“Do I need a root canal before a bridge?”

Usually not. Root canals are used when decay is deep enough to get into the nerve. A bridge is made of 3 or more connected crowns on teeth. If the teeth are in decent condition, the risk of needing a root canal decreases significantly.

A root canal may or may not be necessary before a bridge and depends on several factors. If tooth preparation need to be shortened or angulated to fix the bridge, or if there is deep decay, then a root canal may be necessary. A root canal may also be necessary if symptoms or infection develops after the bridge. For some teeth, a root canal will not be necessary for the bridge to seat and therefore can be avoided. I would advised one speak with their dentist regarding their possible need for root canal treatment prior to any bridge preparation.

As long as the support teeth are strong and healthy, usually a root canal would not be needed

No, if all the teeth are healthy.

If the tooth already needs a root canal (pain or infection), then the root canal should be done first. If there is no pain or infection, but you have deep decay going into the nerve, do the root canal first. If it is a clean tooth, no decay or fillings, then you probably don't need the root canal, but it should be evaluated 1st to be sure (make sure the nerves are alive and healthy and responding normally). The tough question is, if there is no pain or infection but the tooth is being prepared (cut down) for the crown/bridge and it is close to the nerve, tests very weak responses, is calcifying in, do you do the root canal first? I would suggest an evaluation by an endodontist (root canal specialist) to determine the likelihood of a problem developing. If there is a good chance that it will end up with problems, then you do the root canal first, prophylacticly before it becomes a problem. It is easier to do the root canal before you put a crown/bridge on it...easier to see, no suffering or pain or abscess and you don't damage the new crown putting a hole in it which, if it is all porcelain, may shatter and require a new bridge. If you have the attitude that the dentist wants to do an unnecessary root canal just to pay for a new car, then by all means, don't do it. But ask yourself, do you feel lucky? Do you go to AC or Vegas and win? (I tend to lose). Can you risk the pain and abscess and getting a new bridge after just getting this one? Call it an ounce of prevention. Get the consultation from your endodontist and confirm it.

Hi!!

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I know it's a junky answer, but it totally depends on the condition of the teeth. The better shape the teeth are in before a bridge, the less likely root canal is necessary.
I hope this helps!

No, not unless the tooth is abscessed.

A root canal is necessary when the nerve inside of your tooth has been injured to a point that it can no longer to heal. If the nerve is healthy inside of the two teeth involved with your bridge, then you don't need a root canal. You should visit an endodontist to have the teeth tested to see if the nerves are healthy.