Can a tooth with a root canal last a lifetime?

With good care, a root canal-treated tooth can last for a very long time. However, since the nerve has been removed, the tooth no longer receives moisture and is more prone to fracture than a natural tooth. If a cavity develops again, you will not feel pain, so it tends to be detected late. To make the tooth last as long as possible, we recommend 1) protecting it with a crown to prevent fracture, 2) not biting hard or chewy foods like ice or dried squid on that tooth, and 3) coming in for regular check-ups every 6 months to catch any problems early.