Question 1

How long does a root canal last?

Accepted Answer

A properly treated and promptly crowned tooth can last decades — often a lifetime. Studies show the large majority of root-canal-treated teeth are still functioning 8–10 years later. The crown matters: a crowned molar far outlasts an uncrowned one, which is vulnerable to fracture.

Question 2

What's the failure rate of a root canal?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 5–15%, depending on the tooth and how success is measured. The most common reasons for failure are an untreated extra canal, a delayed or missing crown that lets the tooth fracture, or a new cavity that re-contaminates the tooth. Most failures can be retreated rather than ending in extraction.

Question 3

Is a root canal as good as an implant?

Accepted Answer

For a restorable tooth, yes — success rates are comparable, the cost is lower, and you keep your natural tooth with its ligament and natural feel. Implants are excellent when a tooth can't be saved, but saving the natural tooth is generally the first choice when it's restorable.

Question 4

What causes a root canal to fail?

Accepted Answer

The leading cause is a canal that was never found and cleaned — most often the MB2 canal in an upper molar. Other causes are a delayed crown allowing fracture, a new cavity leaking bacteria back in, or a vertical root fracture. A specialist with a microscope reduces the most common of these risks.

Question 5

Does a failed root canal mean I'll lose the tooth?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Most failures can be fixed with retreatment or a minor surgery (apicoectomy). Extraction is the last resort, considered only when the tooth is fractured or no longer restorable. A specialist evaluation with CBCT determines which path is best.

Root Canal Success Rate · What the AAE & Published Studies Report