Kindly interpret my dental x-ray and explain the cause of my chronic toothache.

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a chronic toothache. I took an X-ray of the tooth. Is there anything wrong with my X-ray? Currently, I am taking Citalopram 40 mg and Doxycycline.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

I have gone through the X-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your left central incisor shows internal resorption. I suggest you continue taking medications for five days and then do RCT (root canal treatment) for this affected tooth.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Kindly tell me the following:

Does root canal treatment help me?
How long will it last after taking treatment?
Is it a serious issue?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Root canal treatment has a good prognosis. By maintaining good hygiene, it can last for a minimum of 20 to 25 years and a maximum of 35 to 40 years without a postoperative infection.

Regarding internal resorption, it has just started now, and so you are having much pain. If it is treated early, then there are very few chances for you to have pain and infection. I suggest you take the treatment on time to prevent further infection.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Kindly tell me, is internal resorption a serious issue?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Internal resorption is not a serious issue as an emergency condition. But it can extend to the whole of the pulp. As you have more pain, I suggest that after completing the antibiotic course, you kindly do an RCT (root canal treatment).

You have internal resorption. Continue taking medications. I suggest you take treatment as soon as possible. It is not an emergency condition, so you can delay it for two to three months, as internal resorption will not spread to involve the pulp.

Please help.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is it a cause for concern if the discussed tooth does not cause pain after taking medications?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Antibiotics and analgesics have helped you. It has stopped the progression of the infection, and so you feel relieved. I suggest you take the treatment immediately to have permanent relief. You seem to have an inhibition of infection and pain.

It is nice to hear that you have relief from pain. But it is necessary to do an RCT (root canal treatment) in a timely manner to have permanent relief.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Kindly tell me, is there anything wrong with the other teeth in the X-ray, other than the left central incisor?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The other teeth are strong, and there is no problem. But they are a bit angled towards each other, and I hope that they will become straight with time. Your teeth seem to be angling towards each other. Self-positioning is possible. Do not be worried. They will become straight as your age advances. Please wait for some time.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

The right incisor causes sharp pain while biting. I think that it is cracked. But the pulp seems to be fine.

What is the course of treatment?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I think that it is due to referred pain from the left central incisor. There is no crack on that tooth. Please mention whether the pain seems to be similar in both central incisors. You seem to have internal resorption pain.

Please share a clinical picture, as the fracture is not shown in the X-ray. As you have sharp pain, I suggest you take a clinical picture to detect the fracture in your other tooth. Avoid eating and biting on that tooth.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I had an X-ray of the left lower incisor with internal resorption two months ago. Still, I had a two-month window period for treatment.

Would a clear photo help you to find the cracked tooth?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, a clear picture helps to find the cracking. Please mention whether your right central incisor seems to be fine or not. Please send a clear picture of your right and left central incisors.

Thank you

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

An X-ray was taken two months ago. Does a two-month window period help me

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Two months is a very short period for the pathology to have developed. As your X-ray is fine, I need a clinical picture to confirm whether the lesion has progressed or not. Please send a clear picture to clear the doubts. One of your teeth has internal resorption, while the other one is fine.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have attached the photo.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your right central incisor seems to be fine, and the left central incisor has a fracture. But in both incisors, there is attrition, and so you have sensitivity.

I suggest you use Sensoform (Strontium chloride) rapid relief and repair twice a day for a month. Have a follow-up if you have any improvements. You need to restore your upper left central incisor, as it has a fracture now. You need to do an RCT of the left lower central incisor. Use sensitivity paste for a month. You need to restore your upper left central incisor soon.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

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Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.

November 14, 2020

July 24, 2026

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

Dr. Bharat Joshi

Dentistry

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