When the pulp of our tooth becomes inflamed or infected, we may have a toothache and would rush to the dentist for treatment. There are options for tooth extraction or preservation through root canal treatment. A root canal is always a preferred option because it gives new life to the tooth without extracting it, where the dentist removes the rotten parts of the tooth.
Many people wonder how long can a root canal last. The lifespan of this particular treatment can vary because it depends on the circumstances. The following post will answer many of your questions.
How Long Do Root Canal Treatments Last?
A root canal treatment makes it possible to get rid of the pain and improve the health of our mouth by extracting the infected tooth’s nerve and pulp. There is no doubt that root canal treatment has a high success rate, but it can be challenging to predict the lifespan of a root-canaled tooth. On average, our tooth can last 10 to 15 years after treatment, and a dental crown can further prolong its life.
A root canal is the last resort to save a tooth damaged by an accident or decay. When our tooth has root canal therapy, it continues to function in a usual manner for several years after the procedure. It is worth mentioning that the treatment can last a lifetime if the patient tries to save the tooth from weather elements and tooth particles.
Why May a Root Canal Fail?
Usually, a small percentage of root canal treatments fail, which is never a failure. There are cases in which a tooth may have more than a single root, and there is a possibility that only one source was treated and filled. So, when the remaining roots get infected, they may also need a root canal treatment. The following are a few reasons why a root canal may fail.
- The main reason might be that the individual may not have cared for the tooth well. We usually see this in children and teens with inconsistent oral hygiene habits.
- When some time passes, the seal becomes weak, allowing the bacteria to enter the tooth. Although it is uncommon, it may still happen.
- Another cause of root canal failure is if the tooth has more than one root, and any one of the roots gets an infection that is not detected or noticed. Although the situation is unlikely, it sometimes happens.
Which Factors Decrease the Life of a Root Canal?
- Age of the Patient
Age can always take a toll on a person’s body, including the nature of the teeth. They get less reliable and weaker when people age. Although a dental crown offers support and stability to the tooth, it can become ineffective over time.
- Location of the Tooth
Our front teeth come with a single root canal, and that is why it is easy to treat. It can last longer, as it isn’t exposed to the bite force and pressure. On the other hand, back teeth come with two or three root canals and need more work. So, their lifespan gets reduced because of exposure to more pressure and bite force.
- Treatment’s Success
Even a dentist can make errors, and there are times when he may miss something in the procedure. Sometimes, all the pieces of the infected pulp are not removed, so the traces of infection are left behind. Over time, the tooth’s condition can get worse, and the process may need to be repeated.
Effective Root Canal Treatment in Endeavour Hills, VIC, Australia
No dental or medical procedures can be 100% guaranteed to last a lifetime, and the same is true with a root canal. Endeavour Smiles Group has years of experience to ensure that your natural teeth are preserved for decades. We will instruct you in the best ways so that your root canal-treated tooth stays healthy for a long time.
If you are looking for a root canal treatment, call us to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
