Dark area under tooth that got a root canal 15+ years ago.. does it always mean infection?
I’m 34 yrs old. Went for my cleaning today and to address a crown loosening up a bit (a separate tooth- unrelated to this question). In the x rays the dentist showed me there is a dark area under a tooth that I had a root canal done when I was 15. He asked if I had any pain, I said no. I explained that my old dentist (I recently moved to another state) saw it too and it’s been coming up on X-rays for at least five years, and he also said it’s probably nothing since I have no pain. My dentist today said absolutely not, and that’s probably an infection that I’ve had for years. I’m going to an Endodontist now of course, but I can’t get in for a couple months which I guess is okay since I’m not in pain? Anyway, my question is, does space under a tooth that’s had a root canal ALWAYS mean infection? An infection I’ve had for YEARS? Wouldn’t there be pain? I’d just like more clarity. I’m sort of panicking that I’ve been walking around for this long with a potential infection and still have a couple months to go.. it sort of gives me anxiety now. Any insight is helpful! Thank you.