Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions
Unilateral chewing Hello Dr. Lin, I have been chewing on one side for several years, and recently the side that I haven't been using suddenly developed gum inflammation. After taking antibiotics and painkillers for a week, it has healed. I then tried to use the other side (t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "I had a dental check-up, and the X-rays showed no abnormalities. My gums are also normal. The dentist ground down a bit of my tooth and advised me to continue monitoring. I used Sensodyne and Parodontax, but they don't seem to help." It is recommended to go...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Dental Visits and Infection Risks: A Patient's Inquiry
Doctor, I apologize, but I am referring to the gentleman who is concerned about the risk of infection from dental treatment? Doctor, I'm sorry! Earlier I asked about the fear of infection when seeing the dentist. Actually, I asked the same question last week, but I'm st...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: I can understand and empathize with your anxiety. What has already happened does not need to be revisited, as it cannot be changed or confirmed. I recommend that you directly contact the infectious disease department or family medicine department at the hospital to have bl...[Read More] Concerns About Dental Visits and Infection Risks: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Oral Growths: What to Know About Gum-Like Bumps
There are small granulation tissues on the inner lining of the mouth? About three weeks ago, I noticed a swollen, granuloma-like growth on the inner lining of my mouth (which was not painful). However, it has since reduced in size and is now more like a thin strip (although there...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The protrusions on the inner sides of both buccal mucosa are largely due to the openings of the salivary glands, which may be caused by repeated biting injuries. It is advisable to consult a physician for an actual examination to confirm that it is not oral cancer.[Read More] Understanding Oral Growths: What to Know About Gum-Like Bumps
Post-Extraction Care for Horizontally Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect
Extraction of Horizontal Wisdom Teeth I had my upper left and lower left wisdom teeth extracted on the evening of October 4th. The lower left tooth was horizontally impacted, so it required sutures. The doctor did not provide much explanation after the extraction. When I got home...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: A special suturing technique allows the wound to heal better and faster. The stitches should be removed in about a week, and you can wait until after October 11th for the original physician to follow up. If you experience acute symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing...[Read More] Post-Extraction Care for Horizontally Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect
Concerns About Dental Hygiene and HIV Transmission Risks
About HIV/AIDS Hello Doctor: I just went to the clinic for a dental check-up and cleaning. I noticed that the dentist who attended to me was chatting with the staff in the clinic the whole time. During the cleaning, water splashed everywhere, and I had water pooling in my mouth t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, unless you have an open wound in your mouth and come into contact with instruments that are heavily contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids or blood. Based on what you described, the risk of contracting HIV is very low.[Read More] Concerns About Dental Hygiene and HIV Transmission Risks
Why Did My Teeth Gaps Widen After Removing Tartar?
Regarding interdental spaces? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my four front teeth in the middle. For the past six months, I often went to bed without brushing my teeth due to certain reasons, which led to a significant buildup of tartar between these four teeth. There was...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Due to long-term pressure from dental calculus on the gums, gum recession has occurred, resulting in enlarged spaces between the teeth. Therefore, after the removal of the dental calculus, the gaps may appear particularly noticeable. It is recommended to observe the situat...[Read More] Why Did My Teeth Gaps Widen After Removing Tartar?
Understanding Dental Issues After a Car Accident: Expert Insights
Six years ago, I had a car accident that affected my teeth, and the doctor's assessment? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Six years ago, due to a car accident, I had two upper front teeth with cracks [the situation six years ago]. I went to Clinic A for treatment...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Since you have already established trust in Dr. B and are regularly following up at the clinic, it is advisable to trust the doctor's diagnosis and treatment plan. If you require a third-party professional opinion, you may seek additional consultation at the endodo...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues After a Car Accident: Expert Insights
Understanding Apex Surgery: Addressing Dental Abscess Issues
Apicoectomy The front tooth had a post and crown placed last year, and the nerve was completely removed. However, today I discovered a pus-filled abscess on the front tooth. I went to a dental clinic to find out what the problem was, and the dentist said there was bacteria at the...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: It is recommended to return to the original clinic for a detailed examination by the dentist to check for any infection or inflammation at the root apex. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Apex Surgery: Addressing Dental Abscess Issues
Managing Severe Gag Reflex During Orthodontic Treatment: Solutions and Concerns
Orthodontics and Vomiting Response Hello, I have severe protruding teeth, so I really need orthodontic treatment. However, I have a very strong gag reflex; even brushing my teeth makes me want to vomit, and just opening my mouth can trigger dry heaving due to nasal secretions and...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Anonymous: It is recommended to consult an orthodontic specialist and inform them about the presence of a gag reflex. Discuss with the doctor which orthodontic methods can minimize the complications associated with the gag reflex. Director Tseng Guang-Hui, Dental Depart...[Read More] Managing Severe Gag Reflex During Orthodontic Treatment: Solutions and Concerns
Understanding Sensitivity After Dental Resin Fillings: What to Expect
Resin dental filling I would like to ask the doctor, how long does postoperative sensitivity typically last? It has been 8 days since my procedure, and I have no issues eating or drinking hot and cold beverages. However, I experience pain when my tongue touches a certain area, an...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Yun: If you experience pain or swelling on the tongue side after filling a cavity, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check for possible inflammation of the tooth nerve. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Sensitivity After Dental Resin Fillings: What to Expect
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Comparing Different Approaches
Root Canal Treatment Process Hello Dr. Lin, I recently started root canal treatment and noticed that this dentist's approach is quite different from my previous one. Below is a comparison based on the symmetrical positions of the teeth (high likelihood of double roots). I un...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Each physician's treatment methods or guidelines can indeed vary, making it difficult to comment on their effectiveness or correctness. However, since you have chosen a new physician, it is advisable to follow their approach to complete the treatment, as ultimately, t...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Comparing Different Approaches
Understanding Occlusal Pain: When to Seek Dental Advice
Occlusal pain Hello Doctor, I have been feeling something unusual between the last two teeth on the lower right side (I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted a year ago) for the past two days. There is slight pain when biting down, and there is some tenderness when I press on...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Typically, follow-up visits for check-ups, cleanings, and monitoring are scheduled every 3 to 6 months. If you are still very concerned, it is advisable to visit a medical center for further examination to determine if there are any issues beyond the teeth that may be caus...[Read More] Understanding Occlusal Pain: When to Seek Dental Advice
Understanding Tooth Pain: Is It Just Gum Inflammation or Something More?
Occlusal pain Hello Doctor, I have been feeling something unusual with the teeth between the last two molars on the lower right side (I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted a year ago) for the past two days. There is slight pain when biting down and some tenderness when I pr...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Typically, follow-up visits for check-ups, cleanings, and monitoring are scheduled every 3 to 6 months. If you are still very concerned, it is advisable to visit a medical center for further examination to determine if there are any issues beyond dental problems causing pa...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: Is It Just Gum Inflammation or Something More?
Discomfort After Dental Crown Placement: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the gums after crown placement? Hello Dr. Lin, I had a full porcelain crown placed at the dental clinic. Originally, I only had the old crown removed and replaced with the new one without any additional treatment. For the first two days after the placement, it felt ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Injuries to the soft tissues in the oral cavity typically heal within 1 to 2 weeks. Applying topical antibiotics and corticosteroid ointments can help alleviate discomfort. Is it possible that the dentures are too large or not fitting properly? >> It is recommended t...[Read More] Discomfort After Dental Crown Placement: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Occlusal Pain: When to Seek Dental Care
Occlusal pain Hello Doctor, I have been feeling something unusual with the teeth between the last two molars on the lower right side (I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted a year ago) for the past two days. There is mild pain when biting down and some tenderness when I pres...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Typically, follow-up visits for check-ups, cleanings, and monitoring are scheduled every 3 to 6 months. If you are still very concerned, it is recommended to visit a medical center for further examination to determine if there are any issues beyond the teeth that may be ca...[Read More] Understanding Occlusal Pain: When to Seek Dental Care
Is Filling Gaps in Front Teeth a Good Solution for Dental Issues?
Front tooth filling, dental gap? Hello, I have had large gaps between my front teeth since childhood, which has caused my upper front teeth to grow poorly, and the teeth on either side are quite small. I have consulted a dentist who mentioned that this is due to missing teeth. Cu...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the gap between teeth exceeds 2.5 mm or if there is a malocclusion or deep bite, direct resin filling is not recommended.[Read More] Is Filling Gaps in Front Teeth a Good Solution for Dental Issues?
Understanding Tooth Pain: When to Seek Dental Treatment
Toothache issues? Hello Doctor: About three months ago, I had a filling done on a molar that was very close to the nerve. After the filling, I experienced localized pressure pain in that tooth, but since it wasn't very painful, I didn't seek further treatment. However, ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Three months ago, I visited the dentist, and everything was confirmed to be fine at that time, with a recommendation to monitor the situation. Currently, if the pain is simply a reaction to stimulation and does not last longer than 30 seconds or if there is no significant ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: When to Seek Dental Treatment
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Cavity Treatment: What to Expect
Dental filling for cavities? Doctor, I would like to ask about my follow-up appointment on September 1st. The dentist removed the filling from a cavity next to my front tooth and replaced it. The cavity was on the inner side, not between the teeth. He mentioned that it looked a b...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. An: It seems that the filling for your cavity is very close to the nerve. Although it has been filled, the tooth may still feel uncomfortable when subjected to biting pressure or when it is tapped. I recommend monitoring the situation. If this occurs frequently, it woul...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Cavity Treatment: What to Expect
Do You Need a Root Canal for a Painless Gum Abscess?
If there is a gum abscess that is not painful, is root canal treatment necessary? If there is a gum abscess that is not painful, is it necessary to undergo root canal treatment, and should antibiotics and painkillers be taken? Can the abscess be treated directly? Both the tooth a...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The goals of root canal treatment are 1. to maintain the tooth in a non-infected and non-inflamed state within the mouth, and 2. to serve as a support for a crown or other prosthetic restoration. As you mentioned, your tooth is currently in an inflamed and infected state, ...[Read More] Do You Need a Root Canal for a Painless Gum Abscess?
Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?
Asymmetrical length of the right and left sides of the mandible can cause a clicking sound when opening the mouth to its maximum extent? Hello, Doctor. I am 20 years old and visited a dentist when I was 11, during which X-rays were taken. The doctor's findings were as follow...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The primary treatment goal of orthodontics should be to achieve proper alignment of the teeth. Other related issues (such as facial appearance and joint clicking) may improve as well, but if expectations are set too high, the outcomes may not meet those expectations. If te...[Read More] Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?