How long can a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment last?
First we must explain that a root canal is a dental procedure, by which the pulp and nerves are removed from the inside of a tooth. This must be done when there are signs of infection in that tooth.
We must emphasize that the infected material, which contains bacteria and toxins, will cause pain and inflammation in the gums, including other symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, nausea and even vomiting.
Such infection can also spread to other parts of the body, all through the bloodstream or lymphatic system if not treated in time.
The first thing to do at ClÃnica Dental ProDent, is to perform an oral examination. In this way our dentists in Tijuana will examine your teeth, this way we determine whether or not a root canal treatment is needed.
Exactly how long can a root canal tooth last?
A tooth that has been treated with a root canal can last as long as other teeth if well cared for, they can even become stronger than the rest of the tooth enamel and more resistant to decay.
At ProDent we calculate that the success rate of teeth treated with a root canal is over 95%, however, the success of this root canal treatment depends on a number of factors, below we detail them:
The type of endodontic orthodontic treatment performed and whether it was successful or unsuccessful
The degree of decay the tooth suffered, this can greatly affect the chances of success
Skill level of the dentist who will treat you
The dental hygiene routine you follow after the root canal
Although, sometimes, teeth that have been treated with a root canal treatment in Tijuana, can also suffer from wear and tear over time. This usually occurs when the patient chews hard foods, grinds his teeth too often or clenches his jaw.
Risk factors for developing problems in endodontically treated teeth
While a root canal therapy is generally successful, there are some risk factors that can affect your teeth after this type of procedure, you may have problems if:
You have any injury or trauma to the tooth
If you have a history of gum disease or an infection in your body, your root canal treatment will not last forever
Fight against tobacco use (smoking), remember that smoking causes enormous damage to gums and teeth and contributes to gum disease and oral infections
Poor hygiene can also not shorten the lifespan of root canals, as bacteria from food particles can build up in your mouth over time. This will eventually lead to the formation of cavities around them, so they become ineffective in preventing further decay from occurring
If you are taking medications for other conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, this can also undoubtedly affect the longevity of a root canal treatment
Keep in mind that if you regularly take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, they may weaken the tissue in and around the teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to damage when biting into food or drinking hot liquids, such as coffee or tea, etc...
If you have gum disease, it is very important to take measures to prevent tooth loss in time.
What happens if endodontic treatment fails?
Failure of a root canal treatment can also put you at risk for other types of complications, such as:
Tooth decay: Which is more likely when a tooth has a missing enamel layer
Loose teeth: This can lead to additional problems, such as difficulty chewing food properly or sensitive gums, where they were previously attached before falling out completely. This problem may require additional dental work, such as crowns or bridges to hold them together once again, rather than just being held together by natural forces such as gravity
It is very important to keep in mind that risk factors can greatly increase the likelihood of a tooth not tasting or experiencing pain after this type of treatment.
If you are concerned about the health of your teeth, it is best to speak with one of our dentists so that he or she can determine whether or not additional treatment is necessary.
Now that you know exactly how long a root canal tooth should last, remember that the duration of this treatment will depend mainly on how well it is done and how well it is cared for afterwards.
