Root Filing X-ray

This dental (periapical) xray shows root canal treated lower left first and second molar teeth. The first molar tooth has been root treated using ‘gutter percha’ to obturate the root canals, which is the preferred choice of most dental surgeons. The second molar tooth has been root treated using ‘silver points’ to obturate the root canals, these have a more distinctive radio-opaque (lighter) appearance on dental xrays when compared to ‘gutter percha’. A dentist would ideally attempt to root fill as close to the apex without extending beyond it, as seen in the case of the mesial root and not the distal root (lower left first molar).