According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canals have a success rate of over 95% and in most cases they last a lifetime.
According to this report, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer. Molars treated by endodontists had a 10 year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
A crown and root canal will last much longer than extraction and a bridge. In this way, even though root canals are not permanent solutions, they can still fix the issue for many years, allowing you to keep your teeth as long as possible. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
Root canal therapy is generally safe and effective, with a success rate of more than 95%. Like any other medical or dental procedure, though, a root canal can occasionally fail. This is normally due to a loose crown, tooth fracture, or new decay. Root canals can fail soon after the procedure, or even years later.
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.
A dentist can repeat a root canal treatment on a tooth two or more times. While teeth that undergo a root canal procedure can last a lifetime, some of these teeth may not heal properly due to salivary contamination and other reasons.
Removal of root canal teeth are often recommended because they eliminate the possibility of Bacteremia infection entering the blood stream and causing infection to other teeth, heart, cardiac muscles and the brain. This is why tooth extraction may be suggested.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
Possible Symptoms of a Reinfected Root Canal or Other Issues
Increased sensitivity to temperature, lingering pain after eating either hot or cold food. Constant pressure or pain. Pain when tapping teeth together, Swollen gums.
Though a root canal involves removing the nerves from inside a tooth, the tooth continues to function as normal. The nerves play an insignificant role in a fully developed tooth; thus, the tooth is still alive.
Accumulation of unwanted materials: Cholesterol crystals can accumulate and irritate the tissues where the root canal was done, as well as scar tissue or cystic lesions. Immune system response: The procedure can cause an overactive immune response in your body, causing negative health impacts.
Most first-time root canal treatments achieve their purpose in saving an internally decayed tooth and extending its life to match those of the patient's non-decayed teeth. Occasionally, though, a root canal-treated tooth may become re-infected by decay.
What is the Typical Age for Root Canal Treatment? There is no specific age for root canal treatment. If any individual is experiencing a severe tooth infection, they may require root canal therapy in Yellowknife. However, it is more likely for an individual to require root canal therapy between the ages of 12 to 65.
The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth's structural integrity.
Dental treatment alternatives to a root canal include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Your dentist may recommend a root canal when your tooth shows signs of infection or significant pulpal nerve damage. When a tooth is cracked or has a significant cavity, bacteria is able to enter the pulp, and if left untreated, can lead to serious infection, bone loss, or the loss of the tooth itself.
For example, if your infection is too severe to receive a root canal and antibiotics, your dentist might recommend an extraction instead even if it is not one of your wisdom teeth.
The Consequences of Avoiding a Root Canal
If the infection is concerning and left untreated it can cause you to lose your tooth or part of your jaw or even lead to dental abscesses or a life-threatening stroke, sepsis, or heart attack. As the infection progresses so will the pain which will be excruciating.
Most of the time a dental implant is possible after a failed root canal. Many people may opt for a root canal and then do a dental implant when the root canal fails.
Irrigating the tooth cavity with Ozone gas is another alternative to root canal therapy. Ozone penetrates the tubules of the tooth beyond the drilled areas and the lateral tubules to disinfect the tooth beneath the enamel.
The result of a root canal treatment is a dead tooth that has no dental pulp or living soft tissues. This tooth is no longer responsive as there is no nerve ending or vascular supply, hence the root can not row back.
First, though the nerve-filled “pulp” is removed from your tooth, there are still other nerves and sensitive tissues near the canal of your tooth, and these can be irritated and become swollen or inflamed after your endodontic treatment, causing some minor discomfort.
Normal sensitivity after a root canal
You may feel soreness around the area and the root canal tooth may be sensitive. If you have mild to moderate pain, you may consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. If your pain is extreme or lasts more than a few days, call your dentist or root canal specialist.