Root canal treatment is a widely used dental procedure that can help preserve a natural tooth that has been significantly damaged by decay, trauma, or infection. Instead of removing the entire tooth, a dentist carefully cleans the inside of the affected tooth, removes the damaged tissue, and seals the space to help protect it from further issues.

Many people want to understand not only why root canal treatment is done, but also what to expect afterwards, particularly over the long term. In this article, we explore why a root canal might be recommended, how successful the procedure tends to be, and some of the possible long-term effects that may occur.

Why Root Canal Treatment Is Done

Root canal treatment is recommended when the inner part of the tooth (the dental pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to:

• Deep tooth decay – Cavities that reach the pulp can cause severe pain and infection.
  
• Cracks or chips – A small crack may allow bacteria to enter the inner layers of the tooth.
  
• Repeated dental work – Multiple fillings or procedures on the same tooth may weaken or irritate the pulp.
  
• Injury or trauma – Even without visible cracks, a blow to the mouth can damage the pulp.
  

If left untreated, the infection may spread to the jawbone, cause abscesses, or even affect overall health. A root canal treatment aims to remove the infection while keeping the natural tooth in place. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), saving your natural tooth is usually better for long-term oral function compared to removing it and replacing it with an artificial option.

How Effective Is Root Canal Treatment?

One of the most common questions patients ask us is: how effective is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment has a very high success rate. In Australia, about 90 to 95% of people who undergo root canal treatment have experienced a functional tooth after the procedure. In fact, many treated teeth last just as long as natural teeth that have never needed a root canal. The key factors that affect success include:

• The skill of the dentist performing the treatment
  
• How soon the tooth is restored with a filling or crown afterwards
  
• The patient’s oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups

In most cases, patients can expect their teeths to function normally for many years with proper care and maintenance.

Root Canal Treatment Side Effects

Common Root Canal Treatment Side Effects

Before we dive into the long-term side effects, let’s look at the temporary side effects patients may experience after a root canal treatment. Like all dental procedures, root canal treatment may cause short-term side effects. These are usually mild, temporary, and part of the healing process:

• Mild pain or sensitivity – The surrounding tissues may feel tender for a few days.
  
• Swelling of the gums – This usually resolves with rest and, if needed, prescribed medication.
  
• A “heavy” feeling in the tooth – Some patients report that the tooth feels slightly different until healing is complete.
  

Most of these side effects improve within a week and may be addressed with the help of over-the-counter pain relief or medication prescribed by your dentist. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment

Although root canal treatment is considered safe and has high success rates, some long-term side effects may still develop. These are not common for everyone, but it helps to know what to expect.

1. Tooth Discolouration

Over time, a treated tooth may darken because the living tissue inside is removed. This does not always affect function, but some people find it noticeable in front teeth. For those who are concerned with this, options such as internal whitening or a crown can help restore the natural look.

2. Increased Tooth Fragility

Without the pulp that brings in nutrition and blood supply to the tooth, it can become more brittle than before. To reduce the risk of cracks, dentists often recommend covering the tooth with a crown to protect the treated tooth. Research also suggests that crowned root canal-treated teeth are far less likely to fracture than uncrowned ones.

3. Risk of Reinfection

While rare, bacteria can sometimes re-enter the tooth, especially when:

• The tooth was not fully sealed
  
• A new cavity forms around the crown or filling
  
• The tooth develops a new crack

If this happens, the root canal may need to be redone or supported with further treatment. Regular check-ups help catch these issues early.

4. Ongoing Sensitivity or Nerve Sensations

Some patients may feel mild, ongoing sensitivity even after treatment. This may occur if very small canal spaces are missed, though this is uncommon. According to the American Association of Endodontists, most of these cases can be managed or retreated successfully. This is also the reason why working with a trained and qualified dentist can help you from further troubles down the line.

5. Gum or Bone Healing Changes

In rare cases, healing of the bone around the root may take longer than expected. Follow-up X-rays allow your dentist to monitor progress. Most patients still achieve full recovery with time.

Protecting Your Smile for the Future

Root canal treatment is no longer a new treatment in dentistry, as it has proven itself helpful in saving one’s natural tooth. However, while some long-term side effects of root canal treatment may still occur, these are generally rare and manageable with the right care and skill from the endodontist (dentist who specialises in root canal treatment).

If you’re considering getting a root canal treatment in Brentwood, WA, our dental team at Blue Gum Dental can help you with your concerns. We ensure to provide a thorough consultation with you and assess whether your case can benefit from root canal therapy or other options.

Book a root canal treatment consultation to know more.