Some tooth aches may be an indication that bacteria has affected the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. With cases such as these, root canal therapy (RCT) is an option to save the tooth, or in some severe situations whereby the tooth is not savable, extraction would unfortunately be the only option.
RCT is basically the cleaning of the tooth’s root canals, removing bacteria and dead nerve tissue, sterilizing the area and later sealing the canals. RCT is a procedure that requires 1-4 visits to the dentist, depending on the type of tooth. Once the canals have been cleaned, sterilized and sealed; dental professionals advise patients to crown that particular tooth. Reason being is, due to the canals having been cleaned the tooth structure is left to have less elasticity, quite weak, and therefore at risk of fracturing from the constant load caused by chewing.
