Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when its pulp chamber has been damaged, as the blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves in the pulp chamber are exposed to harmful irritants like bacteria and the acids that they produce. Root canal treatment involves the dentist removing the soft tissues in the pulp to prevent infection and stop the pain caused by the damage. These soft tissues are only necessary when a tooth is still growing. Once it is fully developed, the tooth can get all the nutrients that it needs from the surrounding blood vessels.
The benefits of getting root canal therapy can last a lifetime, but some patients might need additional treatments in the future. Factors like the location of the tooth and the patient’s age often determine how long the benefits of a root canal last.
According to studies reported by WebMD, over 90% of root canals are successful, meaning the patient does not need any additional treatments. About 86% of root canals last over 10 years. Let us take a look at a few of the factors that can impact the success rate of root canal treatments.
Root canal treatments that are performed when needed typically last longer than those performed after the issue has been allowed to fester. The longer that a person waits before getting root canal therapy for a tooth with a compromised pulp chamber, the higher the risk of complications. Wait long enough, and root canal therapy might no longer be an option. For example, dentists often recommend extractions over root canals when there is a significant risk of an infection spreading into the jaw.
Dentists often recommend restorations like composite bonding or crowns for teeth that have been repaired with root canal therapy. The type of restoration used also affects how long the treatment lasts. Composite bonding is the more affordable way to rebuild a tooth after root canal therapy, but it does not offer as much protection as a crown. Teeth covered up with crowns after a root canal typically have fewer complications. How soon the restoration is placed on the tooth also affects the longevity of the treatment.
Root canals performed on teeth located at the front of the mouth are typically less complicated than treating teeth in the back of the mouth. These teeth are also subjected to fewer forces and bite pressures after the procedure because they are primarily used for cutting and biting.
Molars at the back of the mouth are the most challenging teeth to restore with root canal therapy because they have multiple root canals and deal with considerably greater forces after the treatment. Covering these teeth with crowns is a must.
Root canal therapy can be a long-term solution for infected or damaged teeth and can last the rest of your life. Call or stop by our Tracy clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carlosesanchezdds.com or call Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS at (209) 690-1118 for an appointment in our Tracy office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Tracy, CA.
Wondering whether root canal therapy is in your near future? The only way to know is to make an appointment with a general dentist for a full oral evaluation. While most dental patients know they have a problem tooth, not all tooth infections cause pain.A tooth infection occurs when bacteria are able to get inside…
Looking for more information on root canal therapy? Root canals are special dental procedures that are necessary in order to save and restore one's oral health. While they do have a reputation for being painful, current dental technology has allowed for an easy, painless procedure. Keep reading to learn when a root canal may be…
A root canal treatment is used by a dentist to deal with severe cases of tooth decay. It is the last course of action before extraction becomes inevitable. Tooth decay is caused by parts of a tooth being eaten away by acids in the foods a person consumes and those produced by oral bacteria.The earlier…
Root canal treatment is not painful like the myths make people believe. Call us for details on the procedure.Root canal treatment removes the infected dental pulp within the tooth and leaves the natural tooth otherwise intact. We offer root canal treatment that is not nearly as painful as some believe it to be.Root Canal TreatmentAt…
Periodontics care is specialized dental care for treating and preventing periodontal disease from reappearing. Scaling and root planing may be performed on patients with periodontal disease to eliminate bacterial plaque and other toxins. Gum disease-causing bacteria can reappear three to four months after initial treatment. As a result, the dentist will recommend coming for cleanings…
Having a full mouth reconstruction is an important procedure to renew your smile and get your oral health back on track. These procedures can be invasive and involved, so it is normal to feel some nervousness. If you are worried about what will take place, it is helpful to learn as much about this process…