HomeAnswersEndodontistdental abscessWhy is my tooth infection not evident on X-ray?

Why is my tooth infection not evident on X-ray?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 16, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Last Saturday I was feeling some discomfort with one of my teeth. It is a tooth that has a crown on it. I was chewing on a piece of steak, and it felt sore. It felt a little sore on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. I saw my dentist on Tuesday and they did not see anything wrong on the X-ray, but when she tapped the tooth with one of her instruments, it felt a little sore. So, she made me an appointment with an endodontist for a root canal on Friday. Well, now my tooth no longer feels sore or hurt. If there was a problem with the roots on my tooth would it not show up on an X-ray? I am not sure what to do now.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sometimes, it takes time for an abscess to show on the X-ray, but pain starts as soon as it starts producing pus. When the quantity of pus increases and causes bone loss at the root apex, then it starts showing on the X-ray. If tapping causes pain, then the tooth does need root canal treatment.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naveen Thomas
Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

dental abscessx-ray

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Endodontist

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy