What is the Average Age for Getting a Root Canal?
People belonging to different age groups can get a root canal as long as they need to save their teeth or teeth that are severely infected with oral bacteria. Root canal therapy is necessary for typically two different circumstances wherein the innermost portion of teeth called pulp gets eroded. Either when there is a deep infection of the teeth as a result of an untreated cavity or a direct trauma to the teeth, causing a crack. It can even be due to the tooth losing its structural integrity when it has undergone multiple treatments for earlier decay. In this blog, the endodontist in Chicago at First Point Dental Clinic shares some details of root canal therapy, like what it is, how it’s done, and at what age people can get a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal, also called endodontic treatment, is a skilled procedure considered to be one of the vital surgeries in the arch of dentistry. This endodontic therapy can treat all the significant pain and swelling from teeth and gums and help save natural adult teeth from getting completely extracted or falling out on their own. It involves the extraction of the infected pulp-the soft center of the tooth, and thorough cleaning of the inside of the root canal to eliminate invading bacteria and prevent reinfection.
What’s the Average Age to Undergo Root Canal Therapy?
There is no barred specific age for getting a root canal across the globe. Anyone can undergo a root canal treatment but only when they are experiencing unbearable toothache and swollen gums as a result of severe tooth infection by mouth bacteria. However, researchers have found that patients throughout the world are more likely to need root canal therapy when they are in the age group of 12 to 65 years. This is usually due to a combination of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, worn-out teeth or aging, and diet.
So, let’s have a look at the most common ages for root canals.
- In the Twenties
The first age group where a peak has been noticed in endodontic care is 20-29 years of age. This age group is mostly attributed to people who don’t have regular access to professional dental care or are economically disadvantaged. It also includes college-aged adults who ignore caring for their oral health because of minor parental intervention in their earlier life.
- Throughout Middle Age
Most people demand root canal therapy when they are aged between 35 and 44 years. It is because any person irrespective of his/her age who consumes a lot of carbohydrates and sugars is susceptible to tooth decay and other oral health issues which eventually would result in the need of getting a root canal and a dental crown to save what is left.
The next age group where increased popularity to receive root canal therapy can be seen are the older individuals who have crossed their 40s. This is because them experiencing new but advanced tooth decay or have had multiple cavities in a particular tooth which resulted in the tooth losing its ability to hold itself together. Some individuals also go for a root canal when their already present tooth filling has developed another cavity. The age category of 40 is the one where people have usually gone through various dental treatments which make their chewing harder, hence root canal therapy becomes mandatory.
Know the Average Age for Getting a Root Canal with Procedure
Firstly, the endodontist administers local anesthesia into the gums next to the seriously infected tooth to numb the treatment site and ensure comfort for the patient during the procedure. Next, the dental expert places a dental rubber dam over the area to isolate the tooth to be treated and let it stay as it is throughout the treatment.
Once the anesthesia has taken its effect, the endodontist starts the procedure by making a small opening in the top of the tooth (the crown) to get easy access to the infected tooth pulp.
- With the help of tiny dental instruments, the root canal dentist removes the entire pulp which consists of tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.
- The pulp chamber and the root canal are properly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped with dental filling instruments to prevent reinfection.
- Next, the endodontist fills the treated root canal with gutta-percha- a flexible, rubber-like dental material as a replacement for the tooth pulp.
- The opening of the crown of the tooth is temporarily sealed with a dental filling material so that the oral bacteria are not able to enter the root canal again. This is removed after a few weeks when the permanent restoration is ready.
- Lastly, the final dental restoration takes place that usually comprises getting a personalized dental crown to protect the tooth from any other issues and restore the bite of the patient.
Benefits of Root Canal Procedure:
- Prevents Further Severe Infections
The infection in the dental pulp chamber of your tooth will spread to further teeth. It can spread to other teeth and other parts of the body, further compromising your dental health and smile. Patients who forego root canal treatments are prone to endure swelling, pain, and further infections of their teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. If left untreated, this illness can harm your general health and, in some cases, be fatal.
- Retain Your Original Smile
A root canal is performed to save the tooth, not to replace it. Although dental prosthetics may restore a portion of your lost teeth’s strength, nothing will ever resemble, feel, or perform like actual teeth. Therefore, if you wish to continue eating your favorite foods without altering the appearance of your smile, a root canal is likely your best option.
Are you experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms and want to achieve improved dental health? Consult now with the root canal experts in Chicago at First Point Dental Clinic.
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