My dentist saw a spot on my x-ray and said that it was posstooth infection. however, she has asked to wait for six months, till the next exam, to see if it changes. she said it is best to beconservative. is she right or should i get it fixed now?

Keep next appt.: Sometimes the spot may be due to position of the x-ray or bone marrow space enlargement. In absence of problems, i.e. Swelling, pain, etc., it is sensible to wait till next visit for evaluation. A tooth vitality test can be done to check to see if tooth is vital. Root canal is usually done to treat the problem you are discussing. A referral to a root canal specialist is usually done.

Investigate more: A very small possible cavity on an x-ray could be rechecked in 6 months but a possible infection should be checked in a week or two. A second x-ray with different angle, tapping on the tooth, closely inspecting the tooth and surrounding gums.

May not change: What your dentist might be referring to is periapical pathology.. A darkening of the bone at the tip of the tooth, indicative of a non-vital nerve or root canal therapy which is failing. Have your dentist check to see if the tooth is vital.. If not, it will need root canal therapy. No pain does not mean no treatment.

It's reasonable: Only time will tell. You can be aggressive & possibly do the rct when it might be unnecessary, or be conservative and wait & see. The choice is yours and not a right & wrong situation. All dentists get these situations frequently. There are other tests that can be performed which may or may not be helpful in making that decision. Personally, i'm conservative & leave the decision up to my patients.