Root canal treatment is considered by a dentist when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected. The pulp comprises soft connective tissue that sits at the centre of the tooth, occupying the cavity.
The good news is if the dentist examines your oral health and identifies that a tooth is severely decayed, they will always consider saving the remains of the tooth if there are remains to be saved. You may be wondering that if a tooth is decayed, it’s probably better to remove the tooth.
However, removing a tooth compared to saving it is a bad choice. Here’s why:
- A gap in the tooth means a greater chance of bacteria penetrating inside your gums
- Alternative restorative treatments after a tooth are removed is likely
- Removing and restoring teeth with artificial replacements can be expensive
How Can A Dentist Save My Tooth?
The dentist can preserve the healthy remains of your teeth for years to come with root canal treatment. After an initial examination of the decayed tooth, the dentist will first remove the pulp and clean and disinfect the root canal. The tooth will be kept secure so that it can continue to function even after the connective tissue (the pulp) is removed. Once the canal is cleaned, the dentist will feel and seal the space and place a crown on top of the tooth as extra protection.
So, How Long Do Root Canals Last?
How long do root canals last is a popular question amongst many patients? The longevity of a root canal depends on several factors. It is important to know that when a dentist completes root canal treatment, the steps you take to look after it will be a fundamental factor that determines how long and healthy your root canal lasts.
Here are some points to consider when answering how to do root canals last, and by keeping the root canal healthy for the long term.
The Timing Of The Treatment
There’s more than one facet to root canal treatment, and this can impact the timing and quality of the treatment. After a root canal, the affected area is sealed, typically with a filling. The timing is important because if the tooth is left to decay without treatment, healthy remains of the tooth will cease to exist. Therefore, applying the crown vs the time it takes to visit the dentist will impact its longevity.
The Quality Of The Root Canal
The quality of the root canal is in the hands of the dentist. Yes, a root canal can fail, but the success rates are very high at 95%. The dentist will ensure that the crown is firmly applied. If the root canal does fail, the dentist will identify why this happened and retreat the tooth.
Any Oral Health Conditions
The root canal can loosen if you suffer from teeth grinding, which occurs when the biting forced grind together, causing dental decay and general damage. If these conditions aren’t mentioned to your dentist before root canal treatment, there will likely be future complications.
The Tooth Location
Root canals are more difficult to perform if it’s required on any back teeth. Treatment at front teeth is easier to treat and hence, can impact the overall cost of treatment too. A decayed tooth is vulnerable to issues because of the biting force when eating.
Looking After Your Root Canal
There isn’t a set time for your root canal to remain in place. This ultimately depends on how well you look after it post-treatment. An aftercare plan is essential, and the dentist will work with you to create it. Typically, you’ll be required to gently brush your teeth and ensure the root canal doesn’t come into any contact with anything that can damage it, such as solid and chewy foods, ice, and bad habits such as grinding.
Doing this will mean it is very likely that your root canal will last for many years to come. If you need further information on how long do root canals last, then consult your dentist for expert advice today!