X-Ray of Tooth Decay

This dental xray shows the presence of decay on the upper right first molar tooth. The radio-opaque (white) area is an existing mesio-occlusal amalgam. The caries is seen as the radiolucent (dark) areas on the distal aspect of the tooth. The extent of the decay seen here may have resulted in the loss of vitality (pulpal death) and this may necessitates root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth. A dentist may decide when restoring the tooth to opt for a gold or porcelain crown restoration to restore the tooth.