How long does a root canal last?
Discover root canal longevity, factors influencing it, and tips for effective dental health maintenance!
Root canals are a common dental procedure that removes infected inner components of a tooth to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. However, these procedures may not last forever. Various factors can impact the longevity of a root canal, and taking proper action can help you prolong its lifespan. This article explores what impacts root canal lifespans and some tips for maximizing how long your root canal lasts to maintain a healthy smile.
How root canals work
A root canal is a procedure that helps cure an infected tooth. The dentist or endodontist removes the infected or damaged dental pulp—the inner tooth layer of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue—to stop the infection in its tracks. Here’s how it works:¹
Your dentist applies numbing gel to the gums if needed, then applies dental anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gums.
Your dentist places a dental dam on your tooth and gums to keep them dry during the procedure.
Your dentist drills a small hole in the tooth crown to access the pulp within.
Your dentist removes the infected pulp carefully with specialized endodontic instruments.
Your dentist thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the inside portion of the tooth from which the pulp came.
Your dentist inserts a biocompatible root filling material to fill the chamber to help seal it.
If you need a crown afterward, your dentist closes the hole with a temporary filling and schedules an appointment for a permanent crown. The access is filled with a permanent filling. Most root canals require a dental crown for complete coverage, strength, and support.
The average root canal cost can vary based on several factors such as the root canal location, condition of your tooth, the type of doctor performing the procedure (dentist vs. endodontist), and dental financing and insurance. Dental insurance policies often cover a significant portion of the cost since root canals are basic procedures. For instance, a 100-80-50 dental insurance plan will cover 80% of root canals, excluding any deductibles or annual maximum. You can find more information on our cost page.
Learn more about root canals
¹Sources: Root Canal. (2023). Cleveland Clinic.
How long root canals last
The amount of time root canals last can vary. However, they can last a lifetime if you maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental check-ups. Many factors can impact this lifespan by affecting the tooth’s integrity and protection against reinfection, which we’ll cover below. The best way to protect a root canal is to get a crown as quickly as possible after the root canal procedure is completed.
Factors that impact how long root canals last
Here are a few factors that could impact the longevity of a root canal:
Quality of the root canal
The root canal’s quality impacts the risk of reinfection and the degree to which the tooth’s integrity is weakened. A high-quality root canal cleans, sanitizes, and seals the tooth thoroughly to minimize the risk of future infection without compromising much of the tooth’s strength. On the other hand, a root canal that is not up to par could leave room for reinfection or damage or weaken the tooth, compromising its lifespan.
Oral hygiene
Your oral hygiene habits are one of the best defenses against tooth decay that could weaken the tooth and reinfection. Brushing twice daily and flossing and rinsing once daily with antimicrobial mouthwash can strengthen oral health, inhibit bacterial growth, and remineralize teeth. This can prevent infection and help keep your teeth strong.
Tooth condition before treatment
Your tooth’s condition before the root canal is one of the biggest factors that impacts the root canal’s longevity. If significant damage or decay contributed to the tooth infection, it will still be in poor condition after the root canal. This means there will be a greater risk of reinfection, especially if decay proceeds or more damage occurs. The root canal itself could weaken the tooth further, possibly requiring extraction and replacement. The quicker and earlier you receive treatment, the better the prognosis.
Follow-up treatments
Root canals may need follow-up treatments, depending on the tooth’s condition, or their lifespan could shorten dramatically. For instance, if your tooth was significantly decayed beforehand, you may need a crown after the root canal to preserve the tooth. Significant infection could also correlate with gum disease that may require scaling and root planning to save the target tooth and other teeth.
Beyond that, regular dental checkups help prolong the root canal’s lifespan. They let the dentist clean any missed or hard-to-reach spots in the mouth, check on the root canal tooth, and address early signs of reinfection or structural compromise.
Regular habits
Everyday habits beyond your oral hygiene routine can impact your root canal’s lifespan too. Here are a few:
Diet: Eating many hard foods or chewing on ice could wear down and weaken the tooth. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can strengthen the immune system to fight infection.
Tobacco use: Tobacco products can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of reinfection, shortening the root canal’s lifespan.
Tooth grinding: Bruxism, or tooth grinding, can wear down tooth enamel. This is often at night when sleeping since you’re unconscious. Getting a night guard from the dentist can guard against nighttime bruxism.
Tips to maintain a root canal
Extending your root canal’s lifespan can save money, protect against complications, and enhance quality of life. Here are a few ways to make your root canal last as long as possible:
Schedule regular check-ups
Regular checkups let your dentist ensure your mouth is clean of plaque, bacteria, and debris that could otherwise weaken the tooth and raise your risk of reinfection. The dentist can also check on your root canal and watch for early warning signs of complications. For instance, they could identify new cracks, chips, or decay, allowing reinfection.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene habits protect your teeth from further decay—and could even strengthen your teeth—while inhibiting bacterial growth:
Brushing: Brush two to three times daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove debris and help remineralize teeth. Use gentle, circular motions on each tooth. Angle the brush upwards to gently brush the gum line as well.
Flossing: Floss once daily, carefully working the floss between each tooth to avoid damaging the gums. Get all sides of the tooth and the gumline to address any debris that the toothbrush may not reach.
Rinsing: Rinse once daily to flush out remaining debris. Antimicrobial mouthwashes can inhibit bacterial growth and, depending on the ingredients, could help remineralize your teeth.
Follow up on any issues
Swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, and discomfort could be early signs of root canal complications or other issues. Schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly if you notice any of these. The earlier you catch them, the easier and less expensive they are to treat. For instance, if a crown on a root canal is loose, addressing the issue immediately can prevent bacteria from slipping underneath the crown and reinfecting the tooth.
FAQs for how long root canals last
How often do you need to replace a root canal?
Root canals don’t need replacement since the first procedure removes the tooth's inner layer. However, the tooth may need further treatment with other procedures if it suffers further damage, decay, or reinfection. For instance, severe decay may require replacing the tooth with a partial denture or dental implant. With reinfection, the tooth may sometimes need a root canal retreatment procedure or apical microsurgery.
How soon after a root canal should you get a crown?
Dentists often recommend getting a crown soon after completing a root canal. This helps protect the tooth from potential reinfection as well as decay or damage. Speak with your dentist about if and when you need a crown post-root-canal.
Do all root canals eventually fail?
Not all root canals fail. Vigilant oral health habits, regular dental checkups, and lifestyle adjustments can help prolong the root canal’s lifespan and potentially help it last for life.
The quality of your root canal, your oral hygiene, and everyday habits are some factors that can impact how long root canals last. Make sure you maintain your root canal and maximize its lifespan by scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist, maintaining good oral hygiene, and addressing any issues right away. Schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team today if you’re in need of a check-up or notice any signs of root canal complications.
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