Not usually. A complete denture is used when you have no teeth remaining. It completely replaces all your teeth. However, sometimes you can use remaining teeth to support your denture. That would be an overdenure (over-your-teeth) and in that case your remaining teeth may need root canals.
However, in certain circumstances, a dentist may wish to retain the root and a portion of the outer or crown part of the tooth to help with retention or stability of the full denture. This is known as an overdenture, meaning the denture fits "over" parts of remaining teeth. In most cases, these remaining tooth roots supporting an overdenture will need to have root canal treatments and be sealed with a bonded or cast metal restoration to prevent any chances of infection later on.
With the advent of implant technology, this "overdenture" procedure isn't done as commonly as it used to be because implants can "anchor" a full denture better and with less chance of subsequent infection.
If you are getting complete dentures, that implies that all of your teeth are either missing or are going to be extracted. If you have no teeth, a root canal will not be needed.
The overdenture theory is a traditional option usually best for a lower denture. The retained roots help preserve the bony ridge and may be a better option than the more expensive implant-retained denture.
If you still have questions about this you should discuss this with your dentist.
A complete denture means that all of your teeth are replaced by the denture. Generally a root canal is not necessary since all your teeth will be extracted. In the past, a treatment did exist however, when two teeth (especially in the lower jaw) would be treated with root canal therapy and left as a "stud" onto which a denture could be snapped on. This is rarely done in modern dentistry due to concerns about strength and durability of those remaining teeth. Typically, if a denture is to be made and you wish for it to be more stable and comfortable, dental implants will be placed in the jawbone which will then serve as the "studs".
For many patients with complete dentures, they have all of their natural teeth removed and so would not need a root canal. Sometimes, however, an overdenture is made that fits over a bar that is attached to a few of the patient's natural teeth. If an overdenture is made, then any of the natural teeth remaining in the mouth may need a root canal.
The first question to ask here is: Are you sure they are COMPLETE dentures? Complete in this case means entire as in your "entire" arch (top or bottom) or "entire" mouth (top and bottom. If that is the case then no there is no need to have root canal treatment on a tooth that will be extracted. However, if any of the teeth are being retained as anchor teeth for the denture then it may be necessary to perform root canal therapy on these teeth. If the teeth have no issues (decay or infection) then root canal therapy is not necessary.
In certain instances, certain teeth will be retained and used as abutments to support or retain your dentures. In these cases, root canals are sometimes needed. However, the dentures that you would then receive would be referred to as partial dentures or overdentures, and not complete dentures.
Complete dentures requires the removal of all teeth in the mouth. Root canal treatment is only performed on a tooth. Without teeth, there is no need for a root canal.
If "complete dentures" involve the retention of the roots of teeth, then yes. This type of denture is called an "overdenture", meaning it will be a complete/full denture 'over' existing roots. Typically, roots will have attachments that will aid in the retention of the denture. A root canal is required in order to place a post which will have an attachment connected to it.
Sometimes, some teeth can be saved with root canal treatment that can help support the denture. The roots have an attachment that the denture snaps into to help stabilize it. This type of denture is called an over denture. Keeping the root part of the tooth with root canal treatment can help to keep the bone from shrinking and help to prevent the denture from loosening.
If, however, a tooth is being retained as an anchor for the denture, then a root canal would be necessary.
My suggestion will be you talk to your dentist and make sure you understand the treatment you're getting and clarify to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.