You’ve probably heard that a root canal can go bad after a few years, but a few factors can make a significant difference in how long it lasts. These factors suggested by periodontal specialists include where and how much decay you have on the teeth and the location of the tooth. If you’ve had root canal treatment before, you can do a few things to make sure it remains viable for as long as possible.

The success rate of root canal treatment depends on several factors. For starters, if the infection has spread to surrounding areas, it may take longer to treat, and it may not be possible to save the tooth. In such a case, it’s best to consult a dental implants periodontist in Longmont immediately. If you’re in significant pain, don’t decide on undergoing root canal treatment on your own. Instead, take help from a trusted friend or family member.

Keep reading to learn more about the factors that determine the longevity of your root canal teeth in Longmont.

The Extent of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that has not been treated can quickly become a big problem. Left untreated, it can eventually reach the root of a tooth. The core of a tooth contains soft, sensitive tissue called the pulp. Infection and decay of the pulp can result in tooth loss. A root canal can prevent this from happening.

According to periodontal specialists, root canal treatments are a great way to save a heavily decayed tooth. Your dentist will remove the decayed pulp and shape the root canals during the procedure. After the procedure, your tooth will be filled with a special filling to prevent the tooth from coming out of your mouth. Once the process is completed, the tooth is not infected, and the periodontal ligament will help keep it in place.

Location of Teeth

Several other factors affect how long a root canal treatment will last. One of these factors is the location of the tooth. The location of teeth can affect the longevity of a root canal significantly. The front teeth, for example, tend to receive less biting force than the back teeth. Teeth with multiple roots, such as molars, will typically take more time to drill than teeth with only one root.

A quality root canal procedure should last a lifetime if performed correctly. In most dental implants center in Longmont, patients must come back for a second visit to complete the process and make it last much longer. Other factors that influence the longevity of root canal treatments include the age of the patient and their dental health. The success rate will also depend on the ability of the dentist to restore the tooth.

Success of Treatment

A successful root canal treatment can save the tooth and preserve its structure. Although it cannot save a tooth that is already dying, root canal treatment can preserve it as a valuable asset. Unlike an extraction, this procedure will not affect your bite or orthodontic growth. However, the process can cause some minor complications, including fractured teeth. Fortunately, root canal teeth in Longmont have an excellent success rate so that you can enjoy a lifelong smile.

The success of root canal treatment also depends on your oral hygiene and your tooth type. Many root canal treatments fail to address the underlying problem. If your tooth has a broken or chipped root, a root canal can save it.

Age and Dental Health

The duration of root canal treatment also depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth. For example, if a tooth has several roots, it can reduce the success rate. A tooth that has multiple roots could also suffer infection in the future. In such cases, you should visit your dental implants periodontist in Longmont for an opinion. The dentist will listen to your symptoms, examine your teeth, and take x-rays to plan your root canal treatment.

X-rays can show the dentist how deep your decay has penetrated and how many roots are in total. This information helps him plan the treatment accordingly. Once your dentist has removed the diseased or damaged pulp, they will place an extensive, well-sealed restoration over the tooth. The tooth may also require a gold alloy or porcelain crown.

After a root canal, your dentist will examine the tooth to ensure it is not a recurring infection. Therefore, it is important to go back to your dentist for a follow-up exam at least six months after the procedure. In addition, you will need to visit your dental implants center in Longmont every three to five years so they can check the treatment to ensure the process hasn’t failed.

Post-op Care

Following root canal therapy requires post-op care. You should refrain from chewing on the treated area for several hours or until the anesthesia wears off. Although chewing on a numb area can be tempting, it may lead to injury. Also, it is important not to eat hard foods for a week or so after the procedure. Afterward, you may be able to eat soft foods once the pain has subsided.

You should follow all postoperative instructions carefully. The surgical site may be sore for several days, so use Q-tips and saltwater to keep the area clean. Also, avoid blowing your nose as you may be prescribed a nasal decongestant spray to reduce the chance of infection.

You should avoid chewing or drinking anything that contains caffeine after the procedure. It is important to follow post-op instructions advised by periodontal specialists to minimize pain because your mouth is the most exposed area in your body. Bacteria can enter your body through your mouth, so you should follow instructions carefully to ensure a positive outcome.

Root Canal Failure

A poorly-done root canal is more likely to fail. And even if your root canal teeth in Longmont last long enough, it may be necessary to undergo a repeat treatment if the procedure fails. This is because bacteria may remain in the auxiliary canals off the main root canals, which may be prone to reinfection. Fortunately, the new technology of cone-beam CT can detect root canal failure in the mouth before the patient even experiences symptoms. According to this dentures dentist in charlotte, if the treatment fails for some reason, your dentist may suggest replacing the tooth altogether. In that case, you’ll need to either get dentures or implants to replace the missing tooth.

Key Takeaways

While root canals generally last for a lifetime, they may need retreatment after a few years. Therefore, patients should be prepared for the possibility of retreatment after a few years. Getting an early diagnosis of the infection can also help improve the treatment outcome. Also, it’s better to undergo root canal treatment sooner rather than later. It’s important to note that infection that spreads outside of the pulp area is more likely to recur, so you’ll want to get the treatment at a reliable dental implants center in Longmont as soon as possible.

AUTHOR BIO

Steve Johnson works as the Lead Marketing Manager for Rocky Mountain Dental Specialists, a periodontal disease treatment center in Longmont, CO. He also enjoys fly-fishing, skiing, golf, and helping people out in his free time.