How long does a root canal/crown last?!
Question:
How long does a root canal/crown last?
I'm having this done pretty soon and getting nervous. I had a friend tell me that after 5 years (roundabout) that the tooth will probably go bad and it will have to be pulled anyway. Did she just have a bad dentist or what? I'm assuming follow up care has something to do with how it works out for the individual.... am I right?
Answers:
Well, this is a good question with no really good answer. First of all, you are dealing with the body's ability to heal things around the end of the tooth root and to keep it healed. Second, you have yourself taking care of a tooth which still can decay or break. I have a root canal and crown that has been on for almost 30 years with no problem but in my practice, I have seen others who have lost teeth after as little as 1-2 years [fortunately, none of which I initiated care on]. A lot depends on the skill of the practitioner but in any case it's worth the risk as the alternative is not as good by any means.