Getting a root canal is not something a person usually signs up for willingly, but when the choice is root canal or lose the tooth, a root canal suddenly becomes the better option. The question that many people ask, however, is how long does it save the tooth? Let’s explore some background and learn more about root canals.
Why Get a Root Canal?
There is living tissue in our teeth. Sometimes, this tissue becomes inflamed or even infected. Once this happens, it can result in loss of the tooth. The infection can even spread to the bone and affect other teeth. A root canal cleans up the infected part of the pulp and leaves the remaining healthy tissue behind. This allows you to keep your tooth for years to come rather than switching to alternatives such as implants and veneers.
How Long Will a Root Canal Last?
The answer to this question is subjective. To some degree, it has to do with the skill of your dentist in removing all of the infected material. If any gets left behind, it will ultimately spread and result in the need for another root canal in the future.
Also, the sooner you catch the problem the better, so keep your regular checkups every six months. In the early stages, it is easier to get to all of the infection before it starts to get further into the roots. The tooth that is causing the problem is also a factor. Front teeth don’t have as may roots, so there is little room for error. Back teeth have several, which makes the procedure a bit more complicated.
The other factor is your overall oral health. If your other teeth are healthy, it is easier to get in and out for the root canal without any worries. While a crown will be placed on the tooth after the root canal to protect it, older or severely damaged teeth may eventually crack even with a crown in place. So an otherwise healthy tooth is the best candidate for a successful root canal.
The Best Option
While the best option is to care for your teeth and never need a root canal, the fact is that if a root canal becomes necessary, it is still the best option for a tooth with infected pulp. An extraction and a bridge will not last as long as a root canal and crown. So while a root canal is not a permanent solution, it can still fix the problem for many years to come, allowing you to retain your tooth for as long as possible.
