Originally Posted by Bryanna

Woodfly,

Thanks for posting all of the xrays.

Both root canaled teeth are infected because the dentin tubules contain infected necrotic nerve tissue. In addition to that fact, they both show pathology on the radio graphs.

The lower left molar has a large area of bacterial pathology around the mesial (front) root. The root of the upper right premolar is either in close proximity or directly into the sinus. The sinus, is blocking the view of the pathology around the apex of the tooth. It is also blocking the health of the molar behind this tooth.

If you look at the panorex and compare the posterior area of your upper right with your upper left, you will see the sinus hovering over and around your premolar and molar areas on both sides. Your upper right sinus area is considerably darker more radiolucent looking compared to your left. When this radio graphic finding is seen in an area where there is a root canaled or infected tooth, it generally indicates proliferation of bacteria and inflammation from that root canaled or infected tooth.

The pressure from that bacteria and inflammation could cause headaches, sinus pressure or infection, eye, ear, gland problems, and so on.

Bryanna