Bridge work ended up with root canal. Any suggestions?

Normally you would not expect to need a root canal after preparing a healthy tooth for a bridge.  When you have one tooth totally destroyed by decay you probably had other teeth with decay including those that hold the bridge.  There is frequently decay under old fillings that can contribute to problems.Decay is an infection that spreads in the mouth, especially to adjacent teeth.  Unfortunately you didn't catch the decay before losing #20.Preventive dentistry is like changing the oil on your car, much easier to change the oil then the engine.Put aside your anger and talk to your dentist why he /she thinks this occurred.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOChair, Alliance of TMD OrganizationsDiplomat, American Academy of Pain ManagementDiplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineRegent & Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular OrthopedicsBoard Eligible, American Academy of CranioFacial PainDental Section Editor, Sleep & Health JournalMember, American Equilibration SocietyMember, Academy of Applied Myofunctional SciencesThinkBetterLife.com

Thank you for your inquiry. We're sorry to hear about your treatment needed, but this is not a totally uncommon for a tooth to have a root canal once treated. Any time treatment is done to a tooth, whether it be for a filling, crown or other treatment, there is a possibility of a root canal since the nerve may be affected. Especially if you have smaller teeth as you mentioned, you probably don't have a lot of extra tooth structure when your bridge work was being done so root canals were likely more of a possibility for you. On a positive note, it's good you're having your root canals completed before your final bridge is placed so that you wouldn't have to remove or go through the bridge should you have had needed a root canal after your bridge was permanently seated. Since you had #20 removed and either couldn't or chose not to have an implant placed,a three unit bridge was your only option since two unit bridges are not done. We hope this helps and best of luck to you! 

Unfortunately sometimes when you shave down a tooth, the nerve becomes aggravated and it gives up, hence needing a root canal.  If you actually have short structured teeth, then chances of needing a root canal is much higher.  If in fact you are having symptoms, get a consultation with an endodontist (root canal specialist) and go from there.