ROOT CANAL THERAPY
When the vital part of the tooth “the dental pulp” is irreversibly damaged, the tooth cannot heal on its own and a root canal procedure is recommended. The most common cause of pulp damage is dental decay, but other cases can be due to a to a hard blow, a crack in the tooth, bone pathology or other oral conditions.
The dentist will test the tooth using multiple diagnostic test to assess the damage is and, if necessary, will gain access through the to take out the diseased pulp. The root will then be permanently filled with special biocompatible material so that the tooth can be restored and saved from extraction.
During endodontic treatment, the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth is removed. This will cause the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracture. This why we usually recommend a porcelain crown or a porcelain onlay to prevent fracture.
Some patients decide not to get a crown due to cost. This could result in a fracture that more than likely cannot be restored. The result will cost you more time and money than you had originally planned for.