How can I find out if my filled teeth have caries under the restoration?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have three first molars that have been filled with amalgam three years ago. I need to know how can I find out if one of them has caries under the restoration because one more first molar was also restored by amalgam, and three years later, I was experiencing some pain. When the doctor checked, it turned out that it was full of caries, and I had an endodontic treatment. Is there any way to find out if my other amalgam restored molars have caries? Are there any other methods other than radiographs because I know that prolonged exposure to radiographs is not very healthy. And also, last month I was exposed to x-ray 11 times, besides experiencing that severe pain and leading to endodontic treatment. I have a panoramic radiograph which was taken a month ago. Can you tell me how to find out if there is caries underneath the restorations (like how caries looks in a radiograph)?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, there are possibilities of caries (tooth decay) underneath amalgam restorations. Please check the panoramic radiograph and see if there are any dark patches below the amalgam fillings in the teeth. It would be best if you could send a photograph of your recent panoramic radiograph (OPG), for confirmation. Your panoramic radiograph is more than enough to find out if there is secondary caries (caries underneath restorations) in your molar teeth.

Intra Oral Periapical radiograph (IOPA) is the x-ray of an individual tooth. IOPA might be needed for detailed investigation of an individual tooth during later stages of treatment. You could try digital x-rays which have very low-level radiation exposure compared to conventional x-rays.

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Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

January 12, 2015

December 19, 2018

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Comparator

Caries Under Restoration Diagnostic Tests Comparator

How it works

Detecting caries under existing dental restorations can be challenging. This tool compares common diagnostic methods to help you understand what each test involves and what it can reveal.

Panoramic
X-ray

IOPA
X-ray

Bitewing
X-ray

Clinical
Inspection

Transillumination
Detail

Laser
Detect

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.