Root canals are a common dental procedure that can save a severely damaged or infected tooth. According to research, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or more. Molars treated by endodontists have a 10-year survival rate, significantly higher than those treated by general dentists. With proper care, a root canal can last a lifetime. The most important thing for endodontics to last as long as possible is to perform permanent restoration (fillings or crowns) on the tooth immediately after endodontics and maintain that restoration with impeccable hygiene.
A person should brush the tooth thoroughly and use dental floss to keep it healthy, since there is no nerve in the tooth and cavities will not cause any symptoms. The dentist may also recommend follow-up X-rays from time to time to check if the tooth is reinfected or other signs of failure. If the job is particularly complex, the dentist may refer you to a specialist in root canal treatment, known as an endodontist. Endodontists are qualified to perform root canals and have done several years of specialized training after dental school to focus exclusively on root canal treatments. Molars have more canals to fill, so they are more expensive and endodontists tend to charge more because of their specialized training. Endodontics performed by an endodontist is the go-to treatment for an infected or sore tooth and, under optimal conditions, the patient can expect the treated tooth to last 20 years or more.
In this case, an endodontist can perform an apicectomy, which involves accessing the root of the tooth through an incision made in the gums and bone. Root canals are designed to save teeth that are severely damaged or infected. With proper care, a tooth that has been treated with a root canal can last a lifetime. However, while this treatment is more than 95% successful, there is a remote chance that your dentist will recommend that you have yours redone. Here's why you might need a new endodontic treatment in Edmond and what you can expect when repairing your smile. The most important thing is to brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain the health and integrity of your teeth.
While the vast majority of root canals will last at least 5 years, most of them will last up to 10 or 15 years. If you wear a crown and maintain impeccable dental hygiene habits, it can last a lifetime.
