The question that we find in the title was asked after my patient told me that my father treated his lower front teeth with root canal therapy when he was nine years old. Today he is fifty-nine years old. He told me that he was treated at the old office across the parking lot from our present space. I responded by saying that my father was not a dentist. My father had the utmost respect and admiration for the dental profession. That positive association was one of the factors that guided me into dentistry, but my father was not a dentist.
The Dr. Gross who treated that young man in the 1970s was I. The root canals that I performed lasted for over half a century.
While every case is different, understanding the factors that influence how long root canals last can help you protect your investment in dental care. For anything designed by man in the human body to last that long is not the norm. Wear and tear of life, along with varying health difficulties, usually shorten the lifespan of dental and medical treatment.
What Affects Root Canal Longevity?
With that fact in mind, let’s discuss what curtails the life span of a tooth that has had root canal therapy and what you can do to maximize your treatment’s longevity. Based on decades of treating Cleveland-area patients, I’ve identified three primary factors that determine root canal treatment lifespans.
Tooth Decay After Root Canal Treatment
One of the biggest factors that destroys many teeth is a cavity in the tooth. After a root canal treatment, or what we refer to as endodontic treatment, the tooth has no feeling. If a large area of decay develops on a tooth such as this, the patient will not be aware of the problem until the tooth breaks. The decay undermines the tooth’s integrity, and it will break from the underlying root. So often, I hear that there was no intense chewing, yet the tooth “fell out.” In reality, the tooth fractured and split in two, leaving no way to repair the tooth. The root canal did not fail, yet the underlying tooth will require removal and replacement with another type of tooth.
Recurring Infections in Endodontically Treated Teeth
Another factor that shortens the lifespan of a tooth treated with a root canal is the reason the endodontic therapy was performed in the first place. Often, a patient presents with an infection, and this type of care will control and ultimately eliminate the problem. Infections can recur in any part of the body, and the mouth is no exception. When an infection returns, it may be more severe than initially encountered, and retreatment of an endodontically treated tooth may or may not be successful. This scenario could also lead to the loss of this tooth.
How Teeth Grinding Damages Root Canal Treated Teeth
Lastly, a subject I talk about so often also has a position in this lineup. Patients who grind or clench will put undue stress on a tooth that has had root canal treatment. The structural integrity of the tooth was compromised by trauma or excessive decay that led to the initial need for root canal therapy. Once we apply excessive forces through grinding or clenching, the tooth cannot withstand the strain. The actual root could break, creating inflammation and discomfort. Unfortunately, the only therapy is tooth removal.
Common Questions About Root Canal Longevity
Can a root canal last a lifetime?
Yes, absolutely. As my 50+ year case demonstrates, root canals can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential to achieving this longevity.
What’s the average lifespan of a root canal?
While the typical lifespan is 10-15 years, many root canal treatments last much longer. The longevity depends on factors like preventing decay, avoiding tooth grinding, and maintaining regular dental visits to catch potential problems early.
What causes a root canal to fail?
Root canal failure typically results from new decay in the treated tooth, recurring infections, or excessive forces from grinding and clenching. The good news is that many of these factors are preventable with proper care.
Protecting Your Root Canal Investment
When you come to me with an uncomfortable tooth, my first choice is to try to save it. Many times, we utilize root canal therapy to keep the tooth in your mouth. However, that does not mean your tooth will last forever. Good preventive care and avoiding those foods or habits that can compromise the tooth is crucial to a long life. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch problems like decay or cracks before they threaten your root canal treated tooth.
Were you advised to do a root canal treatment and are unsure? Please feel free to call me, and I will try my best to help you make the right decision.
I can be reached at 440.951.7856 and I look forward to helping you.
Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD, is an Ohio-licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.