I have had for years a three tooth bridge, 18,19,20. Recently this has become a problem requiring recementing into place. The recementing has failed twice because abutment tooth 20 was reduced to a very small size during the original bridge work. My dentist now plans to do a root canal on tooth 20, then insert an implant post and place a newly constructed bridge. I am concerned with all the research I have done on root canals and possible complications.
My question is: why would a root canal be required prior to placement of an implanted post. It seems to me an extraction and implantation of a post would be a more logical and healthier solution for securing a replacement bridge. Also would it be possible for my existing bridge be modified to fit the new implanted abutment? Thanks for any advise you can provide as this is a big cause for concern.