Should I Correct My Misaligned Bite Now or Later?
Malocclusion Hello, Doctor: I am currently a freshman, but I have been troubled by my malocclusion issue. Eating function is relatively fine and does not have a significant impact. However, it is very noticeable that my facial asymmetry is caused by the malocclusion, especially w...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, your situation should be considered in two scenarios: If it is simply a case of dental malocclusion, it is best to proceed with orthodontic treatment as soon as possible, since younger patients typically have healthier periodontal conditions, making it easier to move and c...[Read More] Should I Correct My Misaligned Bite Now or Later?
Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Hello Dr. Huang, I have a question to ask you. Previously, I was unaware that my left face had a swelling sensation, but after seeing several doctors, the diagnoses were all different. Ultimately, it was not truly diagnosed as temporomandibular joi...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Yao Jun, Hello. You are likely suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). First, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Many patients with this condition have issues with malocclusion or habits such as bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) or clenching. ...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Patient's Guide
TMJ Disorders After Braces: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Temporomandibular joint disorder (resulting from orthodontic treatment) After wearing braces for two years, I feel a sense of facial imbalance after having them removed, which has led to decreased concentration. When I slowly open my mouth, I can hear sounds coming from my tempor...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, where the articular disc above the joint dislocates forward. As a result, when opening and closing your mouth or chewing, the condyle of the joint may rub against the displaced disc, causing a clicking sound. The f...[Read More] TMJ Disorders After Braces: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Managing Dental Pain in Elderly Patients: An Expert's Advice
What are the issues related to nerve blocks and anesthesia? Dr. Huang, I would like to consult you regarding my mother, who is 80 years old. She has a large cavity in her tooth and is in so much pain that she cannot eat. We visited a nearby clinic to have it extracted or to under...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Chang, Hello. If your mother has pulpitis and has systemic diseases or is allergic to local anesthesia, medication can be placed within the pulp chamber to stabilize the nerve tissue before proceeding with root canal treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely...[Read More] Managing Dental Pain in Elderly Patients: An Expert's Advice
Managing Temporomandibular Joint Issues: Seeking Solutions and Specialists
Regarding temporomandibular joint issues? Hello Dr. Huang, I have been experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues for a long time, starting from middle school. The main symptom is facial asymmetry (the left side is more prominent). This not only bothers me aesthetically bu...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Many patients with dental and jaw misalignment are prone to dislocation of the articular disc in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to poor anatomical positioning of the joint or malocclusion. When opening and closing the mouth, they may experience clicking sounds or the disc ...[Read More] Managing Temporomandibular Joint Issues: Seeking Solutions and Specialists
Understanding the Functions and Adjustments of Occlusal Splints in Dentistry
Occlusal splint Doctor, is the height and function of the occlusal splint different? I was mistakenly thought to have a dropped jaw by a massage therapist, and the repositioning maneuver caused me to have temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A Western doctor made an occlusal spli...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The occlusal splint in the posterior region should have a thickness of 2-3 centimeters to effectively relax the masticatory muscles. Generally, if the opening of the anterior incisors is less than 20 centimeters, it is functional. However, if the thickness is too great, it may ca...[Read More] Understanding the Functions and Adjustments of Occlusal Splints in Dentistry
Understanding Jaw Pain: Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Long-term dental pain and pain in the cheeks? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. My symptoms include the following: 1. I have experienced difficulty biting down hard while eating and sudden locking of the jaw. 2. M...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Fenny: Patients with poor dental health who frequently undergo prolonged dental treatments or have malocclusion, leading to compromised chewing function, are at high risk for the various symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that you described. Due to the dislo...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Understanding the Impact of Jaw Surgery: Is It Necessary for Functionality?
Director's mailbox forwarding Dear Director Liu, I once had a jaw joint surgery scheduled, but after an evaluation at the hospital, the cost was estimated at 300,000 TWD, which is not a small amount for me. Upon hearing the cost, I asked the doctor if not undergoing the sur...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Whether the National Health Insurance can provide coverage should depend on whether the diagnosis and treatment align with the covered medical services. It is difficult to make a judgment based solely on Mr. You's statement; a comprehensive dental panoramic radiograph and te...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Jaw Surgery: Is It Necessary for Functionality?
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Issues: When to See a Dentist
Regarding temporomandibular joint issues? I would like to consult a doctor. One day, after waking up, I felt pain near my right ear when I opened my mouth, ate, or yawned. The pain is sometimes mild and sometimes not present at all. I researched online and found that this is rela...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
You are likely suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. There is an anterior displacement of the articular disc on the right side, which has caused inflammation of the joint synovial sac and resulting pain. You should consider medication treatment or the use of an o...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Issues: When to See a Dentist
Understanding Dental Granulomas: Causes and Symptoms Explained
There is a granuloma? Hello doctor, about five days ago, a sharp growth appeared on the outer surface of the upper molars, specifically on the first or second tooth. In the past, similar issues occurred near the last tooth, and I’m not sure if this is what is called a granuloma, ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The buccal side of the posterior teeth often experiences gingivitis due to the limited space in the oral vestibule, making it difficult for toothbrushes to reach and clean effectively. When the underlying cause is not addressed, it can lead to chronic inflammation of the gums, re...[Read More] Understanding Dental Granulomas: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Do You Really Need Braces for Jaw Dislocation? Expert Advice
Regarding orthodontics? Hello Dr. Huang, I previously visited another dental clinic for an examination, and the doctor mentioned that I have a displaced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) since I hear a clicking sound when I open my mouth wide. He suggested that I should wear braces...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
You are likely suffering from an anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) rather than a joint dislocation. When the condyle of the TMJ moves, it can get caught on the displaced disc. Wearing an occlusal splint can help reposition the disc, achieving a thera...[Read More] Do You Really Need Braces for Jaw Dislocation? Expert Advice
Comprehensive Guide to Dental Correction: Costs, Methods, and Timelines
Orthodontics Personal dental condition overview: missing teeth, small enamel defects, cavities, and fillings. Currently experiencing malocclusion. 1. Upper jaw: - Left wisdom tooth -> extracted - Left first molar -> missing - Left central incisor -> small crow...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.[Read More] Comprehensive Guide to Dental Correction: Costs, Methods, and Timelines
Understanding the Link Between TMJ Disorders and Throat Pain
Problems with the throat and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? Hello, Doctor: A few months ago, I experienced symptoms of a sore throat that lasted for over three months. The doctor could not determine the cause and suggested it was due to my occupation, leading to chronic pharyngit...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or dietitian.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between TMJ Disorders and Throat Pain
Will My Tooth Collapse After Removing a Cracked Portion?
Will it collapse? During middle school, I had a cavity that resulted in most of my molar being reduced to just a few remnants of the tooth. I didn't seek any treatment and left it that way until now. Recently, the remaining part of the tooth cracked and started to hurt. The ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Molars that have undergone nerve necrosis due to cavities are very prone to fracturing. After removing the fractured portion, the remaining tooth structure will determine the next steps. If the dentist finds that the root is intact upon examining the X-ray, root canal trea...[Read More] Will My Tooth Collapse After Removing a Cracked Portion?
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Costs, Anesthesia, and Care Tips
Wisdom teeth 1. Is the extraction of wisdom teeth covered by health insurance or is it out-of-pocket? 2. Can only one tooth be extracted at a time? 3. Is wisdom tooth extraction performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia? 4. What should I pay attention to after ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Tseng, Hello. Wisdom teeth are the third molars, with a total of four located in the upper and lower jaws. The lower wisdom teeth may erupt at an angle or horizontally due to insufficient space in the jawbone, necessitating extraction. The upper wisdom teeth are less li...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Costs, Anesthesia, and Care Tips
Why Do Teeth Break Inside Braces? Understanding Dental Fragility
Fractured teeth under braces? Not long after getting the braces, I started feeling discomfort and had difficulty biting. After 2 years and 3 months, the braces came off, and I discovered a large piece of tooth stuck inside the braces. Why did the tooth break into two pieces while...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, teeth that require crowns are mostly those that have undergone root canal treatment. These teeth are inherently weak and need the protection of a crown. However, if the teeth have already fractured during the carious process or if there are subtle cracks that are not easil...[Read More] Why Do Teeth Break Inside Braces? Understanding Dental Fragility
Long-Term Use of Voren for TMJ Pain: Safety and Recommendations
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) My mother has been experiencing pain in her temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for some time, and it hasn't improved. She has seen an otolaryngologist, a dentist, and an orthopedic specialist. Later, upon the recommendation of Dr. Ma, she went to the...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Lin, Regarding your daughter's jaw joint pain, it is important to first differentiate between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation and muscle pain related to TMJ disorders. The treatment approach may vary slightly between the two, whether through joint inject...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Voren for TMJ Pain: Safety and Recommendations
Understanding Different Types of Dental Cleaning Instruments
What types of dental cleaning instruments are there? Hello, doctor! I have had my teeth cleaned many times. During my first cleaning, the nurse placed something on my chest, and I accidentally saw that the doctor seemed to be using a long needle-like instrument to clean my teeth....
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Mi Tang: Dental calculus generally accumulates at the root of the teeth. During your first dental cleaning, the dentist likely used an ultrasonic scaler to deeply remove the calculus from the gingival sulcus, which may have left the root surface feeling uneven. They migh...[Read More] Understanding Different Types of Dental Cleaning Instruments
Understanding Dental Issues: Solutions for Missing Teeth and Dentures
Dental issues Hello Dr. Huang: Last time you replied to me as follows: Response from the dentist, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng: The location of your missing tooth is what is referred to as the "six-year molar," and the first molar should be restored to prevent loss of occlusal ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or dietitian.[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: Solutions for Missing Teeth and Dentures
Common Toothbrushing Concerns: Tips for Effective Oral Hygiene
Tooth brushing issues? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again, and this will be the last time. I have organized some questions to ask you, and if these questions are resolved, I will be more confident in my brushing routine! I truly do not mean to disturb you, and I a...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The most important aspects of brushing your teeth are timing (brush immediately within 3 minutes after each meal), technique (using the Bass technique), and order (brush in sequence, two teeth at a time, and do not miss any spots). Additionally, use dental floss. As for toothpast...[Read More] Common Toothbrushing Concerns: Tips for Effective Oral Hygiene