A root canal is a lifeline for the tooth that was infected or suffered beyond its power to function anymore. It happens to be the most common form of dental practice, providing alleviation from any kind of ache and preventing further loss of tooth. But still, if one is considering or has undergone root canal therapy in Mill Bay then it is important to know about how long does this root canal procedure last?
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that is done by an Endodontics specialist, which is a dental specialist who is trained to treat the inside of teeth. The process of the root canal includes removal of infected or damaged pulp, cleaning of canals, and sealing of the tooth to prevent infection from happening again. This procedure is often prescribed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies. Such cases can occur due to decay, trauma, or several dental procedures.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
On average, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last many years, even a lifetime, with proper care. Several factors influence how long the tooth will remain healthy after the procedure, including:
- Quality of the Procedure: The endodontist’s skill and expertise play a critical role in determining the success and longevity of the root canal. Thorough cleaning, sealing, and proper placement of the filling material are crucial factors that ensure the durability of the tooth.
- Post-Treatment Care: Ideally, after a root canal, the tooth has to be restored with a crown or some sort of dental restoration. If it is not attended to, the tooth becomes brittle and may fracture over time, which is bad for its longevity.
- Overall Dental Health: Good general oral health, including brushing and flossing, also minimizes the chances of infections and the lifespan of a root canal-treated tooth. Antimicrobial treatment through regular visits to a dentist will further ensure that infections begin early enough if they develop.
- Tooth Location: The location of the treated tooth also matters. Teeth in the back of the mouth (molars) are subjected to more pressure during chewing, which may affect the long-term outcome. If you’ve had a root canal on a molar, your dentist may recommend a crown to provide additional strength and protection.
Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
Although a tooth root canal is often the best solution for an infected tooth, there is other treatment which may be prescribed if this is not suitable for your situation. This can include:
- Tooth Extraction: The infection may become so severe that the tooth’s presence becomes unbearable, and removal might be inevitable. After an extraction, you can replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture.
- Pulp Capping: A less invasive procedure can sometimes be applied, for example, in the pulp capping process, where the pulp is still healthy but can be attacked by decay. The pulp capping procedure focuses on the placement of some material over the exposed pulp to stimulate healing.
- Apicoectomy: If the cause of infection persists after a root canal, the dentist may need to remove the tip of the tooth’s root through a surgical procedure known as apicoectomy.
- Laser Root Canal Therapy: This is an emerging technology in the dental field where laser energy cleans the root canal system. This therapy can sometimes be combined with the traditional form of root canal therapy to ensure a more enhanced cleaning process.
Dead Tooth Root Canal: Before and After
A dead tooth, typically caused by significant decay or trauma, can be treated with a root canal. The tooth could be discolored, painful, or swollen before the treatment due to the infection. The pain usually goes away after the treatment, and the infection is removed. However, the tooth may still need a crown for protection and for its function to be restored.
Sometimes the dead tooth would appear different pre and post-restoration. There is a potential for it still to appear differently colored compared to other teeth; this might have been because infection was deep inside the pulp cavity. In case of an efficiently fitted crown, it may eventually appear as that of a fresh, healthy one.
Visit Mill Bay Dental for Comprehensive Care
To know more or book an appointment with a reliable dental clinic near you, contact Mill Bay Dental today! We are glad to offer top-notch services such as root canal therapy to our patients in and around Mill Bay. Don’t wait to get the dental care you need!
