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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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What Does A Dark Spot In A Dental X-ray Indicate?

I have a dark spot in my x-ray above my front upper left tooth...
My new dentist immediately said I needed a root canal upon looking at the X-ray.

My concern is I have no pain or other symptoms...
My dentist said it could be from traumatic injury from when I was a kid or an infection..
I did read traumatic injury could cause the need for a root canal and my two front teeth were chipped when I was younger-but that was 20 years ago and got fixed with veneers. They feel strong and there is no mobility in them whatsoever. Moreover, I have no cavities and never have. I do however tend to get tarter build-up easy and recently had a periodontal scaling and planing with waterlace.

What could the dark spot be? What will happen if I do nothing? Do I definitely need a root canal? What happens if I get an unnecessary root canal? What are alternatives? Should I get a second opinion?

My dentist has the letters DDS behind her name if that helps you answer my questions-Thanks!
Wed, 23 Nov 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi.
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain a dark spot above the root of the front left tooth seems to be most probably due to either an abscess of cyst formation and in chronic or long standing cases the tooth can be pain free..

It can also be an opening of incisive canal if it is not exactly above the tooth..

So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Physician or an Endodontist and get your x ray re-checked and even x rays can be taken by changing angulations of x rays..

In case if there is an abscess or cyst formation then root canal treatment is the best appropriate option..

You can also send me your x rays by asking a question by clicking "Ask me a question" button on my profile..
I will evaluate it and advise you more appropriately..

Hope this information helps..

Regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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Dentist Dr. Rachana Goswami's  Response
Thank you for contacting healthcare magic.

I understand your problem.
According to your complain in x ray there is dark spot at upper left incisior area .This dark spot is abcess or cyst. if dark spot has regular border indicate cyst and irregular border indicate abcess.According to your complain you have no pain or other symptoms so that one may be cyst. After proper examination is iopa give exact idea. Consent a dentist for further treatment.

I hope my guidance is helpful to you..
Take care.
Thank you.
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What Does A Dark Spot In A Dental X-ray Indicate?

Hi. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain a dark spot above the root of the front left tooth seems to be most probably due to either an abscess of cyst formation and in chronic or long standing cases the tooth can be pain free.. It can also be an opening of incisive canal if it is not exactly above the tooth.. So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Physician or an Endodontist and get your x ray re-checked and even x rays can be taken by changing angulations of x rays.. In case if there is an abscess or cyst formation then root canal treatment is the best appropriate option.. You can also send me your x rays by asking a question by clicking Ask me a question button on my profile.. I will evaluate it and advise you more appropriately.. Hope this information helps.. Regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..