If you have recently had or will need to have a root canal, you might be wondering how long this dental treatment will last. The good news is that depending on several factors, most root canals will last a decade or more before further treatment is needed. Be sure to discuss your specific case with your dentist and ask what you can do to increase the lifespan of your root canal procedure.
How Long Will Your Root Canal Last?
A root canal can last a long time, and in some cases, it can last a lifetime. The median survival time of a tooth after a root canal is 11.1 years. However, many factors will affect how long a root canal lasts, including:
The Type of Root Canal Treatment
Root canals can involve different types of restorative treatments to preserve the natural tooth. Teeth that receive a root canal, filling, and crown can last about 20 years. Teeth that receive a filling or crown after a root canal last around 11 years, while teeth that receive no restorative work only last about 6.5 years.
Your Dental Hygiene
How well you keep your teeth clean will also impact the lifespan of your root canal. Keeping your teeth and gums clean can help your treated tooth survive for a long time. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist, will help preserve the root canal work you have.
Forces on the Tooth
Everyday wear and biting forces applied to the tooth will help determine how long your root canal lasts. The stronger and more frequent forces applied to the affected tooth, the less life it will have. In addition, if your tooth suffers any subsequent dental trauma, it may decrease the lifespan of the root canal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
If your tooth is decayed and left untreated, the situation can become worse as the decay can eventually spread to other teeth. If you wait until you are in a lot of pain, your dentist might need to perform a root canal on more than one tooth. Doing so can cost you more money than if you had taken care of it much earlier. Just because your tooth doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean you don’t need a root canal or can wait until it does hurt. As with many other medical or dental issues, root canals are best performed early on once your dentist determines you need one.
Will My Insurance Cover a Root Canal?
Yes, most dental insurance plans will cover root canal treatment. Since such a procedure is performed for the benefit of your oral health, it’s not considered a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Our office can provide an estimate of the out-of-pocket treatment costs with your insurance coverage.
Learn More About Root Canals at the Smile Architects
If you need a root canal or other dental services in Huntersville, North Carolina, look no further than the professional dental office of Smile Architects. Our dentists can explain the procedure and answer all of your questions to help you feel comfortable.
Call 704-875-1621 or contact us today to learn more about root canals and schedule an appointment.