Do I really need a root canal? No pain or discomfort...

I recently had some x-rays taken by a dentist before a checkup and although I have no cavities, he recommended a root canal on one of the front lower teeth (tooth 24?) due to what he says is an abscess below the root visible on the x-ray as a darker area. I've never had any discomfort or pain so am having trouble believing it's an abscess (aren't they supposed to be painful?!) and question whether I even need the root canal at all.

My hope is that someone knowledgeable in the field can review my x-rays (I can e-mail them) and comment on the dentist's recommendation regarding the root canal.

Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.

[Sam Delfino]

Hi,
Your best bet is to get a second opinion. I would go to a board certified endodontist and have them do the proper tests. Xrays are only one part of the diagnosis. Also, you must be able to figure out what has caused this need for root canal first and take the cause away.
http://www.top3dentists.com/pages/endodontics