these scenarios, the tooth might become infected or inflamed, necessitating a root canal procedure. This is why good oral hygiene practices—like regularly brushing, flossing, and attending dental checkups—are so crucial during orthodontic care.

Should I Get a Root Canal Before or After Braces?

You might wonder: “How long after a root canal can I get braces?”

Ideally, any active dental infections or serious tooth damage should be addressed before starting orthodontic treatment. If your dentist identifies a tooth requiring a root canal, they will usually recommend completing that procedure before braces are applied.

However, life isn’t always predictable, and sometimes the need for a root canal only becomes evident once braces are already in place. If this happens, don’t worry—your orthodontic treatment can still proceed without major disruptions.

How Long After a Root Canal Can I Get Braces?

If you’ve recently had a root canal and are planning to get braces, your dentist will typically recommend waiting until the tooth is fully healed. This healing period can range from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the root canal procedure and whether a crown is needed.

Your orthodontist and endodontist will coordinate to ensure your teeth are ready for braces without any risk to your treated tooth.

Caring for Your Teeth During Braces and Root Canal Treatment

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical during orthodontic treatment, especially if you’ve had a root canal or other dental procedures. Here are some tips to ensure both your braces and your treated tooth stay healthy:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss threaders designed for braces to keep your teeth and gums clean.
• Attend Regular Checkups: Both your orthodontist and dentist will need to monitor your progress and oral health.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: These can damage braces and put undue stress on a recently treated tooth.
• Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhere to any specific instructions provided by your orthodontist or endodontist.

Taking these steps will minimize complications and keep your smile on track.

Conclusion

Having braces doesn’t mean you can’t undergo a root canal procedure if necessary. With careful coordination between your orthodontist and endodontist, root canals can be performed safely and effectively without derailing your orthodontic progress.

At Raio Dental, our team specializes in both orthodontic and endodontic care, ensuring seamless treatment plans that address all aspects of your dental health. Whether you need a root canal before braces, a root canal during braces, or guidance on oral hygiene practices, we’re here to help.

Your dental health is our priority, and we’re committed to giving you the healthy, confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us guide you every step of the way!