Your teeth are strong and they can put up a fight. When tooth decay and infection wreak havoc inside your tooth, you may find yourself in need of root canal treatment. This commonly performed procedure will help to get rid of the infection and restore your tooth – and work very well. But, how long does a root canal last? Let’s talk about it.
Root Canal Treatment: What is It?
What starts as a small cavity, if left untreated, can warrant a root canal. The decay can work its way through the enamel and into the interior area of the tooth where the pulp and nerve are located. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and nerve, disinfects the area, and then seals it up so that it may heal.
Once the tooth is healed, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its integrity. And normal functionality will return.
Why Get a Root Canal?
Leaving decay and infection unaddressed in a tooth can lead to more devastating impacts on your oral health – and your overall health. The infection can spread into the jaw bone and may be carried throughout the rest of the body. This can be incredibly dangerous. In addition, the badly decayed tooth may no longer be salvageable and may, instead, need to be extracted. This is all precisely why getting a root canal can have so many benefits, including:
- Improved oral health
- Restore the health and appearance of the infected tooth
- Eliminate pain
- Reduce the spread of infection
- Save the natural tooth
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate of 85-95%. Many find that having endodontic treatment that is sealed with a dental crown can last for years – even a lifetime. Keep in mind that crowns have a lifespan of 10-15 years (longer with superior care), which means you may eventually have to replace the crown with a new one – but the root canal itself will still be effective.
Factors that Impact a Root Canal’s Longevity
As with anything else, there are a few factors that can impact just how long your treatment will last, such as:
- A delay in placing a crown. Immediately following a root canal, a temporary will be placed in the tooth, but it is not intended to be a long-lasting solution. The structural integrity of your tooth will be at risk without the permanent filling and crown with your general dentist.
- Excessive biting forces. If an endodontically treated tooth sustains constant heavy forces from clenching and grinding habits, it is more likely to fracture over time. Protecting these teeth with night guards and proper restorations is vital to their long term prognosis
- Bridge or Partial denture anchors. Endodontically treated teeth that are abutments for a bridge or removable denture receive lateral forces that can compromise the tooth over time.
- Altered anatomy from a previous endodontic procedure. Teeth that have received a root canal in the past and need re-treatment can sometimes present with obstacles to thorough disinfection. If the tooth has already been damaged, the prognosis of re-treatment decreases significantly.
Your level of oral hygiene and care when it comes to your dental crown also plays a role. By maintaining a healthy mouth and not putting undue pressure on your crown, you will have greater success. Routine visits to your dentist can ensure that everything is healthy and well monitored.
Superior Endodontic Care – and Root Canal Treatment
To get the best treatment with lasting results, you need a highly-skilled endodontist. And, at Tittle Endodontics, that is exactly what you will receive.
If you require a root canal treatment, we provide you with a service you can trust. We thoroughly remove the infection from your tooth and securely seal it to prevent any bacteria from making its way in. Your root canal treatment will be complete with a fully functional, properly restored tooth.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our office at 925-676-3388. Or, request an appointment online.