By: Dr. Ahmed Sadek
Modern root canals are a painless and precise way to save damaged or infected teeth. Without this treatment, the alternative is often extraction, which leads to the need for costly replacements such as dental implants or bridges. Otherwise, you’ll have to live with tooth loss consequences, which includes diminished aesthetics, functionality, and confidence.
Marina Endodontics is the premier destination for root canal services in Long Beach, California, and the surrounding locations. We offer all aspects of endodontic services in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised with how fast and painless their treatment is! But how successful are endodontic treatments? Keep reading!
How do endodontic treatments work?
Several endodontic procedures exist, but root canals are the most common. Root canal treatment (RCT) treats afflicted teeth by removing the damaged/infected pulp chamber. Then, the dentist fills the tooth with gutta-percha to prevent future bacterial infiltrations. A tooth can function without a pulp chamber because its primary structure, the enamel and dentin, remains intact. While the pulp chamber supplies blood and nutrients during tooth development, mature teeth can survive with just the support of the surrounding periodontal bone and ligaments. A root canal-treated tooth last many years with proper care. Many even last a lifetime!
How successful are endodontic treatments?
Many studies have shown root canal treatments have a very high success rate. Success is defined as restored function and absence of pain, infection, and sensitivity. While endodontic treatments have a remarkable success rate, this can be influenced by several factors.
- The extent of infection: The severity of the disease and whether it has spread to the nearby structures affects your treatment. Early detection and treatment improve the outcomes.
- Tooth restoration: After your root canal, the tooth should be restored properly with a crown or filling to avoid reinfection. Poor or delayed installation may compromise your tooth’s health.
- Quality of treatment: Not all root canal dentists are created equal. Inexperienced or poorly skilled dentists often have a low success rate with root canals. An experienced endodontist like Dr. Sadek thoroughly cleans your tooth, shapes and seals it expertly for long-term success. While root canal failure can happen, chances are minimal when professionally executed.
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What happens when root canals fail?
Although root canals have a high success rate, failure can happen because of inadequate hygiene, missed root canals, inadequate sealing, and delayed crown or filling placement. Signs of a failed root canal include pain, sensitivity, swelling, and infection in dental X-rays.
Failure can happen after days, weeks, or even months. Whatever the case, the doctor can save your treated tooth with endodontic retreatment. It involves reopening the tooth, removing the filling material, and thoroughly cleaning it before sealing it.
Do you need endodontic services?
At Marina Endodontics, Dr. Sadek and his team‘s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that exceptional endodontic services are provided to all patients. We combine our patient-centric approach with advanced technology and excellent skills to deliver outstanding outcomes—call 562-431-3636 to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Sadek. Our office serves patients in and around Long Beach, Westwood, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Belmont Heights, and other locations.
