A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a natural tooth that has been severely damaged or infected. It involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inner chamber, and then filling and sealing it. This treatment aims to preserve the tooth’s structure and function, preventing its extraction.
How Common Are Root Canals?
Root canal treatment is a widely performed dental procedure in the United States. Annually, dentists and endodontists perform over 15 million root canal procedures, translating to approximately 41,000 treatments daily. These procedures save millions of teeth from extraction due to infection or damage.
About 12% of U.S. adults have had a root canal. They are particularly common among individuals aged 22 to 44, with frequency also influenced by oral health practices and increasing age.
Why Root Canals Are Performed
Root canal procedures become necessary when the soft inner tissue of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. Deep decay is a primary cause, occurring when cavities are left untreated and progress to penetrate the tooth’s outer layers, eventually reaching the pulp. This bacterial invasion can lead to significant pain and swelling.
Physical trauma to a tooth, such as a crack, chip, or other injury, can also expose the pulp to bacteria, necessitating a root canal. Additionally, teeth that have undergone multiple dental procedures or extensive restorative work may experience irritation or damage to the pulp over time. When bacteria enter the pulp, it can result in an infection, leading to symptoms like throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, or the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus.
The Outcome: Success and Longevity
Root canal treatment boasts a high success rate, ranging from over 90% to 97% for initial treatments. This effectiveness allows many treated teeth to remain functional for an extended period. With appropriate care and a proper restoration, such as a crown, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can often last a lifetime.
Studies indicate that about 85% of teeth treated with a root canal can last for many years, often a lifetime, with diligent oral hygiene. Longevity is significantly enhanced with a subsequent filling and crown, showing a median survival time of over 20 years. Teeth without this additional restorative work tend to have a shorter lifespan.