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January 29, 2026
Root canal therapy removes infection from inside the tooth, relieves pain, and saves the natural tooth. When done correctly, it allows patients to chew normally and avoid extraction. The success rate of root canal treatment is one of the highest among common dental procedures. Why? Because dentists use modern tools, digital imaging, and proper restoration, the success rate has greatly improved. This Endodontic therapy in Avondale, AZ, has become a common and long-lasting solution for infected or damaged teeth.
The General Success Rate of Root Canal Treatments
The average root canal treatment success rate ranges between 90% and 97%, depending on the tooth type and follow-up care. Long-term studies show that about 93% of root canal–treated teeth survive after 10 years, while around 85% still function after 30 years.
One critical factor is the dental crown placed after treatment. Teeth that receive a crown can last 20 to 30 years or longer, while uncrowned root canal–treated teeth often fail within 5 to 10 years due to fractures or reinfection. Proper restoration plays a major role in maintaining a high success rate of root canal therapy in Avondale, AZ.
Factors Affecting the Success of the Treatment
- Tooth location affects the success rate of root canal treatment because front teeth have simpler canals, while molars have complex anatomy that is harder to clean fully.
- Early treatment improves success because treating the infection before it spreads prevents bone loss and reinfection.
- The quality of canal cleaning and sealing increases success by removing bacteria and blocking future contamination.
- Use of modern imaging and magnification improves accuracy and reduces missed canals.
- Placement of a crown increases success by protecting the tooth from cracks and leakage.
- Patient oral hygiene habits affect success because poor hygiene allows bacteria to re-enter the tooth.
- Existing cracks or fractures lower the success since bacteria can continue to seep into the tooth.
Success Rate of Root Canal Treatment in Molars
The success rate for molars is slightly lower than that of front teeth, averaging 85% to 90%, mainly due to multiple canals and complex root shapes. Molars often have hidden or curved canals that are harder to fully disinfect, and they experience higher chewing pressure, which increases fracture risk if not crowned. With advanced imaging, proper technique, and full crown coverage, molar root canals can still achieve long-term success.
The Signs of a Failed Root Canal
- Persistent pain or pressure
- Swelling of the gums or face
- Pimple-like bump on the gums
- Sensitivity to biting
- Tooth discoloration
Root canal treatments fail most often due to missed canals, delayed crown placement, new decay, tooth fractures, or bacterial leakage. In some cases, the infection may return years later if the seal breaks down or the tooth cracks, which reduces the overall success rate of root canal treatment in Avondale.
How to Improve the Success of Root Canal Treatment?
These steps directly increase the long-term success rate of root canal treatment:
- Treat the tooth early to stop infection from spreading into the bone and lowering the success rate.
- Choose a dentist using digital X-rays to fully clean canals and prevent missed infection.
- Always place a crown after treatment to protect the tooth from fractures long-term.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from causing reinfection around the tooth.
- Attend regular dental checkups to catch early problems before root canal failure occurs.
- Avoid chewing hard foods on uncrowned teeth to prevent cracks and treatment failure.
Get Expert Root Canal Care You Can Trust
At Desert Lake Family Dentistry, root canal treatments are performed by Dr. Shayegan, DMD, FICOI. He is an experienced and compassionate dentist trained at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Shayegan uses modern diagnostics and gentle techniques to reduce discomfort and improve outcomes. The goal is simple: pain-free care and a high success rate of root canal treatment in Avondale.
Why patients trust our Avondale dentistry?
- Trusted dentist with advanced training and decades of experience
- 4.8-star Google rating from real patients
- Modern technology for accurate, comfortable treatment
Call or call all 623-388-5888, or visit us at 10750 W McDowell Rd, Avondale today to schedule your consultation and protect your natural tooth with confidence.
FAQs
The failure rate is low, averaging 3% to 10%, depending on tooth type and restoration.
Pain relief, normal chewing, no swelling, and healthy surrounding gums are signs of success.
The tooth may need retreatment, apicoectomy surgery, or extraction if infection persists.
