Dental procedures like root canals and crowns are common treatments designed to preserve damaged teeth and restore their function. Patients often wonder about the long-term durability of these restorations. While both are intended to last for a significant period, their lifespan can vary based on several factors.
Understanding Root Canals and Crowns
A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. This pulp can become inflamed due to deep cavities, cracks, or injury. During the procedure, a dentist or endodontist cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canals within the tooth’s root. The cleaned space is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed.
After a root canal, a dental crown is typically placed over the treated tooth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully covers the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, and strength. This protective cap is important because a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can become more brittle due to pulp removal. The crown acts as a shield, protecting the weakened tooth from fracturing under chewing forces and improving its overall appearance.
Typical Lifespan
While a root canal and its crown are often considered together, they have distinct lifespans. A root canal can last for many years, often decades or even a lifetime with proper care. The success rate for root canals is high, with 86% lasting over ten years and many lasting over 20 years.
The crown typically has a lifespan ranging from 5 to 15 years, though many can last longer, sometimes 20 years or more with good maintenance. A tooth receiving both a root canal and a crown can last approximately 20 years, significantly longer than teeth without such restoration. While the root canal aims for permanent preservation of the tooth, the crown may need replacement over time due to wear.
Factors Influencing Longevity
Several elements impact the longevity of a root canal and its crown. The quality of the initial root canal treatment is important, as thorough cleaning and sealing of the canals prevent reinfection. An expertly performed procedure ensures that all infected tissue is removed and the tooth is properly sealed, contributing to its long-term success.
The material of the dental crown also plays a role in its durability. Metal crowns, such as gold alloys, are durable and resistant to wear, often lasting 10 to 30 years or more. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a balance of strength and aesthetics, lasting 10 to 15 years. All-ceramic crowns, including zirconia, provide excellent aesthetics and can last a decade or more, with zirconia being particularly durable.
Oral hygiene habits are important, as consistent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings help prevent new decay and gum disease around the treated tooth. New cavities at the crown margin can compromise the seal, leading to potential failure. Biting and chewing habits, such as avoiding hard foods, ice, or using teeth as tools, protect both the crown and the underlying tooth from fracture. The tooth’s location also matters, as molars endure greater chewing forces than front teeth, potentially affecting longevity. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can exert excessive force, wearing down or fracturing the crown and the tooth.
Maximizing Longevity
Patients can take several steps to extend the life of their root canal and crown. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key, including brushing twice daily and flossing every day to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for early detection of any potential issues, such as cracks in the crown or signs of gum disease.
Avoiding damaging habits such as chewing on ice, hard candies, or using teeth to open packages helps prevent unnecessary stress and potential damage to the restoration. For individuals who grind their teeth, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can protect the crown and tooth from excessive forces during sleep. Promptly addressing any new pain, sensitivity, or changes in the crown is important to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Following all post-procedure instructions provided by the dentist, especially regarding temporary restorations and diet, aids healing and durability.
Addressing Failure
Even with the best care, a root canal or crown can sometimes fail. Recognizing the signs of failure is important for timely intervention. Symptoms include persistent pain or discomfort, swelling or tenderness around the tooth or gums, and tooth discoloration. A pimple-like bump on the gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a loose tooth can also indicate an issue.
Failure can result from new decay around the crown, a fracture of the tooth or crown, or reinfection due to an incomplete seal or missed canals. If a root canal or crown fails, several options are available. Root canal retreatment involves re-opening the tooth, cleaning any new infection, and re-sealing the canals. If retreatment is not feasible or successful, an apicoectomy—a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the root and surrounding infected tissue—may be considered. If the tooth is beyond saving, extraction may be necessary, followed by options like a dental implant or a bridge to replace the missing tooth.