Root canal treatment has been proven to have a very high success rate.
Sometimes, it is the only way to save the tooth if the nerve is affected. It is always more natural and comfortable to bite and chew with your own tooth, which is why it's a popular treatment. This is compared to extracting and replacing it with other options, such as bridges, implants or dentures.
Having said that, as Dr Jaclyn has mentioned, a lot of times root canal treatment may fail due to non-favourable tooth condition, such as:
- Severe crack or fracture
- Tooth that has been extensively damaged by decay
Your dentist will be able to discuss with you on the viability of root canal treatment after doing a thorough investigation. This includes taking an xray of your tooth.
When it comes to deciding if root canal treatment is suitable for you, you need to factor in:
- Pre-existing medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes which would render extraction as a non-viable option
- Longevity (how long do you intend to keep the tooth). As much as root canal treatment can be successful, it is only an adjunct to prolong the lifespan of a tooth. Other factors need to be considered to predict the longevity, after completion of treatment.
- Financial. Post root canal treatment, your tooth is best complemented with a crown to prevent further fracturing of the tooth. So you may have to factor in the cost of root canal treatment, on top of the dental crown for the best results.
- Replacement options. Do you plan to replace the missing tooth if you have it extracted? Do options such as implant, bridge or denture sound like suitable options to you?
Hope it helps with your decision making.
