If a tooth hasn't had a previous injury, a general dentist may be able to perform the root canal. Surprisingly though, one of the most common issues that necessitate a root canal performed by an endodontist is a failed previous procedure; many of which are performed by general dentists.
While general dentists are more than capable of treating root canals, it may be best to visit with an endodontist just to be sure. They are trained in the pulp area of the tooth which is where root canals live.
Dental treatment alternatives to a root canal include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Many people avoid having root canals due to rumors that the procedure will be painful or out of fear of complications from the procedure. Root canal treatments may have been painful decades ago but with modern dental technology and anesthetics, the procedure is only about as painful as having a filling placed.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
The root canal procedure is completed in two separate visits to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, sealed up, and protected from further damage.
A Root Canal Counts As An Emergency Dental Treatment
A root canal is typically considered to fall under the umbrella of emergency dentistry. Tooth infections are extremely painful and uncomfortable, and they can cause serious complications if they are left untreated, including the death of the infected tooth.
Root canals are a simple procedure that are recommended to save damaged, natural teeth and prevent the need for dental bridges and implants. Root canals are necessary when the pulp, or soft tissue, inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, which could lead to an abscess.
Tooth fracture – The only long-term side effect of getting root canal treatment done has to do with the increased brittleness of the treated tooth.
Technically, you don't always need a root canal treatment before getting a dental crown. Sometimes a dental crown improves the appearance of a stained or discolored tooth. While the dentist may stain the tooth's enamel, the inside of the tooth isn't compromised, and therefore a root canal isn't necessary.
Root canals save your teeth by getting rid of the infection and fortifying what's left of your natural tooth. The only dental alternative to a root canal procedure is having your tooth removed. Then, tooth replacement is necessary to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Maxillary first molars (MFM) are among the most difficult teeth for endodontic treatment due to their complex root canal system [2].
If your tooth has decay to the enamel or dentin, a simple filling is enough to repair the cavity. However, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay will reach the deepest layer of the tooth, the nerve tissue. At this point, a root canal is necessary to repair the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment Success Rate
According to this report, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer. Molars treated by endodontists had a 10 year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.
As mentioned above, only about five percent of root canals fail, and sometimes it is not actually a “failure.” In cases, of teeth that have more than one root, it is possible that only one root was infected and filled.
A root canal can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. It can sometimes be done in one appointment but may require two. A root canal may be done by your dentist or an endodontist. Endodontists have more specialized training for root canal treatment.
The entire root canal procedure may take place in one sitting, or at times 2 or 3 sessions depending on the condition of the tooth. Each sitting may last between 30 - 90 minutes.
Under normal circumstances, the long-term success rate for root canal therapy ranges between 80-95%. Although success rates are high, below are some of the most common causes of root canal therapy failure: 1.
Antibiotics are not absolutely necessary after a root canal. After a root canal, you need very little time to recover, and post-operative care is the best way for fast healing. However, a dentist may recommend antibiotics before root canal to improve the chances of a successful outcome.
A crown should be placed within a few months of the root canal, but it can take up to a year for your tooth's nerves to heal completely. A crown is a replacement tooth that covers the root canal.
How long does a root canal take? Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.