How long does root canal treatment at a dental clinic usually last? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

It depends on what you mean by "last".

If you mean how likely it is that the root canal treatment will have a successful long term outcome, then there are studies showing that root canal treatment in teeth with areas of bone loss around the root tips are about 70-80% successful over the long term. This is because teeth with this sort of radiographic appearance tend to have a much higher load of bacteria in the root canal spaces.

Other findings like internal or external root resorption (destruction of the root structure) or root fractures can compromise the strength of the tooth and the ability to seal the root canal system from bacteria.

If you mean how long the procedure time will be, it depends on whether both teeth are to be treated in the same session, if the root canal treatment is to be completed in a single visit or multiple visits, how experienced the operator is, if the operator is using magnification and if there are any complications during the procedure.

Similar Questions

What kinds of crowns may be used for an upper premolar (fifth tooth) after root canal treatment?

These are the materials that may be used for an upper premolar crown: Lithium disilicate A type of aesthetic and translucent porcelain that can be made with layers to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. This material requires the greatest amount of thickness to withstand cracking and to give the best appearance. This material can also be used for partial crowns (onlays). Zirconia Another type of very dense and hard porcelain that can be used in thinner section without compromising strength. This material is also used for the blades of ceramic knives.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

Why do different dentists disagree on whether I should have a root canal treatment or an extraction and dental implant?

Dentists choose treatment plans based on many different factors. Some of these factors have nothing to do with clinical data. As a patient, your dentist should go through the different treatment options with you so that you understand the treatment itself, and the long term maintenance required with that selection. Keeping the tooth by performing root canal treatment and a crown may mean that the tooth may still crack further and require extraction at a later date.

Photo of Dr Jaclyn Toh

Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

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