How Long Can a Root Canal Last Before It Needs Retreatment?

Root canal therapy has enabled millions of natural teeth to be restored instead of being extracted, restoring their comfort and functionality over the course of decades. The question that still lingers among most patients is: How long after which root canals can be retreated? In Kelly Dental, we feel that we should make the patients realize the long-term perspective of this treatment in order to save their investment and oral health.

Learning the Purpose of a Root Canal

Root canal treatment is done when the inner pulp of the tooth is exposed to decay, cracks, or trauma, which causes pain or infection. During the treatment, the infected tissue is removed, the interior of the canal is cleaned, and then, to avoid reinfection, the canal is covered using a crown or filling, which gives back the natural shape and structure of the tooth. After a root canal is done, with proper care, it can last up to 10 to 20 years and sometimes even longer. It is important for you to follow the guidance of your doctor for proper care and visit us for regular checkups.

What Influences the Survival of a Root Canal?

The survival of your root canal after your treatment is dependent on various factors, such as:

• Quality of the Procedure: A well-cleaned and sealed canal, by far, minimizes the chances of reinfection.
• Restoration Strength: A crown or a hard-wearing filling takes care of the tooth against further damage and leakage.
• Oral Hygiene Habits: With daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, the new decay around the treated tooth is prevented.
• Location of Tooth: Back teeth have more chewing force and might need heavier restorations.
• General Health: As such, conditions such as diabetes or smoking may delay the healing process and influence the gum and bone.

A properly restored and maintained tooth can be useful for decades to come and can, in many cases, go a lifetime without any form of treatment.

The Reasons Why Some Root Canals Require Retreatment

Even though root canal therapy has a successful rate of 85 to 95 percent, it’s likely that you may end up facing issues or even failure of the root canal. Microscopic canals can be overlooked, or new decay can form beneath a crown. With time, bacteria may be reintroduced and cause reinfection.

You have to be aware of some of the common causes, which include:

• Fractures or cracks in the tooth.
• Worn or loose crowns
• Delayed ultimate restoration following the first procedure.
• Recent peri-radicular orifices.

In such a situation, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist. With the help of our qualified dentists, Dr. Chase Kelly and Dr. Michael McMahan, you can get the help needed for the tooth to be saved again with the help of endodontic retreatment.

Risky Behaviors that Indicate an Issue

The failure of the root canal does not necessarily cause pain initially. Yet, you need to look out for the following symptoms:

• Pain on repeated or continued chewing.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling or pimple-like spots close to the tooth.
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.

Timely treatment will help in preventing complications and increase the treatment’s success.

How Retreatment Works

If you have undergone a root canal in Springfield, retreatment will not be a new experience for you, but it is aimed at clearing the old filling material and filling any missed areas. After the disinfection of the canals, a new seal is put, and the tooth is once more restored using a crown. As modern imaging and precision instruments are common today, the results can simply just be predictable and make you feel comfortable. 

The Life of Your Root Canal

To help keep your restored tooth as healthy as long as possible:

• Having good oral health on a daily basis.
• See Kelly Dental twice yearly for check-ups and cleaning.
• Do not chew ice or hard food, which can cause cracking of restorations.
• Treat any looseness of the crown or pain.

Confidence in Your Smile over a Long Period of Time.

An effective root canal provides the second opportunity for a natural tooth. Modern care and maintenance will ensure that your restored tooth will serve many years, many years perhaps a lifetime.

At Kelly Dental, we make sure that all the procedures of your treatment are long-lasting, comfortable, and confidence-building. Should you feel pain or swelling in a formerly treated tooth, then we are here in Springfield to see and give you back peace of mind.