How Long Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?

How Long Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to save teeth with damaged inner pulp, relieving your pain and restoring your healthy smile. Today’s modern technology, dental anesthetics, and endodontic techniques offer gentle and virtually pain-free root canal treatments, comparable to having cavities filled.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal procedure involves removing the infected tooth pulp and cleaning and shaping the space. Next, we fill the root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha and seal the tooth. After treatment, you will return to your general dentist, who will place a dental crown over the treated tooth to protect it and prevent damage or breakage. 

How Long Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?

A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy has the potential to last a lifetime with proper care. According to the American Association of Endodontists, the endodontic procedure has a more than 95 percent success rate.

Despite their incredibly high success rate, root canal-treated teeth can sometimes become re-infected. Reasons include poor oral hygiene, unusual tooth root anatomy, the infection not being entirely removed, an improper seal that allows bacteria to reenter, or tooth fracture. The good news is that endodontic retreatment can usually save the tooth, restoring its form and function.

What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?

Similar to root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment involves cleaning out the root canals to eliminate any infection. The intricate procedure requires the use of a dental operating microscope to search for unusual anatomies or additional canals that require retreatment. Once again, we disinfect, shape, and fill the roots with gutta-percha, then seal the space. You will return to your general dentist for a new dental crown to fortify your treated tooth’s structure and prevent further damage.

Why Choose an Endodontist for Root Canal Treatments?

Did you know that less than three percent of dentists are endodontists? Endodontists complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school, with an emphasis on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatments and other endodontic procedures relating to the inside of the tooth.

Endodontists are dedicated to providing endodontic procedures. They perform countless root canal treatments each week, while general dentists perform one or two. Choosing a specialist for your endodontic needs will ensure you have an experienced provider with the skill, experience, and expertise to provide you with effective treatment, ensuring faster healing and the best possible outcomes.

Root Canal Therapy Near Me

If you have a damaged or painful tooth or want to learn more about root canal therapy, contact Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics to schedule a consultation. You can always trust our specialists for unmatched care and service. We invite you to call us to schedule your appointment today!