Understanding Lower Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Left mandibular pain? Dear Doctor, I have recently been experiencing sudden pain in the gums below my lower left wisdom tooth. It feels as if something is pulling on my gums, preventing me from opening my mouth. There are white indentations in the area next to the wisdom tooth, ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Shannon, The reason for your inability to open your mouth is related to the inflammation of your wisdom teeth. Pericoronitis around the crown of the wisdom tooth can affect the muscles involved in mouth opening, and it may also be associated with temporomandibular joint (TM...[Read More] Understanding Lower Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Can You Cover Silver Dental Fillings with White Resin?
Dental filling material Doctor: Excuse me! I would like to ask a question, thank you!! Can a silver dental filling be covered with a white resin on the outer layer?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, teeth are very sensitive to height. Covering silver fillings with resin will increase the height significantly, making it impossible to achieve proper occlusion, and the resin cannot adhere to the silver fillings. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Che...[Read More] Can You Cover Silver Dental Fillings with White Resin?
Does Brushing Your Teeth Affect Your Mouth Size?
Tooth brushing issues When I brush the inside of my lower teeth, sometimes the toothbrush hits the mouth and pulls on the orbicularis oris muscle next to my mouth... will this cause my mouth to become larger?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, muscles have elasticity, and a toothbrush is considered safe, so it shouldn't require opening the mouth wide. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Does Brushing Your Teeth Affect Your Mouth Size?
Gel vs. Paste Toothpaste: Which is Better for Your Teeth?
Types of Toothpaste Hello, doctor: Could you please explain the differences in effects on teeth between gel and paste toothpaste? Thank you!
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Both gel-like and paste-like consistencies are bases for toothpaste, and the choice depends on personal preference, with no significant difference. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of...[Read More] Gel vs. Paste Toothpaste: Which is Better for Your Teeth?
Is Twice-Yearly Teeth Cleaning Harmful? Expert Insights
Teeth cleaning issues? Hello Dr. Huang: I would like to ask if having teeth cleaned twice a year will have any negative effects on my teeth. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Tom, Hello, dental cleaning is commonly referred to as "scaling" in professional terms. Dentists use ultrasonic or manual instruments to remove tartar from below the gum line on the tooth roots. After the procedure, you may experience a slight sensitivity due to t...[Read More] Is Twice-Yearly Teeth Cleaning Harmful? Expert Insights
Understanding and Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) Hello, doctor. My face has become asymmetrical, and when I open my mouth, I can’t do it fully; I need to open it in two stages, and it makes a cracking sound. Sometimes, if I open it too quickly, it feels like my bones might break, ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao An, Hello, you have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) due to anterior displacement of the meniscus within the joint, which causes the condyle to become stuck when closing the mouth, resulting in clicking sounds or difficulty in opening...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
Is Silver Filling Safe? Debunking Myths About Dental Mercury
Dental filling issues? Hello, doctor: I heard that silver fillings contain heavy metals and mercury, and it is best to remove them and replace them with composite resin to avoid poisoning or dementia. Is this statement correct?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Uof: Hello, silver amalgam is a relatively stable dental filling material, and some negative reports are based on individual cases or coincidences. However, due to its mercury content, dentists now avoid using it out of caution. If it needs to be removed and replaced, it sho...[Read More] Is Silver Filling Safe? Debunking Myths About Dental Mercury
Understanding Fixed Dentures: Installation, Bite Force, and Care Tips
Issues with Fixed Dental Prostheses Hello Dr. Huang: I would like to ask about the installation of a fixed dental prosthesis for two missing upper front teeth. How is it done? What is the occlusal force like after installation? What are the disadvantages and what precautions shou...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Chen, Hello. The treatment options for the missing upper front teeth include dental implants (2 teeth missing, 2 implants) or the placement of a dental bridge consisting of 4 or 6 teeth in the front (depending on the periodontal condition of the adjacent supporting teet...[Read More] Understanding Fixed Dentures: Installation, Bite Force, and Care Tips
Understanding Tooth Extraction Complications: Dry Socket and Recovery
Apicoectomy for dental root cyst extraction? I had a first premolar next to my upper canine that underwent root canal treatment and was crowned at a small clinic two to three decades ago. Recently, I sought treatment due to slight tenderness in my cheek. After removing the origin...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao Wen, Hello. Periapical inflammation of the premolars, if it progresses to a chronic periapical granuloma, is very difficult to disinfect and heal. It is advisable to consult an oral surgeon for a flap procedure to excise the cystic tissue, which is necessary for proper...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Extraction Complications: Dry Socket and Recovery
Understanding Gum Boils: Causes and Treatment for Dental Health Issues
Pericoronitis with purulent discharge? Hello, doctor. My father previously visited a dentist and was diagnosed with periodontal disease. Recently, he has developed several gum boils near his lower right teeth (around the lower incisors). When he accidentally bites down on food, t...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear QQ: Your esteemed elder is likely suffering from generalized periodontal disease, with alveolar bone resorption and periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean. As a result, the oral microorganisms can repeatedly cause infections, leading to pus formation and tooth mobil...[Read More] Understanding Gum Boils: Causes and Treatment for Dental Health Issues
Understanding Gum Pain After Orthodontic Treatment: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the upper and lower gums on the left side - 2? The previous inquiry date was: 2011/09/22 Title: Pain in the gums of the upper and lower left teeth -------------------- Hello Doctor: I may have forgotten to mention something. On the 17th, my orthodontist adjusted my braces...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, currently we can only assess the vitality of teeth near the bone screw. If there is no vitality, then the tooth may require treatment. The bone screw is made of titanium, and there are no reports indicating it is unsuitable for the human body. Wishing you safety and health...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain After Orthodontic Treatment: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Severe Gum Pain During Orthodontic Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the upper and lower gums on the left side? I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and am in the seventh month of my braces. On September 3rd, I had springs placed on my lower teeth. On September 10th, I was awakened in the early morning by severe pain in the enti...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your description of the pain, it is likely that you are experiencing acute pulpitis, which is causing referred pain in various branches of the left trigeminal nerve, resulting in such severe discomfort. Pain from orthodontic issues or temporomandibular joint disor...[Read More] Understanding Severe Gum Pain During Orthodontic Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Gum swelling issues? Hello Dr. Huang, This is the first time I've experienced this phenomenon in my life. About 3.4 days ago, I woke up in the morning and suddenly noticed that the gum near my lower left incisor was swollen. The gum feels a bit hard. I sought answers onlin...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear LION: Based on your description, it seems that the set of dentures consisting of five teeth is suffering from periodontal disease. It is not necessarily required to extract them immediately. The periodontal pockets and alveolar abscess can be addressed through incision and d...[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Impacted Teeth in the Jaw: Risks and Recovery from Surgery
The teeth are growing horizontally within the lower jaw? Hello Doctor: My third tooth from the wisdom teeth is missing; it hasn't erupted and is instead impacted. It is positioned horizontally and is blocking another tooth (there are a total of two teeth impacted in my lower...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ailsa, A common complication of extracting impacted wisdom teeth or unerupted teeth is the pressure on the mandibular nerve canal, which can injure the third branch of the trigeminal nerve, the mandibular nerve. It is advisable to seek the assistance of an oral and maxillof...[Read More] Impacted Teeth in the Jaw: Risks and Recovery from Surgery
Understanding Jawbone Issues: Can Orthodontics Help with Misalignment?
Issues with the mandible? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask... um... actually, I'm not sure what that area is called, but from the side view, the distance from my chin to my neck seems shorter than others. Since everyone can move their mandible forward to create an overbite...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Xiao Yu, Based on your description, you have a Class II malocclusion, characterized by a smaller and retruded mandible with deep overbite. During puberty (around high school age), it may have been possible to use an activator to promote forward growth of the mandible. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Jawbone Issues: Can Orthodontics Help with Misalignment?
How Many Times Should You Floss Between Teeth for Effective Cleaning?
The use of dental floss? To effectively use dental floss for cleaning your teeth, it is recommended to gently slide the floss between each tooth and make a C-shape around the base of each tooth. You should move the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth about 2 to 3 tim...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Douglas, Hello. Just as the dental community recommends the Bass brushing technique, where each tooth is brushed ten times, dental floss should also be used at least ten times between each pair of teeth to effectively remove the plaque. The key is to wrap the floss around t...[Read More] How Many Times Should You Floss Between Teeth for Effective Cleaning?
Persistent Tooth Pain After Root Canal: Causes and Solutions
Pain on the outer side and bottom of the tooth, making it difficult to chew food? The tooth underwent root canal treatment due to decay, but after seeing three different dentists, there is still pain on the outer side (near the cheek) and at the base where the filling is located....
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Tammy: Hello, based on your description, although you have undergone root canal treatment, there is still evidence of periapical inflammation. The reason may be that there are small root canals that the dentist was unable to locate and treat, or there may be blockages preven...[Read More] Persistent Tooth Pain After Root Canal: Causes and Solutions
Dealing with Discomfort: When Orthodontic Treatment Feels Rushed
If you feel that your orthodontist is applying excessive force to expedite your treatment, it's important to address your concerns. Here are some steps you can take: 1. **Communicate**: Schedule a meeting with your orthodontist to discuss your feelings. Explain your discomf...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Advanced orthodontics uses bone screws as anchors to apply strong forces to move teeth. Please inform the physician that excessive force can lead to improvements. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Dealing with Discomfort: When Orthodontic Treatment Feels Rushed
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) Hello Dr. Huang, please allow me to describe my situation. About a month ago (April 8), I had my left upper wisdom tooth extracted. Initially, there was significant pain, and I experienced slight bleeding for three days post-extraction. As a resul...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Lin, You indeed have temporomandibular joint disorder, caused by anterior dislocation of the articular disc, resulting in synovial inflammation and surrounding muscle tension. If there are no predisposing factors for bruxism, symptoms can be alleviated with medication a...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
How Many Teeth Can Be Extracted at Once? Understanding the Differences
How many teeth can be extracted at one time? Hello: I heard from a friend that tooth extraction is done one tooth at a time. What is the difference between extracting one tooth at a time and extracting two or more teeth at once?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Sir/Madam, The number of teeth to be extracted at one time should depend on the patient's overall health status and the impact on postoperative eating. If the patient has systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or is undergoing dialysis, it is advisable to e...[Read More] How Many Teeth Can Be Extracted at Once? Understanding the Differences