Root Canal Therapy (RCT)
In the situation that a tooth has decay or fracture so deep close to or into the pulp, causing an irreversible pathology of the pulp; a pulpectomy (removal of pulp tissue) is done. The pulp is the bundle of blood vessels and nerves contained inside of a tooth. As a consequence of a pulpectomy or RCT the tooth becomes dry from the inside, this process makes the tooth more brittle and prone to fracture. It is because of this that dentists recommend a Post and Core or reconstruction followed by a crown, so tooth will be protected.
It is very important before making the decision to proceed with a RCT determine if later the tooth is restorable with a reasonable prognosis (Prognosis refers to the long term success of the tooth). If tooth won’t be restorable or for any reason prognosis is uncertain, it could be a better alternative extract the tooth.