Root Canals: Myths and Facts - Abundant Dental Care (2024)

FAQs

What happens 10 years after a root canal? ›

Dentists believe that a tooth can last at least ten years after undergoing root canal treatment. However, such a lifespan is only made possible by the patient's effort to prolong its lifespan. On the other hand, a dentist can also add some years to a tooth's lifespan by including a dental crown after the treatment.

Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations.

Infected or damaged teeth can be excruciatingly painful, and root canals can help to relieve this pain by eliminating the infection or damage. After removing the infected or damaged pulp, patients experience significant pain and discomfort relief.

General Success Rate: Root canal therapy boasts a success rate ranging from 85% to 95%. This implies that a significant majority of patients experience a positive outcome. Tooth Survival: Treated teeth often function for a lifetime, highlighting the procedure's long-term success.

The other important fact is that a healthy nerve supplies water (via the blood supply) to the dentin of the tooth. Once the nerve is no longer there, the tooth has no water-supply and becomes brittle; and the brittleness increases over time.

Breaking down the root canal data

Teeth that receive a root canal, and a subsequent filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last around 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal only last about 6.5 years.

Many people avoid having root canals due to rumors that the procedure will be painful or out of fear of complications from the procedure. Root canal treatments may have been painful decades ago but with modern dental technology and anesthetics, the procedure is only about as painful as having a filling placed.

An alternative to a root canal is “endodontic therapy,” which is often used by holistic dentists. Endodontic therapy is performed when the tooth is severely damaged by: Any kind of traumatic accidental injury. Oral infection.

Yes, dentists over-prescribe root canals. Often, dentists will jump to a root canal just to “be safe” or because dental insurance covers it. But root canals can: Destroy your tooth structure.

A root canal removes bacteria from an infected tooth, essentially replacing part or all of the root with a type of filling. An extraction involves removing the tooth altogether. The cost of a root canal varies from $600 to $1,400 on average. The cost of a tooth extraction usually ranges from $130 to $500.

What are alternatives to root canals? ›

Dental treatment alternatives to a root canal include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

The usual factors which can be attributed to endodontic failure are: Persistence of bacteria (intra-canal and extra-canal) Inadequate filling of the canal (canals that are poorly cleaned and obturated) Overextensions of root filling materials.

Myth 3: It's better to pull a tooth than have root canal treatment. Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth so it's important to always consider root canal treatment as an option.

Maxillary first molars (MFM) are among the most difficult teeth for endodontic treatment due to their complex root canal system [2].

With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance.

Root canal reinfection isn't common, but it isn't unheard of either. Root canal procedures are overwhelmingly successful; however, a previously treated tooth can become reinfected days, weeks, months, or even years after the initial procedure.

Leaving a needed root canal untreated can lead to serious complications. First, the infection can spread, leading to an abscess or a pus-filled pocket at the roots of your tooth. This can be incredibly painful and can cause swelling that may spread to other areas of the face or neck.