It seems that when my 3 unit bridge was fitted many years ago, root canal wasn't done. A metal post was installed, and now that tooth (eye tooth) is sensitive and may need attention. Can the root still be removed? How is it done with the post in place?
Many thanks,
GJohn

Hi GJohn,

If there is a post in place it will have to be removed in order for the root canal to be done.

Thanks for the response. I guess the follow-up question then is, can the post be removed (easily!) without damaging the eye tooth?

IF a post is there, then a root canal MUST have been done... posts are done AFTER root canals... maybe you are mistaken.. the tooth may just have PINS in it... either way after a tooth is prepared for a bridge, it may need a root canal... go to your dentist... is it sensitive to cold/heat, or to pressure?

Thanks for your patient response. I've changed dentists recently, and hence my seeking some background before I launch into further treatment.

I understand from seeing previous x-rays, the root canal above the post was only partial, leaving the tip plus some root section intact for some reason. Maybe that doesn't make sense and I'm missing something. I've been waking in the night with a sore bight in the area.

When a root canal was completed on an adjacent front tooth three weeks ago, the dentist said the x-ray showed a suspicious spot on the adjacent root, which is the root of the eye tooth anchoring the bridge.

I'm on a course of antibiotics at present, and the discomfort has subsided. If the discomfort isn't just the recent root canal "settling down", then I'm wondering if the "spot" identified on the x-ray of the adjacent eye tooth is the cause of the discomfort.
Thanks again,

John

If there is infection at the tip of the eye tooth as the "suspicious spot" may indicate, it could very well be the cause of your discomfort.
Talk to your dentist about treating that area surgically. It may be possible to prevent losing your bridge if it can be done that way.

Thanks for the interaction. Appreciated.
Regards,
John