Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure used to treat an infected or sore tooth. It is a go-to treatment for many patients, and under optimal conditions, the treated tooth can last up to 20 years or more. But how long does a root canal last on average? According to this report, 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 had a 10-year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
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. It's very important for patients to understand that endodontic treatments DO NOT last forever.
Once you've had one root canal, you may not want to have another one, so you're probably worried about how long the root canal will last. Pain, tenderness when biting, gum inflammation, loose teeth, or sinus pain can (but not always) be symptoms of root canal insufficiency, making it necessary for the patient to undergo new endodontic treatment. In general, a root canal won't take much longer than filling a cavity or removing a wisdom tooth. How long it takes for a dental specialist to perform a root canal will depend on several factors. 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. Dentists often recommend root canal treatment when the inner tissue of the tooth, known as pulp, becomes infected or affected by decay or trauma.
Endodontic treatment can fail for several reasons, according to the American Association of Endodontists. First, anatomical variations in the structure of a tooth's root, curved canals, blocked canals, and irregularly shaped canals can pose complications in treating tooth roots. A root canal is generally the last attempt to save a natural tooth that is substantially decayed or infected. Many patients have questions about root canal therapy, including how long the restored tooth is likely to last. The answer depends on several factors such as the patient's oral hygiene habits and whether they wear a crown.
With proper care and maintenance, most root canals will last up to 10 or 15 years. However, if you don't practice good oral hygiene habits and don't wear a crown, your root canal may not last as long. It's important to remember that endodontic treatments DO NOT last forever and regular checkups with your dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your teeth after having a root canal procedure done, it's important to contact your dentist right away.
