Choosing Between Dental Implants and Bridges: A Cost-Effective Guide
Dental issues Hello Doctor: (1) I have missing teeth on both sides of my mouth (near the cheeks), with one tooth missing on both the upper and lower jaws. I am considering dental implants so that I won't have to compromise the adjacent teeth as abutments for a bridge, but th...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The location of your missing tooth is referred to as the "six-year molar." The first molar should be restored to prevent loss of occlusal function, tilting of adjacent teeth, and other complications such as over-eruption of opposing teeth. The most cost-effective soluti...[Read More] Choosing Between Dental Implants and Bridges: A Cost-Effective Guide
Essential Dental Care Tips: Addressing Common Oral Health Concerns
Please help me? Hello, Doctor: (1) I have made some improvements since your last response. However, when I brush my teeth, I still squeeze toothpaste once for the upper teeth, and after the foam is gone, I squeeze toothpaste again for the lower teeth. I brush two teeth at a time,...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Zilong, 1. Toothpaste should be a supporting role in the teeth cleaning process; the action of brushing with a toothbrush is key to removing dental plaque. Therefore, it's fine to brush with just water, and the same applies to removing tongue coating. 2. Dental plaque...[Read More] Essential Dental Care Tips: Addressing Common Oral Health Concerns
Fixed vs. Removable Dentures: Which Option is Best for You?
Fixed or removable dentures? Hello, Doctor. I have a question: I have a fixed dental prosthesis on the upper right side (consisting of four teeth starting from the right central incisor), which has been in place for over ten years. Currently, it is becoming loose and bleeding, an...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Vivan, If all four of your dentures need to be extracted, it is possible that, according to the principles of occlusal mechanics, you may require a bridge consisting of seven teeth as you mentioned. Removable dentures do indeed have significantly poorer functionality compar...[Read More] Fixed vs. Removable Dentures: Which Option is Best for You?
Dealing with Gag Reflex While Brushing Teeth: Solutions and Tips
The issue of vomiting while brushing teeth? Hello Dr. Huang: I often gag while brushing my teeth, and sometimes I vomit stomach acid. This may be due to the toothbrush going deeper into my mouth or the irritation from the toothpaste. I have tried using less toothpaste, but it has...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
I'm sorry, but the content you provided appears to be garbled or contains characters that do not form coherent medical information. Please provide a clear and accurate text for translation.[Read More] Dealing with Gag Reflex While Brushing Teeth: Solutions and Tips
Clicking Sound When Biting: Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
There is a clicking sound when biting? Hello, doctor. Four days ago, I suddenly noticed a clicking sound coming from the cartilage protruding in front of my ear when I bite down. Additionally, there seems to be a tension in a muscle near my temple that appears to extend from the ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Given your young age, it is unlikely that the issue is related to the bones of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Instead, it appears to be a case of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), specifically involving anterior disc displacement. When you open your mouth wide, the TMJ ...[Read More] Clicking Sound When Biting: Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
Understanding Dental Cysts: Are They the Same as Lipomas?
Cyst Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to inquire about a cyst that has developed on my gum. I visited the oral surgery outpatient department at a teaching hospital in the southern part of Taiwan, and the physician diagnosed it as a benign cyst. Could you please tell me if this cyst ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Chang, Hello. The cyst under the tooth root is likely caused by incomplete root canal treatment. You should consult a dentist for root canal therapy and filling, and then monitor whether the cyst decreases in size. If it does not, you should seek a specialist in endodon...[Read More] Understanding Dental Cysts: Are They the Same as Lipomas?
Essential Dental Care Tips: Tongue Brushing, Oral Hygiene, and Costs
Dental issues Hello, Doctor: (1) Should I brush my tongue (remove the tongue coating) after each time I brush my teeth? Also, I use a separate toothbrush for my tongue and another for my teeth; is that correct? (2) After brushing my teeth at night, sometimes I notice white, m...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
1. The oral cavity is a vast environment that can host seven to eight hundred types of microorganisms. Therefore, it is acceptable to use the same toothbrush for brushing teeth and the tongue. However, after using the toothbrush, it should be rinsed and stored upright to prevent ...[Read More] Essential Dental Care Tips: Tongue Brushing, Oral Hygiene, and Costs
Understanding and Treating Jaw Joint Disorders: When to Seek Help
Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ Disorders) Hello, Dr. Huang! I apologize for bothering you! I would like to ask you a question! I have difficulty fully opening my mouth; it feels like it gets stuck. When I try to open my mouth wide, I hear a sound on the left...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
You are quite young, and experiencing locking and pain in your jaw joint may indicate a condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement. When symptoms are severe, the synovial bursa of the jaw joint can become inflamed, leading to pain and even difficulty openi...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Jaw Joint Disorders: When to Seek Help
Can You Get Teeth Cleaning While Wearing Braces?
Orthodontics..? Hello Dr. Huang: I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, but I have noticed some areas of tartar on my teeth. I am unsure if it is appropriate to have a dental cleaning while wearing braces. Thank you!
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
The removal of dental calculus does not affect the stability of braces; therefore, it is necessary and essential to have them cleaned. Moreover, after getting braces, food debris is more likely to accumulate, leading to plaque formation. To prevent cavities and periodontal diseas...[Read More] Can You Get Teeth Cleaning While Wearing Braces?
Understanding Jaw Fusion: When to Seek Dental Care and Costs Involved
Hello, doctor! I have a question regarding maxillary bone fusion? Hello Doctor, I am 26 years old. During a health check in high school, I was diagnosed with a condition called dental and jawbone fusion. However, the nearby dentist said it wasn't serious, so it was not a con...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Clinically, it is common to encounter patients with limited mouth opening but normal chewing function. In daily life, they may only experience inconvenience when taking large bites or brushing their back teeth, which suggests a congenital structural issue. However, it is importan...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Fusion: When to Seek Dental Care and Costs Involved
Understanding Orthodontics for Children: Addressing Crossbite Issues
Orthodontics Hello, I have a question regarding my child's orthodontic issues. My child is currently in middle school and has had a crossbite since birth, although it wasn't very noticeable and there were no signs of misalignment. However, after entering elementary scho...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Malocclusion, specifically an underbite, is characterized by the excessive growth of the mandibular condyle, resulting in a condition where the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw. If this condition is hereditary, it typically requires surgical intervention for correction. How...[Read More] Understanding Orthodontics for Children: Addressing Crossbite Issues
Can a Small Mouth Size Prevent Dentures? Expert Insights
Having a smaller mouth opening does not necessarily mean that one cannot have dentures. However, it may present some challenges in terms of fitting and comfort. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is essential to determine the best options for denture placement and to ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Chewing betel nut can lead to oral submucous fibrosis, where the soft and elastic mucosa becomes hard and leathery, resulting in difficulty opening the mouth. This condition complicates dental treatments and the making of dentures, making it advisable to seek treatment from an or...[Read More] Can a Small Mouth Size Prevent Dentures? Expert Insights
Addressing One-Sided Chewing and Missing Teeth Issues
Unilateral chewing and missing teeth issues? Due to having missing teeth on both the upper and lower right sides, I have primarily been eating on the left side for about 10 years. My front teeth have a slight overbite, which prevents proper occlusion. The right side has become so...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Not replacing missing teeth, especially the upper and lower first molars, can lead to poor chewing function, causing individuals to avoid using that side for biting. Chewing on one side can easily result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, occasionally leading to symptoms...[Read More] Addressing One-Sided Chewing and Missing Teeth Issues
Understanding Dental Treatments: What Constitutes a Single Procedure?
Some questions about dental fillings? Dear Doctor, I recently visited the dentist and encountered some phenomena that I would like to inquire about. From a dentist's perspective, what is the definition of "one treatment"? Does "filling a tooth" count as...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
In dental care, aside from more complex oral surgical procedures, the treatments that are typically out-of-pocket include orthodontics, dentures, and dental implants. Common treatments covered by health insurance include cavity fillings (restorative treatment), root canal therapy...[Read More] Understanding Dental Treatments: What Constitutes a Single Procedure?
Understanding HL Orthodontics: A New Approach for Dental Correction
HL correction method I heard that there is a type of orthodontic treatment called HL orthodontics. I would like to ask if your department offers this type of treatment? I have a crossbite.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Our hospital does not offer HL orthodontic treatment. If you are a thumb sucker, it may be a Class III malocclusion. We recommend consulting with a craniofacial and oral surgery hospital.[Read More] Understanding HL Orthodontics: A New Approach for Dental Correction
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Hello Doctor, I live in Hsinchu City. My symptoms include difficulty opening my mouth fully, a sensation of misalignment when my jaw is closed, pain when pressing below my ear, and occasional sounds resembling bone grinding when moving my jaw. This h...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Your symptoms are likely due to a dislocation of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which has led to inflammation of the joint's synovial bursa. This can cause the clicking sound and tenderness you are experiencing. It is advisable to consult a dentist ...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding the Necessity of Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
Regarding orthodontic braces? What is a reasonable price range for a single dental crown after root canal treatment? After my root canal treatment, the doctor suggested that I undergo surgery to reduce the gum tissue, as this would make the crown more stable. However, I have also...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear MS: The price of dental braces varies depending on the material. Generally, gold alloys start at over NT$10,000, while porcelain crowns are even more expensive, with precise all-ceramic crowns exceeding NT$20,000. It is essential to have a more detailed discussion with your ...[Read More] Understanding the Necessity of Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
Essential Questions About Dental Treatments and Procedures
Questions about dental treatment? Dear Dr. Huang, I have a few questions regarding dental treatment. 1) I am currently considering dental implant surgery for a tooth. The doctor informed me that I need to have blood drawn for "bone grafting." After the tooth extracti...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Lin: The technique you referred to as "blood extraction for bone regeneration" involves drawing 8-10 cc of blood, which is then subjected to layered centrifugation to produce a high concentration of platelets. This is similar to the regenerative membranes used ...[Read More] Essential Questions About Dental Treatments and Procedures
Post-Root Canal Gum Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Gum pain after root canal treatment? Hello Dr. Huang: I had root canal treatment on my upper left third molar a while ago, and I have already had a crown placed on it. However, when I press on the upper outer gum area, I feel pain (it doesn't hurt when I don't press). S...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Lili, (1) The third tooth from the left on the lower jaw may still have periapical inflammation, which could explain the pain when pressure is applied to the outer side near the root tip. It is advisable to consider redoing the root canal treatment. (2) The three lowe...[Read More] Post-Root Canal Gum Pain: Causes and Solutions Explained
Understanding TMJ Issues: Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Temporomandibular Joint Issues II Hello Doctor: I have received your reply! Thank you. Last week, I visited another dentist who said that the inflammation was likely caused by my lower right wisdom tooth growing horizontally. He performed a minor surgery, extracting the wisdom to...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ah Hong: You are still young, so it is unlikely that you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). I recommend that you eat soft foods for a while, apply heat to the jaw joint, and allow your masticatory muscles to rest. This will help the displaced articular disc to repo...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Issues: Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Surgery