As it is the case living teeth, a root treated tooth needs maintenance. That means brushing twice a day and regular use of dental floss between the teeth. Sometimes, the colour of the tooth will change into a darker shade and the tooth will also become more fragile over time. A crown or a veneer can help the patient regain a nice looking smile, but it may be necessary to replace the tooth eventually.

 

The only real alternative to root treatment is to remove the tooth. An inflamed or dead nerve must be removed from the root canal system which connects all the teeth. Otherwise, the inflammation can spread to other areas and complicate the treatment even more.

 

Extraction of a tooth can be a necessary treatment. However, when a tooth is missing, the jawbone will start crumbling and the surrounding teeth will start moving towards the empty space. This can cause a crooked bite and the chewing mechanism may be affected.