Root Filling x-ray

These three dental xrays demonstrate the management of a non vital and symptomatic upper left second premolar tooth with root canal treatment. The top left dental xray shows the presence of a periapical infection which can be seen to widen the surrounding periapical ligament. The top right dental xray is taken by the dentist to aid in assessing the length of the root canal and therefore establish the length to which the root filling should be. The bottom dental xray shows the tooth after root canal treatment has been carried out and the tooth restored with a coronal restoration. Root filled teeth tend to become more brittle than normal teeth and also discolour with time. With this in mind, a dentist may wish to use a crown or other restorations to improve the strength and appearance of the tooth.