Root Canal! Yes or No?

Biting into Healthcare with Dr Miguel Stanley

Root canals have been round for hundreds of years, and are incredibly effective way to remove pain and to salvage the tooth structure. However, when poorly executed, can lead to some complications. The definition of poorly executed can vary a lot, but its not always possible to get the treatment 100% and this can lead to many health issues in the long run. One of the basic and many times overlooked and very important steps, is setting up a dental or rubber dam to isolate the tooth against saliva contamination. If this was not done, then the likelihood that things can go wrong is very high. Also, the use of sterilised instruments and making sure that all canals even the hidden ones have been properly treated and cleaned, for if not, the possibility of inflammation and even the formation of a cyst around the tooth in the long run is quite high. This is not good for systemic heath.
The use of CBCT to make sure there is no ongoing inflammation is imperative and we must remember that no treatment last forever. If you have systemic illness, you might want to look into alternatives however, I believe that went well performed by a trained Endodontist using state of the art protocols and instruments, it can be a very effective treatment to help patients with tooth ache as opposed to extraction, but must always be done under optimal conditions.
So, no! Not all root canals are bad, just the poorly executed ones. Always make informed decisions about your health.
Based on the search results, the average life expectancy or longevity of a root canal treatment can be summarized as follows:
## Average Lifespan of a Root Canal
- Generally, a successful root canal treatment can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years on average, with proper care and regular dental check-ups. [1][2][3][9]
- However, many root canal treated teeth can potentially last a lifetime if optimal conditions are met. [1][7][8][11]
- Studies show that around 98% of root canals last at least 1 year, 92% last 5 years, and 86% last 10 years or more. [4][10]
- The mean or median estimated survival time of a tooth after root canal treatment ranges from around 11-12 years according to some large studies analyzing dental records. [6][14]
- Around 26% of root canal treated teeth showed a survival rate beyond 20 years in one study. [6]
So in summary, while there is some variation, most research indicates that the average expected lifespan of a root canal treatment falls in the range of 10-15 years, with the potential for much longer if all conditions are ideal. Proper care and maintenance are critical for maximizing longevity.
## Key Factors Affecting Root Canal Longevity
The search results highlighted several key factors that can impact how long a root canal lasts, including:
- Quality of the root canal procedure itself [1][3][10][12]
- Timely restoration with a crown or filling after treatment [4][6][10]
- Extent of initial tooth decay/infection [8][12]
- Location of the tooth (molars are more complex) [4][8][12]
- Patient's oral hygiene practices [2][6][12]
- Presence of periodontal disease or bone loss [3][13]
- Patient's age and overall health [4][12]
- Avoiding fractures by using nightguards if recommended [3]
So in essence, getting a high-quality root canal from an experienced dentist/endodontist, followed by proper restorative treatment and maintenance, gives a tooth the best chance for long-term survival after root canal therapy. [1][3][4][6][10][12]
Sources
[1] How Long Does A Root Canal Last? There Are 2 Answers | Fab Dental https://fab.dental/blog/how-long-does-a-root-canal-last/
[2] How Long Does a Root Canal Last? What To Expect? - Najmi Dental https://najmidental.com.au/blog/how-long-do-root-canals-last/
[3] Find Out How Long You Can Expect a Root Canal to Last https://www.winstonhillsdental.com.au/fin