July 23, 2021
Root canal, also called RCT is a treatment for a tooth that is badly infected down to the root.
The treatment successfully repairs the tooth. You may say that it will last a lifetime.
But since the tooth was severely damaged before the treatment, it would certainly be weaker than your other healthy teeth.
It would last for a good 10-15 years but if they are crowned, it will increase their life. For this, you should know exactly how a root canal treatment is done.
What Exactly Happens During RCT
A root canal is usually the last resort for saving a tooth that is severely infected.
Your Kirkland dentist will make a small crevice in your tooth, remove the pulp out of the canal and then seal it with a filling.
To complete the procedure and make it long-lasting, a crown is fitted on the tooth for additional strength & durability.
One needs to be religious in dental hygiene and protecting the crown. Keep your oral cavity free of infections and do not chew on very hard nuts or ice.
Has the procedure been done with an experienced dentist or endodontic at Kirkland, who restores the tooth properly after the procedure?
However, there are many other factors that may increase or decrease the life of an RCT.
Also Read: When and Why Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Factors That Decrease the Life of RCT
- The first reason is negligence on the patient’s part. The patient may not have taken good care of the tooth, especially if he is a kid or teenager who invariably has inconsistent oral hygiene habits.
- The second is a natural occurrence of the tooth having two roots. One of those roots may have a very tiny infection that is not possible to detect. It may flare up later. While this occurrence is highly unlikely, it still does happen sometimes.
- Though uncommon, sometimes the filling can become weak over time and bacteria make their way inside the tooth. The patient does not feel any pain, that’s why regular checkups are important.
- Occasionally, teeth that have had RCT done, may fracture after many years. It usually happens with patients who unknowingly grind or clench their teeth. Sho, if you feel pain or sensitivity in an RCT tooth, see your dentist.
- Teeth that have received root canal therapy would last a lifetime only if they have been properly restored anatomically after the endodontic treatment. Proper restoration ensures that the altered tooth is strong enough to survive the rigorous actions of its everyday functioning.
No medical procedure or technology comes with a 100 percent guarantee of laying a lifetime, but if good care is taken, your treated tooth will last forever.
If the tooth is properly restored, you are maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s advice of routine checkups, your tooth could very well last for the rest of your life.
If you want to know more about how root canals, fillings and crowns are used for treatment and restoration, contact your own dentist at Kirkland Premier Dentistry today!
