Understanding Swelling Behind Upper Left Teeth: Causes and Treatments
The tissue behind the upper left molars is swollen? Dear Xiao Feng, Hello. The swollen dental abscess may have two possibilities: one is an abscess caused by periodontitis, and the other is an abscess resulting from necrotic dental pulp, where inflammation extends to the root a...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao Feng, Hello, if the treatment is for periodontitis, then scaling or deep periodontal pocket surgery should be performed. If it is for pulp necrosis, then root canal treatment should be conducted. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng Dire...[Read More] Understanding Swelling Behind Upper Left Teeth: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Painful Swelling in Your Gums: Causes and Solutions
Teeth Hello Doctor: About two days ago, I noticed a swollen lump on the tissue behind my upper left teeth. It hurts when I press on it. I would like to ask the doctor what might be causing this.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao Feng, Hello, the swollen dental abscess could be due to two possibilities: one is an abscess caused by periodontitis, and the other is an abscess resulting from necrosis of the dental pulp, where inflammation extends to the root apex and penetrates the alveolar bone. C...[Read More] Understanding Painful Swelling in Your Gums: Causes and Solutions
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Get Teeth Cleanings?
Can pregnant women get their teeth cleaned? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire if it is safe to have a dental cleaning during early or mid-pregnancy. Since the process may involve bleeding, could it affect the baby in the womb? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
During pregnancy, due to the increased secretion of estrogen, vascular permeability is enhanced, making it easier to experience inflammation from minor stimuli. Gums may bleed with even slight contact, which makes dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar particularly importan...[Read More] Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Get Teeth Cleanings?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Running Pain and Discomfort Explained
After wisdom tooth extraction, running may cause a sensation of movement and soreness in the wound? Hello, I had my upper and lower left wisdom teeth extracted on April 10. There were no issues with impaction or misalignment; the extraction was recommended due to inflammation cau...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Tang, Your issue may indeed be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. During the extraction of wisdom teeth, the dentist exerts significant force, and the patient must open their mouth wide, which increases the risk of straining a muscle called the lateral ...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Running Pain and Discomfort Explained
Persistent Swelling and Pain After Root Canal Treatment: What to Do?
After root canal treatment (nerve extraction), there is still a feeling of swelling, and tapping on the area causes pain? During root canal treatment, the doctor mentioned that there was calcification. While using the instruments, I felt a lot of force being applied while working...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Your teeth may still have symptoms of periapical inflammation, which can cause swelling and tenderness upon percussion. After root canal treatment, inflammation outside the apex may sometimes take time to resolve. It is important to maintain close communication with your d...[Read More] Persistent Swelling and Pain After Root Canal Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Lip Swelling and Misalignment: Dental and Medical Insights
Lip and malocclusion issues? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask which specialty I should consult for lip issues. My lips have been persistently swollen, and there are many tiny yellowish bumps at the corners of my mouth. I also experience symptoms similar to dehydration and d...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Maddog: Hello, individuals with a retruded mandible may be classified as having Class II malocclusion. As you described, difficulty in chewing is often accompanied by an anterior open bite issue, where the lower lip assists in cutting food. This can easily lead to injury o...[Read More] Understanding Lip Swelling and Misalignment: Dental and Medical Insights
Understanding Oral Mucosal Nodules in Teens: Causes and Next Steps
The health check revealed small nodules in the oral mucosa? Hello Dr. Huang, my 16-year-old daughter had a small nodule found on her oral mucosa during a health check-up in July. What disease could this be? What are the potential impacts? Which specialty should we consult for fur...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Samantha: Based on your description, it appears to be a common oral mucosal condition known as mucocele, which is a salivary gland cyst. It is advisable to have a biopsy for safety. You may consult with an otolaryngologist or an oral surgeon. Wishing you peace and good healt...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Nodules in Teens: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Concerns
There is a popping sound in the jaw when opening the mouth? Hello doctor, I would like to ask, while practicing my English pronunciation, sometimes after a long period, I hear a faint sound that resembles cracking bones coming from the area below my ears when I open my mouth wide...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, there is a meniscus (articular disc) located at the anterior part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When it dislocates anteriorly, it can produce a clicking sound during opening and closing of the mouth, a condition clinically diagnosed as temporomandibular joint disor...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Concerns
Is Laser Dental Treatment Worth the Cost for Gum Disease?
Is dental laser treatment out-of-pocket? Hello; I have severe periodontal disease and I'm afraid of pain. I've heard that laser treatment is less painful. Will it be out-of-pocket? Does Hsinchu Taoyuan Hospital have this equipment? Or where else can I go for treatment? ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Shao, Hello. Dental lasers, due to the characteristics of the instruments, can indeed reduce tissue pain during surgery. However, more research is needed to compare their effectiveness with traditional surgical methods. Generally, this expensive equipment is available i...[Read More] Is Laser Dental Treatment Worth the Cost for Gum Disease?
Choosing the Right Dental Prosthesis After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment
Dentures for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Dr. Huang: Hello! Over 20 years ago, I underwent radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Currently, I have lost two molars and a wisdom tooth on the upper right side, as well as one molar and a wisdom tooth on the upper left side. Co...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ah Hai, Hello. After radiation therapy, there is a concern that the jawbone may be compromised, making dental implants unsuitable. Additionally, due to the complete loss of posterior teeth, there are no abutment teeth available to support a fixed dental bridge. Therefore, a...[Read More] Choosing the Right Dental Prosthesis After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment
Solutions for Gum Recession After Denture Placement: Expert Advice
Gum recession Hello Dr. Huang, after the dentures were placed, several tooth roots have been exposed in a short period of time and have now sunk to the bottom. The situation is concerning. Is there any remedy for this? Thank you for taking the time to respond, doctor.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Yao, Hello. Exposed tooth roots are likely a consequence of periodontal disease recovery, where the periodontal pockets have disappeared and the gums have receded. If your teeth remain stable and do not move, there is no cause for concern. It is recommended to regularly...[Read More] Solutions for Gum Recession After Denture Placement: Expert Advice
Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions
Foul-smelling halitosis? Hello Doctor: My husband informed me that even after brushing my teeth, he can still smell a foul odor coming from my mouth from about 30 cm away. The smell resembles that of something decaying, making it difficult to breathe without noticing it. I have v...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Huang, Hello. The causes of oral malodor can be attributed not only to periodontal diseases and the decay of trapped food in the oral cavity but also to nasal cavity inflammation, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Although you are making efforts ...[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions
Understanding TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint issues? Hello, doctor! I've been troubled for the past two to three years by alternating tooth pain in my right jaw and pain in my right nasal area, which I've discovered is caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. After seeing a TMJ spe...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Zhao, Hello. Based on your description, if it is simply a case of temporomandibular joint disorder, please have a physician perform functional occlusal treatment such as a bite splint. However, if there are indeed organic lesions, such as disc displacement or temporoman...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Managing Dental Anxiety: Safe Sedation Options for Patients with Hypertension
Sedation Dentistry Hello, Doctor! I have hypertension (medicated for 3 years) and panic disorder (medicated for 1 year). I used to be very resistant to dental visits and relied on painkillers for relief. However, my dental issues have gradually worsened. Visiting the dentist trig...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Peter, Sleep therapy is very suitable for your current symptoms and should pose no danger. As long as you take your hypertension medication on time, there should be no issues. Wishing you peace and health, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Managing Dental Anxiety: Safe Sedation Options for Patients with Hypertension
Is Your Brushing Technique Correct? Tips for Proper Oral Care
Brushing teeth issues 1. Is it correct to brush the front teeth with the upper and lower teeth clenched together and the lips open? 2. Will this method of brushing cause the mouth to stretch wide?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, 1. A tooth has five surfaces. To ensure thorough cleaning, you should not only brush the buccal surface by biting down but also open your mouth to brush the lingual surface, the incisal edge, and use dental floss to clean the two adjacent surfaces. 2. Brushing your tee...[Read More] Is Your Brushing Technique Correct? Tips for Proper Oral Care
Understanding Salivary Gland Cancer Symptoms and Jaw Pain Issues
What are the characteristics of salivary gland cancer (including parotid and submandibular glands)? 1. What are the symptoms of salivary gland cancer (including the parotid gland and submandibular gland)? 2. Recently, I have experienced pain near my right jaw close to my ear when...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Greenchen, 1. Salivary gland cancer is likely to present with symptoms such as swelling in the affected area and facial nerve paralysis. 2. Based on the reported symptoms, it appears to be a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Many of the muscles involved in che...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Cancer Symptoms and Jaw Pain Issues
Understanding the Risks of Retained Tooth Roots After Dental Treatment
Root remnants Hello Dr. Huang, about six years ago, I had an accident that resulted in the fracture of my fourth tooth from the front on the right side. After consulting with a dentist, the fractured tooth was treated, and the adjacent teeth were reduced in size to create a denta...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. A fractured tooth that has undergone complete root canal treatment and has healthy periodontal status, along with the patient maintaining proper oral hygiene using dental floss and interdental brushes, should not pose any issues. 2. The dentist may leave the tooth r...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Retained Tooth Roots After Dental Treatment
Nighttime Teeth Grinding: Do You Need a Dental Guard?
Hello! Could you please tell me about the issue of nocturnal bruxism? Hello! I have a problem with nighttime teeth grinding and would like to get a dental guard to protect my teeth. Should I first make an appointment with a dentist? Which type of doctor should I see? Also, what i...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mimi, Hello, regarding nighttime bruxism, it is indeed important to wear an occlusal splint as soon as possible to prevent tooth wear and to protect against temporomandibular joint disorders. You can make an appointment at any dental department in hospitals above the region...[Read More] Nighttime Teeth Grinding: Do You Need a Dental Guard?
Difficulty Opening Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Solutions
Inability to open the mouth? I would like to ask, I had my wisdom teeth removed and the stitches taken out about 4 days ago. I can only open my mouth a little bit and cannot eat larger pieces of food. The wound doesn't hurt, but my mouth has been painful since the extraction...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao An, After the extraction of wisdom teeth, the wound may become localized and inflamed. Due to its proximity to the opening muscles (buccinator muscles), you may experience difficulty in opening your mouth. Applying a warm compress can help, and the discomfort will gra...[Read More] Difficulty Opening Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Solutions
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Jaw Pain and Limited Mouth Opening
After having wisdom teeth removed, experiencing pain when opening the mouth and a feeling of the joint getting stuck? A week after having my wisdom teeth removed, I can only open my mouth about one finger width. When I returned for a follow-up, the doctor was able to open it to t...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, you may have had pre-existing factors related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders before the tooth extraction. Extracting wisdom teeth requires opening the mouth wide, which can lead to dislocation of the meniscus in the TMJ, causing the affected joint to become stu...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Jaw Pain and Limited Mouth Opening