Do I truly NEED a bridge or implant on molar #30 and a new crown behind it? (photo)

Question

I had some inflammation below lower right molar (I believe it's #30) which is a root canal crown and small decay on back farthest tooth which is already a crown.. and have no tooth pain at all. I am getting scaling procedure of whole mouth a laser healing in a week. Does my large molar root canal crown tooth #30 SHOW I NEED a removal and implant and new crown. Behind it OR a bridge which will destroy a perfectly healthy 3rd tooth in front of it? Does attached x-ray show the NEED for this?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Since the provided x-ray isn't helpful, I can only speak in generalities.  When root canal treated teeth fail, most of the time the next step is removal. A bridge can be a great option, as is an implant.  If the adjacent teeth had NO work done at ALL, I would suggest the implant, but the adjacent teeth have crowns.  You state "perfectly healthy teeth" but you are incorrect.  The nerves are not dead, but the enamel is gone (from having crowns).  To do a bridge, simply remove the old crowns and make a new restoration (the bridge).

Navid Zamani, DMD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sending your question. I am sorry but your xray is not of diagnostic quality. I highly recommend to you seek a second opinion with another provider who can perform a comprehensive examination of the area and the xrays and give you his diagnosis. All the best.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

Unfortunately your xray is very poor quality and not diagnostic. If you have concerns about the treatment suggested by your dentist it is always possible to get a second opinion.

Do I truly NEED a bridge or implant on molar #30 and a new crown behind it? (photo)

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Do I truly NEED a bridge or implant on molar #30 and a new crown behind it? (photo)

Answers (3)

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