For a 3-unit bridge with periapical pathology on one of the teeth, what is the best treatment?

The best treatment in this scenario involves endodontic therapy with apicoectomy. This approach targets the underlying issue of periapical pathology associated with the tooth involved in the bridge. Here, endodontic therapy aims to remove infected pulp tissue and eliminate the source of infection within the tooth, thus addressing the periapical pathology effectively.

An apicoectomy may be necessary if there are persistent issues following standard endodontic treatment, particularly if there's a need to remove the infected tissue at the root tip. This procedure allows for the preservation of the tooth structure while also treating the infection, thus maintaining the integrity of the 3-unit bridge.

In contrast, extraction would lead to loss of the tooth, which is not ideal in preserving the dental structure and can result in the need for a new bridge altogether. Restoration of the bridge alone would likely fail to address the source of the periapical pathology without treating the tooth itself. Immediate denture placement does not properly address the underlying problem and is more of a temporary solution that does not focus on treating the infected tooth.

Therefore, choosing endodontic therapy with an apicoectomy effectively combines the treatment of the tooth and the management of the associated periapical pathology, preserving as much of the natural