Can cavities be detected in an X-ray?

Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
Updated on February 08, 2025
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In clinical practice, not all cavities require X-rays, nor can all cavities be detected through X-rays. The purpose of taking X-rays is to understand the depth of the cavity and the distance between the cavity and the dental nerve. Some cavities occur on the surfaces between teeth which cannot be seen with the naked eye; in these cases, X-rays can provide a clear diagnosis. However, early-stage cavities only involve changes in the enamel, showing as chalky changes or small black dots and lines on the tooth surface. For these superficial changes, X-rays will not show any abnormalities. Therefore, it is important to maintain oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and evening, and rinsing after meals to detect and treat cavities early, to prevent other complications.

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Is tooth sensitivity caused by exposed nerves?

When a patient has dental caries, it can cause some damage to the gum tissue, resulting in the gums being in a state of acute inflammation. At this time, the gums may be particularly sensitive, especially to hot and cold stimuli, but this does not necessarily mean that the nerves in the gums are exposed. It is recommended that patients pay attention to a light diet and avoid overly hot or spicy foods, as well as hard foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Therefore, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that patients visit the hospital in a timely manner for consultation, and receive specific treatment plans based on the extent of the damage caused by the caries.

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Is tooth decay a contagious disease?

Cavities occur due to a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which erodes the teeth over time, causing damage to the enamel and dentin. This results in the appearance of black spots, black patches, and cavities. However, cavities are not contagious because there are always a large number of bacteria in the mouth due to eating and other reasons, so it is important to develop good brushing habits and the correct technique. Although brushing can remove some dental plaque, its effect is limited. It is best to undergo dental and gum cleaning treatments to significantly improve the removal of dental plaque and eliminate the harm of cavities to the human body.

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If a cavity is not thoroughly cleaned before being filled, what will happen?

When a patient has severe dental caries and undergoes filling, if the decay is not completely removed before filling, it may lead to reinfection and residual decay, continuing to cause inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that the decay be completely removed before filling. In such cases, it is generally safe for patients to seek treatment at a formal dental hospital. Official hospitals adhere to strict standards, effectively cleaning the affected area for filling and repair. Therefore, patients need not be overly anxious; this type of procedure is quite common in dentistry. Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life and seek timely medical attention when dental caries occur.

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Does removing a cavity-affected tooth have any impact?

Cavities, also commonly referred to as tooth decay, can impact daily life depending on the situation. Generally, if the cavity is not severe, extraction is not necessary, and treatment should be attempted if possible. However, extraction can be harmful, as it creates a gap. The teeth adjacent to this gap can be affected, leading to tilting towards the gap or becoming loose, which may impact how the teeth come together when biting. The body has a protective mechanism that can automatically close this space, but although this closes the gap, it may destabilize the overall bite alignment and function, potentially affecting the temporomandibular joint function. Therefore, if tooth decay occurs, it is advised to seek prompt treatment at a formal dental hospital or a major hospital’s dental pulp department, where the decayed and necrotic tissue can be removed and the cavity filled to restore the shape of the tooth crown and some of the biting function.

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Why do cavities turn black?

Cavities generally appear black, while normal teeth are white. The structural changes in the dental tissues due to bacterial infection cause the hard tissues of the teeth to demineralize, enlarging the internal spaces of the teeth. This can cause cavities to appear black under the refraction of sunlight, resulting in a black appearance. Additionally, after the deterioration of the tooth due to decay, the breakdown of the hard tissue allows food residues or plaque to enter the cavities, which can also cause the cavities to turn black. This situation requires early dental filling to remove the decayed parts, followed by root canal treatment, otherwise it can lead to pulpitis, causing tooth pain.