Can Mouth Breathing Be Improved? Understanding Gum Pain and Inflammation
Can leaving the mouth open frequently be improved? Is it possible to improve the habit of keeping my mouth open? Recently, I've been experiencing some itching in my gums, and pressing on them causes pain. Could this be gum inflammation?
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. If your mouth is often open, at the age of nineteen, it may be due to malocclusion, where the upper and lower jaws cannot close properly. It is recommended to visit a dental clinic for further diagnosis. 2. If you are experiencing pain in your gums, it is likely due to ...[Read More] Can Mouth Breathing Be Improved? Understanding Gum Pain and Inflammation
Can Root Canal Issues Cause Facial Swelling? Understanding the Connection
Can root canal issues cause facial swelling? Hello Dr. Liu, Recently, I have been experiencing facial swelling that comes and goes. My family doctor mentioned that, aside from allergies (which have not yet been identified), it could also be related to dental issues. I do have a ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: If a tooth becomes infected due to periodontal disease or necrosis of the nerve, it may lead to facial swelling. At this time, the swollen area may exhibit redness, heat, and pain, which is referred to as cellulitis. Systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue may also occ...[Read More] Can Root Canal Issues Cause Facial Swelling? Understanding the Connection
Why Can't I Close My Mouth? Dental Issues Explained
Inability to close the mouth? If you experience difficulty closing your mouth after yawning or during dental cleanings, it may be advisable to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dentist. These specialists can evaluate your jaw function and any potential issues related...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be a case of habitual temporomandibular joint dislocation. If the jaw is unable to close due to excessive opening, please seek dental care immediately, as the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to reposition it. ...[Read More] Why Can't I Close My Mouth? Dental Issues Explained
Understanding Bone Healing After Root Canal Surgery: What to Expect
Bone healing! Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a question. It has been over four months since I had apicoectomy surgery, but I still feel pain when biting down on things. I returned to the clinic yesterday for a follow-up and had an X-ray taken. The doctor mentioned that the he...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Four months after apical surgery, signs of bone healing should be observable. If there are still symptoms (pain) or if X-rays do not show signs of bone formation, it is possible that the pathogen has not been eliminated. Please consult an endodontist. Once the pathogen is ...[Read More] Understanding Bone Healing After Root Canal Surgery: What to Expect
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect and Insurance Coverage
Root canal treatment I previously went to a small clinic for root canal treatment on my lower right molar. The dentist mentioned that two of my root canals were too narrow or calcified for him to treat, and he referred me to a larger hospital. The doctor recommended that I go to ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The pulp chamber and root canals are subjected to frequent stimuli, such as cold, heat, and cavities, which can lead to the deposition of dentin, making the root canals narrower and more difficult to treat. At this point, it is often necessary to consult a specialist in en...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Gum Pain and Recovery After Dental Trauma
Gums A year ago, I had a car accident that resulted in an alveolar bone fracture. My teeth were injured but did not fall out. The displaced teeth underwent root canal treatment, and I am now close to getting braces. However, since the root canal treatment, I have been experiencin...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Tooth displacement due to injury is often accompanied by pulp necrosis, requiring root canal treatment. If pain persists after treatment, it is essential to confirm whether the root canal therapy was completed adequately. Brushing teeth with braces can be more challenging ...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain and Recovery After Dental Trauma
Is Bone Collagen Supplementation Necessary After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Is there a need for "collagen supplementation for bone health"? Dear Doctor: Recently, I have had issues with my wisdom teeth, which have caused cavities in my molars. The dentist recommended extracting the wisdom teeth and mentioned that the extraction site could be tr...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: After the removal of wisdom teeth, the alveolar bone in that area will regenerate, and there is no need to use collagen for treatment, which is generally not inexpensive. This is a response from Dr. Peng Fu-Yo, a dentist.[Read More] Is Bone Collagen Supplementation Necessary After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Chipped Tooth from Biting a Chopstick: What to Do Next?
I accidentally bit down on my chopsticks while eating, and now I have a chipped tooth? Hello Doctor: Today, I accidentally bit down on a metal chopstick while eating, resulting in a chip in my tooth. It doesn't hurt normally, but if I intentionally use that side to eat, it d...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: If a tooth suddenly bites down on a hard object and causes a fracture, you should immediately visit a dental clinic to assess the direction and depth of the fracture to determine if the nerve is affected, as this will require different treatments. If the nerve is not affec...[Read More] Chipped Tooth from Biting a Chopstick: What to Do Next?
New Tooth Growth After Dentures: Should I Keep or Extract It?
After getting dentures, new teeth have grown? Doctor, after getting my dentures, a new tooth has grown in the same spot. Since it can't grow upwards, it has emerged from the side of the gum. Recently, it seems to have developed a cavity. Should I keep it and have it filled, ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your description, the newly erupted teeth are likely wisdom teeth (third molars). The key factors in deciding whether to keep or remove them are assessing whether there is enough space and if the teeth are oriented correctly. Please visit a dental clinic for an X-...[Read More] New Tooth Growth After Dentures: Should I Keep or Extract It?
Managing TMJ Pain: Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
What can I do to help it get better? Hello Director Liu, I have been suffering from temporomandibular joint pain for about three to four years. Since last year, I have started treatment, but I have only been taking medication. The prescriptions from my doctor include muscle rela...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The chewing action (as well as speech articulation) is facilitated by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located in front of the ear and the surrounding muscles that open and close the mouth, which work to grind the upper and lower teeth. When the dental occlusion is misali...[Read More] Managing TMJ Pain: Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
Managing Dental Sensitivity: Solutions for Painful Cavity Treatments
Dental filling Hello Doctor: I have always had very sensitive teeth, and whenever I need treatment for cavities, even if the decay is not very deep, I experience severe pain. My dentist said that I have a sensitive constitution, which makes me very reluctant to go to the dentist....
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Anesthesia can be administered. Sincerely, Dr. Liu Tian-Cai, Dentistry.[Read More] Managing Dental Sensitivity: Solutions for Painful Cavity Treatments
Understanding Pre-Extraction Treatment: When to Start Your Medication
Pre-extraction treatment? I am a nursing professional. If I visited the dentist on July 21 and the doctor prescribed penicillin, Scanal, and Megagel 1# QID for a total of three days, should I start taking the medication on July 21, or should I begin three days before the follow-u...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The dentist prescribed these three medications to address the patient's gum infection and inflammation (suppuration), and they should be started on July 21. If there is any uncertainty regarding the timing, it is advisable to call the prescribing dentist immediately t...[Read More] Understanding Pre-Extraction Treatment: When to Start Your Medication
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint arthritis Doctor, my mother (62 years old) experiences pain near her ear when biting down, and she also feels pain and hears a clicking sound when yawning. This has been ongoing for one to two months. She has seen a neurologist and taken medication, but th...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is primarily composed of the glenoid fossa, the mandibular condyle, and the articular disc situated between the two bones. Surrounding it are the joint capsule and the masticatory muscles that facilitate the occlusal movements. When the ar...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Managing Root Canal Treatment Challenges for Dental Implants
Root canal treatment Dr. Liu: Six years ago, I had dentures made, and now the gums have slightly receded. I need to redo the dentures and clean the root canals again. After the root canal treatment on my front teeth, the previous filling material cannot be removed (even the docto...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Root canal filling materials are typically used in combination with easily removable gutta-percha points and sealers. If your filling cannot be removed, it is likely not made of these materials. Please consult an endodontist for treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Liu Tien-Tsai, Dentistry.[Read More] Managing Root Canal Treatment Challenges for Dental Implants
Understanding the Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning Process: What to Expect
Could you please clarify your question about ultrasound? Ultrasonic scaling, also known as ultrasonic dental cleaning, involves a specific process. During the procedure, a dental professional uses an ultrasonic scaler, which emits high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations. ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The duration of a dental cleaning procedure varies depending on the amount of calculus present, so I cannot provide a specific time frame. During the cleaning process, the dental scaler makes contact with both the surface of the teeth and the root surfaces. The cleaning ut...[Read More] Understanding the Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning Process: What to Expect
Should You Remove a Slightly Decayed Wisdom Tooth?
Inflammation around the wisdom teeth? I have a mild cavity in my wisdom tooth. Should it be extracted?
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: If your wisdom tooth has cavities and is causing pain, it should be extracted, as wisdom teeth generally have no functional purpose. This is a response from Dr. Chen Yi-Chou, Dentist.[Read More] Should You Remove a Slightly Decayed Wisdom Tooth?
Post-Teeth Cleaning Sensitivity: Tips for Relief and Recovery
After teeth cleaning, my teeth are very sensitive to hot and cold? Dear Doctor: Ever since my teeth were cleaned, they have been extremely sensitive to hot and cold, to the point where I’m tearing up. The doctor recommended using a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. Will th...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Ultrasonic scaling is a procedure that removes calculus and plaque covering the teeth and roots. Once cleaned, the roots become exposed, making them more sensitive to temperature changes. After the scaling, it is advisable to avoid certain foods temporarily and to consume ...[Read More] Post-Teeth Cleaning Sensitivity: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Understanding Dental Implants: Key Considerations and Expert Advice
Dental implant Hello: Recently, I had my lower right second molar extracted due to periodontal disease, and the first molar had already been removed. Since I cannot have a dental bridge, I am considering dental implants. I would like to ask: Given that I still have periodontal is...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Is it possible to get dental implants if you have periodontal disease? It should be possible, but the prerequisite is that your periodontal disease must be treated and in a stable condition, without inflammation or infection, and you must maintain excellent oral hygiene, e...[Read More] Understanding Dental Implants: Key Considerations and Expert Advice
Do You Need to Replace Braces After Cavities? A Guide to Metal Braces
Braces Dear Doctor: If a patient develops cavities after getting a single arch orthodontic appliance, does it need to be replaced? Is the previous appliance no longer usable? Will a new one need to be installed? Could you please provide information on the types of metal braces an...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: If you experience new cavities after getting braces, they usually occur at the edges of the dental appliance. Ideally, after removing the braces, the cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and filled before making a new set of braces. The old braces can be taken home as a k...[Read More] Do You Need to Replace Braces After Cavities? A Guide to Metal Braces
Understanding Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crown Options: A Comprehensive Guide
Root canal treatment Doctor, I have a few questions: (1) I have deep cavities in my molars. After drilling, it felt like there was some manual grinding, which was quite painful. Is this part of root canal treatment? I have gone through this process about 4.5 times. (2) I also had...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: When you visit a dental clinic, the dentist should explain the condition of your cavities and the treatment plan using X-rays. If this is not explained, you can request clarification. Your descriptions often use "it seems," but you can directly ask the dentist, &...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crown Options: A Comprehensive Guide