Root canal therapy, when performed by an experienced endodontist, is incredibly successful. According to recent studies, 97% of root canals were successful after ten years. Perhaps even more impressive were the findings that after 30 years, 70% of root canals were still successful. Read on to learn more about nonsurgical root canal therapy.
Why are Root Canals Needed?
Root canals are necessary to save significantly damaged teeth. Specifically, root canals are indicated when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected due to extensive decay, acute trauma, injury to the tooth, or bacterial infection.
Therefore, a root canal may be prescribed if you suffer or are diagnosed with any of the following:
- Severe tooth decay
- Cracked tooth
- Fractured tooth
- Avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth)
- Loose tooth
- Direct impact on the teeth or jaw
- Fall or injury that impacts the teeth
- Infection in the tooth
- Dental abscess
- Failed root canal
It is important to note that although the overwhelming majority of root canal treatments are successful, they can fail. When a root canal fails because some of the infected tissue is left behind, a procedure called endodontic retreatment will be necessary.
The Importance of Preserving a Tooth Root
If your family dentist tells you that you’re at risk of losing the tooth if you don’t have a root canal, you should heed their advice and schedule the procedure. If you don’t undergo root canal therapy, the tooth must be pulled, or else it will become incredibly painful and then fall out.
When you lose a tooth or opt to have a tooth pulled (extraction), you’ll lose the tooth root. The tooth root plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your jawbone. When the root is gone, the jawbone will begin to recede. This will lead to an altered facial appearance, wherein the mouth appears aged, and sunken.
Other undesirable effects of missing teeth include an increased risk of gum disease, additional tooth loss, shifting teeth, irregularities with your bite, and chewing difficulties.
Root Canal Therapy: More Efficient and Comfortable Than Ever
Thanks to advancements in technology and techniques, root canal therapy is no longer a procedure to be dreaded. In most cases, the entire procedure only lasts about as long as it takes to get a dental filling (roughly 60-90 minutes). It’s no more painful than a filling either, as the entire area surrounding the affected tooth will be completely numb.
Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canals
How long will my tooth hurt after a root canal?
Patients are often delighted to find that the acute pain is completely alleviated after their root canal. However, tenderness may persist for a few days following the procedure. If you are still experiencing sharp pain after your procedure, notify your endodontist.
Will insurance cover a root canal?
Most dental insurance plans do offer coverage for root canal therapy, though the amount they cover may vary. To learn about your financial responsibility, contact your insurance company. Contemporary Endodontics accepts a variety of payment options including cash, check, debit card, credit card, and CareCredit.
Book Your Root Canal in Edmond, OK
At Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, Dr. Victoria J. Ball is a highly experienced and top Google-reviewed endodontist treating patients from Edmond, Guthrie, Piedmont, Arcadia, The Village, Nichols Hills, and Goldsby. To schedule an appointment, call 405-285-5042, or send us a message.