Bridge on root canal treated teeth

[Niloufar]

Hi

I lost a tooth a few years ago after it developed an abscess. The two teeth on either side of the lost tooth have previously been root filled and as far as I am aware are both ok.

I would like to know if it would be ok to put a bridge on root canal treated teeth in order to replace the missing tooth. My dentist says that he can do it but it might not last very long.

If its not possible to place a bridge on root canal treated teeth, what would be my options for replacing my missing tooth? I don't wish to have a denture, I have declined a denture because I would not like to have something that comes out at night.

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your post.

Root canal teeth are not ideal for bridge abutments. The reason is that during root canal treatment, tooth tissue is removed and the tooth is made more brittle. Hence if root filled teeth are loaded as bridge abutments, there is a chance of root fracture. If possible its better not to use root filled teeth as bridge abutments.

Your alternative option would be to have an Implant. The implant could be placed without any reliance on neighbouring teeth and unlike a denture its not removed at night.