Hi everyone: I have TMJ and when it causes my teeth to ache I never know if I have a cavity or need a root canal. Last week, I had full mouth x-rays and nothing showed up. My pain is probably due to all the grinding and clenching I do, but I never know for sure. If I needed a root canal, would something always show up on an x-ray? This is very frustrating and scary b/c I don't do well with pain and I sure as ---- don't want to be out of town when I get a bad toothache. TMJ splint therapy hasn't helped my pain at all.

Now I've never needed a root canal, but I've had a couple of pretty painful cavities that were very close to reaching the pulp! In my case, the pain wasn't what I would consider severe, but the sensitivity to sugar was excruciating! I could eat a piece of chocolate and be in tears!

Since your x-rays didn't show any questionable areas, I'd say you're just fine. My dentist can pick up even the tiniest spot of decay via x-rays.