Root canals are the safety net that prevents you from losing a tooth that is a threat to your oral cavity. It is done by extracting the inner pulp, followed by cleaning, reshaping, and sterilization of the root canal, making it last decades or even forever.
How Long Can You Expect a Root Canal To Last?
According to dental care experts, a root canal treatment can easily last 10 years or more with proper care. However, this lifespan is dependent on your efforts to maintain it. On the other hand, when a root canal is followed by crown placement, it can last even longer due to an added layer of protection.
Factors Impacting the Life of Root Canals
Some key factors that influence the lasting ability of this treatment:
1. Severity of Damage
The best results of root canals are seen if treated in the early stages since less damage is easily salvageable. An extensive portion is removed in case of advanced decay.
2. Position of the Tooth
The type of tooth and its location in this procedure matter a lot. The front teeth are quite simpler than the ones at the back because the front teeth have a single canal, while the back teeth have more than one. If the infection has grown in one of the teeth from the back, dentists may have to do this procedure on 2 to 3 roots, making it more difficult to treat.
3. Age
As we age, our teeth start becoming fragile and more prone to breaking. This affects not only the life of tooth structure but also how long the root canal would be on it.
Root Canal Failure
This treatment, although extremely successful, still has chances of failure. There are several factors that can come into play. Sometimes, structural anomalies may be why your dentist cannot eradicate the problem 100%. Other than that, sudden dental injuries, salivary contamination, or a blockage can cause root canals to not last long and fail soon.
Good Aftercare
Professionally done dental procedures are one pillar of the two. Your hygiene regime and consistency after treatment impact how long that tooth will last after a root canal.
Some aftercare tips that can help you in the long run:
- Switch to a diet that is inclined towards soft foods.
- Remember to not chew from the side that went under root canal treatment.
- Gently brush your teeth.
- Rinse the oral cavity with a mouthwash.
- Stop smoking
- Take all the medications as per your dentist’s instructions.
Closing Note
There are a lot of factors that come into play while determining the lasting ability of a root canal. However, following the aftercare guidelines is one way you can stay away from any possible complications that may arise. You can contact Dr. Husein Alibhai, an active member of the American Dental Association, to learn more about root canal treatment at Saifee Family Dentistry by dialing (281) 350-5600.