Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 12/4/2007

Question
I recently had root canals done on my front two teeth. The endodontist took 11 x-rays over the course of two visits. Is this a normal amount of x-rays to take for root canals on 2 adjacent teeth? Eleven seems excessive to me, but I'm no dentist... If this endodontist takes more x-rays than normal, I'm wondering whether I should see a different one for an evaluation of another tooth. By the way, my front teeth were injured in a sports accident; I take perfectly good care of my teeth. Thanks for the help!

Answer
Dear Brice Richards,

I would speculate that 11 x-rays for two teeth (or an average of 5½ x-rays per tooth) is a bit over the average number that would normally be taken in the course of root canal therapy. I would typically take four: one before the commencement of the treatment, one to assess the length of the canal, one to verify that the point of filling material used to fill the canal fits accurately to the end of the root, and a final x-ray to verify that the canal(s) are filled adequately. However, it would not be particularly unjustified to take another exposure if the provisional measurement film (film #2 above) showed a significant error in estimating canal length. In short, I don't think five films is particularly unusual.

Keep in mind that the taking of additional x-rays confers no financial gain to the endodontist, since root canal service is usually a flat-fee item that is all-inclusive, including any necessary x-rays. If anything, the taking of additional x-rays implies greater attention to detail, as well as the will to provide superior service. If your concern is your absorbed dose of radiation, be advised that with modern radiographic film emulsions or digital x-ray sensors, the amount of radiation used is only a small fraction of what it was a few short years ago.

Rather than being a factor that would drive you to another endodontist, I believe the number of x-rays taken is more a reflexion of the quality of service he provides, which would be nothing less than an admirable attribute for this doctor's patients.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY