Do root canals cause bone loss?

[bobshotme]

I asked my dentist about dentures and he said without having the root in the bone after time the bone sinks in and since I'm very young it wouldn't be the best idea. My question is, is that the same for root canals? They drill out the root, so there is nothing in the bone? Thus having many of them would cause bone loss or the bone to cave in a little where the root was.

I need another root canal, but if it will cause bone loss, having it replaced with a implant would be a better choice.

[Thelma-Louise]

A root canal in itself does not usually cause bone loss as the prodecure deadens the nerve and the canals are treated for infection, if any is present - the roots of the tooth however remain intact. A root canaled tooth however can become brittle over time which is why many dentists recommend the tooth subsequently be crowned. A poorly fitting crown though can cause gum and bone recession.