How can a dentist tell that you need a root canal? after looking at an x-ray my dentist told me that i need a root canal. i was kind of in shock though, and forgot to ask what exactly she saw that let her know i need a root canal. what do dentists see tha

Besides : Besides your clinical symptoms (tooth pain, gum swelling) the features on an x-ray that might indicated you required a root canal include decay extending into a pulp chamber or radiolucency at the tip of the root. The clinical and x-ray exam is usually confirmed with testing the vitality of the tooth.

Many : Many factors can lead to a diagnosis, but the most telling thing on an x-ray is a dark spot at the tip of the root. If a patient presents with symptoms, the x-ray can be very helpful in a proper and conclusive diagnosis.

Xrays help, but...: When a dentist looks at your xray, she will look for deep decay that is near or into the nerve space. It is not unusual for you not to have pain in such a situation, as this is a slowly progressing process and often time the dental pulp (nerve) dies a slow, painless death. It is misleading, however, because an infection can develop without you knowing it. Xrays can identify if it abscesses, too.