When does a tooth infection show up on an X-ray?

Question

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 of my tooth, would it not show up on an X-ray? I am not sure what to do now.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

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, 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.