Originally Posted by Bryanna

AKDENTAL,

Tooth decay that occurs below the gum line can occur for a few reasons....

1) Bacteria or plaque accumulate along the gum line and eventually irritate the gum tissue enough to form an opening where the bacteria can accumulate even deeper.

2) There could be a gum problem to begin with that has created an opening where bacteria is able to get in and accumulate.

3) A tooth can sometimes develop recurrent decay underneath a restoration or a crown and that would show up looking similar to what yours does in your mouth.

I want to comment, in bold type, about your statement....

<<A few years ago, I had a toothache, the dentist took xray and said everything was fine. Later, it was hurting more and I went in. She took a 'deep' xray and found a cavity.>>

ANYTIME YOU HAVE A TOOTHACHE, TWO TYPES OF XRAYS SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE TAKEN. ONE IS A PERIAPICAL (THIS IS THE DEEP XRAY YOU MENTIONED) AND THE OTHER IS A BITE WING. THEY BOTH SHOW THE TOOTH FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. YOUR DENTIST EVIDENTLY TOOK THE BITE WING WHICH DOES NOT SHOW THE TOOTH IN IT'S ENTIRETY. IF SHE HAD TAKEN THE PERIAPICAL, THE ENTIRE TOOTH WOULD HAVE BEEN CAPTURED ON THE XRAY AND THE DECAY MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN PICKED UP.

Most people are not aware that both xrays need to be taken so it is certainly not your fault that she neglected to do that. However, she does know better and was not being thorough in her examination.

I would suggest that you see a different dentist and have him take a periapical and a bite wing of that tooth to determine what is wrong. Do not hesitate to tell a dentist you want both xrays. Believe me, it is not uncommon for people to tell their dentist to be more thorough... especially those people who have become better informed either through their own disastrous experiences or from learning it here or elsewhere.

Bryanna