X-Ray of Tooth Decay

Here can be seen a dental xray of a patient’s teeth showing the presence of secondary (recurrent) decay underneath existing restorations. The radio-opaque (white) areas on the coronal aspect of the upper right first and second molar teeth depict existing restorations. The blue arrows denote the carious lesions beneath the existing restorations. The decay on the upper right first molar shows pulpal involvement, indicating the need to carry out root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth. A dentist restoring these affected teeth may consider a gold or porcelain crown as a more favourable treatment option, due to the extensive loss of tooth substance. Particularly in relation to the upper right first molar as to restore the strength and morphology of the tooth.