Understanding Jaw Clicking: Is It Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Hello doctor, when I open my mouth wide, I hear a sound in my right jaw, and when I close my mouth and slightly clench my teeth, there is also a sound in my right jaw, but there is no pain! I have no difficulty opening or closing my mouth! Could this...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Hsu, Hello, you do indeed exhibit symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, but the severity can only be determined through a clinical examination. Certain detrimental oral habits, such as unilateral chewing, clenching your teeth, or even nocturnal bruxism, ca...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Clicking: Is It Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
How Long Does It Take to Correct Protruding Front Teeth?
Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment (I have protruding front teeth) involves aligning the lower teeth, which are relatively straight, while the upper teeth are mostly aligned except for two teeth adjacent to the front teeth that are affecting the alignment. How long will the ortho...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: The misalignment of anterior teeth is often due to insufficient space, leading to crowding of the incisors. The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the severity of the space deficiency, ranging from six months to two years. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely,...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Correct Protruding Front Teeth?
Why Are There Black Spots After Dental Filling? Common Causes Explained
Black spots after dental filling? Hello, doctor. After getting my tooth filled, I went home and looked in the mirror and noticed there are black spots on the filling. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hi Kiki: Hello, if the dental filling material is metallic silver powder, it may turn black due to the reaction of silver ions with sulfur ions from proteins in the mouth and food. If it is a resin-based material, such as composite resin, it may stain or the material itself may d...[Read More] Why Are There Black Spots After Dental Filling? Common Causes Explained
Understanding Retruded Chin: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Retreating chin Hello, Doctor: I recently noticed that my chin seems to be receding more than before, making my face look somewhat like a fish's head. Should I see a dentist, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) specialist, or a plastic surgeon? Additionally, I have a slight over...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there is insufficient development of the mandible, resulting in a Class II malocclusion, which may cause anterior displacement of the articular disc. This can lead to clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth due to frictio...[Read More] Understanding Retruded Chin: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Gum Recession Around Dental Bridges: Causes and Solutions
Gum recession in the middle and posterior areas of a dental bridge? As a child, I loved eating candy and didn't brush my teeth, which resulted in cavities throughout my mouth. At the age of 15, I had three dental bridges placed, covering four rows of molars (two rows on the ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, when we are young, the dental crowns are short, but as we age, the gums recede, making the tooth roots appear exposed, or gaps may develop beneath the bridge. As long as the fit of the dental crowns and bridges is good, there should be no issues. However, we cannot overloo...[Read More] Gum Recession Around Dental Bridges: Causes and Solutions
Do You Need to Remove Horizontal Wisdom Teeth? Common Concerns Explained
Horizontal wisdom tooth Hello, I would like to inquire about wisdom teeth that are growing horizontally, with a small portion visible and the rest beneath the gum. Is it necessary to have them removed? I have read a lot of information online stating that after wisdom tooth extrac...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, wisdom teeth are embryonic products with significant variability. Moreover, once they have partially erupted, there will definitely be food debris trapped between them and the second molar. If the wisdom tooth is decayed, it is not worth risking the health of the second mo...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Horizontal Wisdom Teeth? Common Concerns Explained
Understanding TMJ Disorders: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint concerns? Hello Dr. Huang, I visited you in June due to occlusal pain in my right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (I was the one who was six months pregnant and had asked you questions online before the appointment). After using the occlusal splint for a whi...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on both sides interact with each other; if one side is unbalanced, the other side may also experience issues. An occlusal splint is used to balance the bite and prevent teeth grinding and clenching, but it requires adjustment to ensure ev...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Understanding the Impact of Occlusal Splints on TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint occlusal splint Hello, Doctor: I am a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. I have been wearing an occlusal splint for over a year, and this is my second splint. The first one was replaced because I continued to experience joint pain and dis...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Jenny: Hello, the occlusal splint typically used for general temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is a flat occlusal splint, which can be worn throughout the day without causing anterior open bite. It is important to consider whether there are any detrimental habits (su...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Occlusal Splints on TMJ Disorders
Understanding Dental Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Bite Issues
I've been experiencing discomfort in my bite for the past two weeks? Hello, doctor. At the end of June, I had my wisdom tooth cause a crack in my molar, which often results in cuts on my tongue, so I went to see a dentist. (Since the nerve in that molar was removed, I didn&#...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Runrun, Hello. Wisdom teeth can easily cause issues due to their improper positioning, leading to food impaction that may result in cavities in the second molars. Under occlusion, they can cause tooth damage, and their sharp edges can injure the back of the tongue, leading ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Bite Issues
Bridge vs. Implant: Best Solution for Missing Teeth Next to Damaged Ones
When there are unhealthy teeth on both sides of a missing tooth, should one choose a dental bridge or dental implants? Recently, my upper second premolar (which had undergone treatment for cavities) broke while eating and had to be extracted. The two adjacent teeth have both been...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao Lulul: Hello, dental implants are a new option in dental care. The advantage is that it eliminates the need to grind down the adjacent healthy teeth. Traditional dental bridges also have their benefits, such as being less expensive, and they allow for the modification...[Read More] Bridge vs. Implant: Best Solution for Missing Teeth Next to Damaged Ones
Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain after root canal treatment is common? Hello Doctor, I had a root canal in May, but in mid-June, I started experiencing some discomfort and pain when pressure was applied to that tooth. I visited my original dentist, who diagnosed it as apical periodontitis. After treatment, ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Kelly, Hello, many difficult-to-treat root canal therapies are often due to calcification and blockage of the root canal, or excessive curvature, which prevents the medication from reaching the apex of the tooth to disinfect the source of infection at the root apex. Clinica...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Swollen Frenulum After Eating Beef Noodle: Causes and Solutions
Swelling of the lower lip frenulum? After eating beef noodles, I noticed redness and swelling in my lower lip frenulum, and it seems to be getting worse. It is also painful, but my gums do not have these symptoms yet.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Joyce: Hello, certain components in food can trigger angioneurotic edema, which is an allergic reaction that often affects the face, lips, and eyes. Taking some antihistamines can help alleviate the symptoms. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng, Di...[Read More] Swollen Frenulum After Eating Beef Noodle: Causes and Solutions
Managing Jaw Pain: Over-the-Counter Solutions and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint pain Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when biting down, although it is not severe enough to prevent me from opening my mouth to eat or drink. I occasionally use a warm...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Jerry, You are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder). Knowing that you are studying abroad and likely belong to a younger demographic, the joint pain you are experiencing may be due to the attachment of several masticatory muscles to the condyle, wh...[Read More] Managing Jaw Pain: Over-the-Counter Solutions and Treatment Options
Understanding TMJ Pain: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) I am currently experiencing pain in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and at times, I have difficulty opening my mouth. I had an X-ray taken, and there was no damage to the joint. The clinic mentioned that my deep bite combined with high stress level...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Siqi, Hello. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are related to malocclusion. If pharmacological treatment is ineffective, we should start with functional occlusal therapy, such as a flat occlusal splint, and once the symptoms subside, we can evaluate whether to use som...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Pain: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?
Concerns About Lower Right Wisdom Tooth: When to Extract?
Lower right wisdom tooth issue? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if my lower wisdom tooth has been present for a long time, but I just noticed that there is a dark spot between it and the molar in front. However, the dark spot does not necessarily indicate a cavity, and I will ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Penny: Hello, impacted wisdom teeth, also known as unerupted teeth, need to be extracted to prevent the adjacent second molars from decaying due to food impaction between the wisdom teeth. Our hospital offers this service. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang ...[Read More] Concerns About Lower Right Wisdom Tooth: When to Extract?
Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions
After having my wisdom teeth removed, my jaw joint feels stiff? Last summer, I had two wisdom teeth extracted (one from the upper left and one from the lower left). The doctor had to exert a lot of force to remove my lower left wisdom tooth, which was probably difficult to extrac...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, the clicking sound in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is due to the anterior displacement of the articular disc. Many individuals actually have underlying causes that have been present for a long time; however, during wisdom tooth extraction, the need to open the mouth w...[Read More] Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions
Can a Loose First Molar Be Saved After a Bridge on the Second Molar?
Is it necessary to get an implant if the first molar is loose after placing a bridge for the missing second molar? If the first molar adjacent to the dental bridge is loose, is the only option to extract it and place an implant, or are there more cost-effective treatment options ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, if the first molar is loose due to severe periodontal disease and needs to be extracted, we can only remove the existing bridge of the first, second, and third molars. There are two options for reconstruction post-surgery: (1) Extend the bridge to include the second premol...[Read More] Can a Loose First Molar Be Saved After a Bridge on the Second Molar?
Understanding TMJ Issues During Pregnancy: Treatment Options and Concerns
Temporomandibular joint concerns? Hello, Dr. Huang. I would like to ask you a few questions. I am currently about six months pregnant and have recently noticed a "clicking" sound when I open my mouth. When I chew with my left teeth, my right temporomandibular joint some...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Tina, Many patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders often ask if they will experience a recurrence after treatment. You may be experiencing a recurrence of this condition. Pregnancy can be quite challenging, and work-related stress is one of the main contributi...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Issues During Pregnancy: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Gum Recession: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gum recession Gum recession has been observed, and the doctor mentioned it is caused by misaligned teeth. If left untreated, it may worsen. Some doctors suggest orthodontic treatment, while others say that due to my age, the effectiveness of orthodontics may be limited, and recom...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, malocclusion that causes severe occlusal interference and occlusal trauma can indeed lead to gum recession. Orthodontics is one treatment option, but it requires periodontal health and can take a year and a half or more. If occlusal adjustments can mitigate occlusal trauma...[Read More] Understanding Gum Recession: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Displacement and Its Treatment
Temporomandibular joint displacement Hello Doctor: About a year ago, while looking in the mirror, I pulled my face and teeth to the left, and I heard a loud "pop." Since then, whenever I open or close my mouth or eat, I hear a "clicking" sound. Initially, it w...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, you are a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Due to the dislocation of the articular disc, when the TMJ opens or closes, or when biting down, the dislocated disc may rub against the joint, producing a clicking sound. The causes are often related to improp...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Displacement and Its Treatment