“Can a dental X-ray show nerve damage?”
I am a 34 year old male. I want to know if a dental X-ray can show nerve damage?
9 Answers
Yes
Dr. David Ellman Miranda
Dentist
Typically no. There are other tests that may help. Speak to your dentist or refer to an oral surgeon for recommendations.
It may do in some cases, depends which nerve and the location of that nerve.
Dental X-rays distinguish differences in the density of the items seen on the image. This is generally limited to looking at solid objects like bone and teeth. X-rays cannot "see" nerves. The X-ray can see the canals that the nerves reside in and can determine if an object appears to be within the canal. But remember that the X-ray is a 2-dimensional (flat) picture of a 3-dimensional object (person). So, the simple answer is no. X-rays cannot definitively show nerve damage. You may see compression of a canal where the nerve is and possible/probable nerve effect. But that's the best you can do.
Dental X-ray can show the effect of nerve damage at the end of the root. On some occasions, it may take a while for nerve damage to show itself.
It can show an infection or a deep cavity ID or deep filling close to the nerve, which would indicate nerve damage. But an X-ray cannot specifically show damage to a nerve.
It can be difficult to clearly assess nerve damage based on X-rays alone, need to combine with clinical evaluation to determine that.
A dental X-ray can show decay into the nerve of a tooth. It may also show a periapical radiolucency indicating an infection of a tooth. A CBCT or cone beam can do all of the above plus map the interior alveolar nerve and other anatomical structures in much greater detail.
Yes
