Understanding TMJ Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint issues? Hello Doctor: I am unsure what is causing pain in the right side of my temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Whenever I open my mouth to a certain extent (about 3 centimeters), I start to feel pain. When eating, I cannot chew food smoothly because the rig...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Ah Hong: Based on your age, you are likely suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder), with the articular disc on the right side dislocated anteriorly, leading to inflammation of the synovial bursa and tension in the surrounding masticatory muscles, which...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Self-Management Tips for Unilateral Jaw Dislocation: When to Seek Help
Mandibular dislocation Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask if there is a way to reposition a unilateral dislocation of the mandible without seeing a doctor. The cause was a series of sneezes, and the situation doesn't seem severe (at least I can still close my mouth), and...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: You may be suffering from anterior disc displacement associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. When opening your mouth, the condyle of the jaw slides forward and downward, getting caught on the displaced anterior disc, which produces a clicking sound. However...[Read More] Self-Management Tips for Unilateral Jaw Dislocation: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Safety of Full Mouth X-Rays in Dentistry
Regarding full-mouth X-rays? Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage regarding electromagnetic waves from substations, cell towers, and other sources that seem to induce fear about their effects on the human body. The most direct impact is from X-rays, which are a form o...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: The X-ray machines used in legitimate medical clinics display the "Registration Certificate for Ionizing Radiation Equipment" and "Operator Certification" issued by the Atomic Energy Commission on the outside of the protective lead doors. Therefore, the...[Read More] Understanding the Safety of Full Mouth X-Rays in Dentistry
Left Jaw Pain and Swelling Near Ear: Possible TMJ Issues During Pregnancy
There is pain when opening and closing the left temporomandibular joint, and a small nodule of about 0.5 cm can be felt near the left jaw close to the earlobe? Hello Dr. Huang, I have been experiencing pain in my left temporomandibular joint when opening my mouth for about three ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: I believe you are suffering from what is known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The tension in the masticatory muscles near the left TMJ has caused a displacement of the articular disc. Inflammation of the synovial bursa may lead to difficulty or pain when openin...[Read More] Left Jaw Pain and Swelling Near Ear: Possible TMJ Issues During Pregnancy
Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions
After wisdom tooth extraction, the jaw joint often gets stuck and does not return to its normal position? Hello doctor, about six months ago I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted. However, since the extraction, I have noticed that my jaw joint often makes a clicking sound an...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. At your young age, this condition is not considered a disease but rather a temporary dysfunction. The cause may be that during your wisdom tooth extraction, your jaw was opened...[Read More] Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Polyps: What to Know Before Visiting the Dentist
Unidentified polyp on the tongue? Hello Dr. Huang, my father developed a polyp on the side of his tongue (visible when he sticks out his tongue) last month that resembles a small cactus, about the size of a 10 NT dollar coin. It does not affect his eating or speaking. However, my...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: It is difficult to determine the nature of a lesion located on the edge of the tongue based solely on description or visual inspection. Based on your description, a benign possibility could be a fibroepithelial polyp or an inflammatory infectious lesion such as chronic can...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Polyps: What to Know Before Visiting the Dentist
Understanding Congenital Dentin Defect: Treatment Options and Care Tips
Congenital Dentin Dysplasia Hello Doctor: My teeth are naturally brown. I previously consulted a doctor at the hospital, who diagnosed me with congenital dentin hypoplasia. At that time, the doctor mentioned that it wasn't severe yet, but in the future, I would need to have ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: If your teeth are as you described with enamel hypoplasia, over time, the enamel on the surface of the teeth is prone to separating from the underlying dentin, leading to chipping or fracturing, which is not significantly related to oral hygiene. This is due to the poor bo...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Dentin Defect: Treatment Options and Care Tips
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Pain: Should You Consider Extraction?
Mild pain in the wisdom teeth? Hello, Doctor: After my recent health check-up, I went to the dentist due to several cavities. An X-ray revealed that three out of my four wisdom teeth are impacted. This doesn't seem good! Two of them are relatively flat, but one is not as fla...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Whether wisdom teeth need to be extracted depends on their direction and position. Modern individuals tend to consume softer foods from a young age, resulting in less robust jawbone development. As a result, when wisdom teeth begin to emerge around the age of 18, there oft...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Pain: Should You Consider Extraction?
Addressing Dental Bridge Issues: Asymmetry and Communication with Your Dentist
After getting dentures, my mouth is crooked on one side? I feel very fortunate to have found this forum, where doctors provide detailed answers to many people in need of help. I am currently facing a significant issue and hope you can clarify some doubts for me! I am 28 years old...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Dental occlusion is a very precise matter. You may be suffering from "temporomandibular joint disorder" (TMJ disorder) which is causing your discomfort. Firstly, after many years of missing teeth in your lower jaw, you may have lost your occlusal function without...[Read More] Addressing Dental Bridge Issues: Asymmetry and Communication with Your Dentist
Top Recommended Dentists in Kaohsiung: Your Guide to Dental Care
Please recommend some good dentists in the Kaohsiung area? Hello Dr. Huang: Please recommend a good dentist in the Kaohsiung area. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: I'm not very familiar with dentists in the Kaohsiung area, so I can't provide a recommendation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Top Recommended Dentists in Kaohsiung: Your Guide to Dental Care