Can An X-ray Show A Hidden Dental Infection?

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2017

Question: Hello, I previously asked this question but did not receive a follow up adequate answer to my follow up question. I believe x-rays only can tell if infection at root has damaged bone ...I believe the infection is gone now ... but bone damage remains.
. My dentist says the xrays show that infection is there.. I believe it really only shows bone erosion. I believe the infection has stopped but bone damage discovered by xray is showing up.n Please advise XXXX

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
X-rays shows infection along with bone erosion

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Thanks for writing in.

You are correct that X-rays show bone erosion but at the same time they show abscess also. They depict the present condition of teeth. In case your infection has subsided then it won't appear in your X-ray but if you still have any residual infection, it will remain in the X-rays.

They help in ruling out both bone and infection conditions.

Hope I answered your query, feel free to ask further.

Kind regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (13 minutes later)

Hello Dr. Sumra,
Is it not likely that my bone loss would persist long after or permanently after infection is halted ? My health is very good now.
I have been on a 100% anti-inflammatory diet and eating properly 100%. My approach saved one of my eyes. I had much pain from a corneal edema ... was almost going to have eye removed as it was blind anyhow.
As soon as I got serious about diet and salt intake my eye problem went away 100%. No pain there at all now.
PS There is no pain or bleeding at all re my teeth
Best regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bone loss can't be recovered

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Bone loss is irreversible and it doesn't regenerate. In case of severe bone loss the dentist advise bone grafts. In your case, your dental health is improving so don't bother so much.
If possible then send me your tooth x-ray and I will tell you the exact condition.
Try to maintain good oral hygiene.

Hope this helps you

Thanks & Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (16 minutes later)

I have a hard time reading this thread. it is too confusing.
is you last reply on top ???
Suggestion: Please erase all text and send a concise answer.
I feel you are not really addressing my exact question.
My question is there a definitive way to test for ie. can infection be proved ?
The x-rays cannot show infection ... just bone loss...
I do not want to remove teeth based on what I see as purely an assumption of infection.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go with x-rays and get treatment accordingly

Detailed Answer:
I completely understand your query.
X-rays can only show infection. If you have sensitivity, decay or swelling in that teeth then it indicates it has infection.
Moreover these findings are confirmed by looking at x-ray. If your x-ray shows infection then you need RCT or extraction.
If you can send me your recent x-ray, I will be in a better condition to answer your query.
Hope I answered your query

Thanks & Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (30 minutes later)

**** Hello, you wrote:
I will intersperse my comments / questions
............................................................................................................
"Detailed Answer:
I completely understand your query.
X-rays can only show infection.
****** Did you mean to say "x-rays can only show bone loss" ?? that is correct I'm more sure all the time.
If you have sensitivity, decay or swelling in that teeth then it indicates it has infection.
******** I have no sensitivity, decay or swelling. no bleeding and no odor.. the teeth seem to be very happy and settled.
Moreover these findings are confirmed by looking at x-ray.
****** No, x-rays can only can detect density differences of boneloss
If your x-ray shows infection
***** How can X-rays prove infection ?... please email me a research link or a university link that says x-rays can detect,prove or definitively diagnose a state of ACTIVE infection or inflammation ?
Is there no such definitive test ?

then you need RCT or extraction.
If you can send me your recent x-ray, I will be in a better condition to answer your query.
Hope I answered your query
Thanks & Regards
Dr. XXXXXXX Sumra"

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
X-rays are best diagnostic tools

Detailed Answer:
I tried to explain you everything in layman terms. X-rays can be used for diagnosis both periodontjal and endodontic problems. If your x-ray is fine then don't bother too much. Its really difficult to explain you how to read x-ray by texting.
You can send me your x-ray and i can interpret it for you.

Thanks & Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (35 minutes later)

I could have my dentist email my X-rays to you
but I do not think that will accomplish anything.

The problem is that he agrees with you.
He says my x-rays show bone loss. and that equates to periodontal infection / disease. I disagree.That's why I am asking you to provide proof of infection.
If it's possible. Maybe medical and dental science has no answer yet for this?
We can very accurately measure things in astronomy and cosmology ... not in medicine and dentistry ? If I was truly convinced of infection I probably would have them removed.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go for other diagnostic tests

Detailed Answer:
I have tried my best to satisfy you but you still seem to be unhappy with x-rays. You can't compare dentistry with other branches. There are other diagnostic aids such as diagnodent, Caries detector XXXXXXX vitality tests to check for decay. It all depends on dentist what he wants to use.
Though x-rays are oldest and most applicable tools. If you need to dig more into this go for other diagnostic aids.
There are various articles on research gate, hope you will find your answer.

Thanks & Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy