“Is a root canal necessary before a bridge?”

No

Hello,

A root canal is necessary for a variety of reasons. The best way to know if a root canal is needed is by the reasoning behind why the root canal is needed. This just means it is best to separate and understand why the bridge is needed and why the root canal is needed. The bridge is most likely needed because of the missing tooth and probably another reason or two. The question is why is the root canal needed? There could be a cavity in one of the teeth that support the bridge. If the cavity is big enough or too close to the pulp chamber (center of the tooth) then it is important to do the root canal prior to the bridge. Another reason that the tooth would need a root canal is because the tooth has broken down and in order to build it back up a post needs to be put in. In this case a root canal would need to be done.
The important thing to keep in mind here is that there reason for why a tooth needs a root canal and understand that reason separate from the need to have a bridge. Hope this helps.

My best to you!

William F. Scott IV, DMD

Not all the time, depends on the supporting teeth and the amount of decay or fillings present. Obviously it also depends on the presence of infection. So to answer no it is not always necessary.

No! Most teeth having crowns placed on them do not and will not have root canals.

Root canals are not always necessary before a bridge. It would depend on the condition of the tooth being used to hold the bridge

Rich

Not always. It depends on the tooth; if it’s vital and no cavities, it’s not necessary and it depends on other factors.

No only if indicated

Hi there,

Not always.

The need for a root canal is independent of a bridge, in other words just because you are having a bridge does not always mean you need a root canal too. It all depends on the reason for the root canal. Did too much of the tooth break off and the only to build up the tooth to make it stable for a bridge is to do a root canal and put in a post and build it up? Or if the decay is deep and into the nerve or the nerve is dead, then a root canal would be needed whether you were doing single crown or a bridge. If the tooth is not symptomatic (lingering sensitivity to temperature, constant ache, swelling, infection or abscess visible on the X-ray), I would ask your dentist why the root canal is needed. Also, make sure you are given options. Bridges are less expensive than implants, but sometimes a root canal and a single crown along with an implant where the tooth is missing may be a better long term option.

God Bless and Keep Smiling,

Robb A. Warren, D.D.S.

4226 Milwaukee St

Madison, WI 53714

(608) 241-7999

(608)-217-2169 Dr. Robb Cell

*IGNORE YOUR TEETH AND THEY WILL GO AWAY!*

“I’m just a nobody, that wants to tell everybody, about somebody, that
can save anybody.” Cleve McClary

If a root canal is necessary for the supporting crown, then yes.

Dr. Castellanos, Jr., DDS

Only if your dentist believes that there is a chance of pulp death in one of the teeth that will hold the bridge.