Understanding Dental Appointment Scheduling: When to Arrive?
Appointment registration Could you please tell me what time you start seeing patients in the morning? If I have an appointment on the 16th, what time should I arrive?
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Our dental department holds morning meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but we see patients at 8:30 AM during all other times. If you schedule an appointment for the 16th around 10:30 to 11:00, you will be able to be seen. If you have similar questions, please feel free t...[Read More] Understanding Dental Appointment Scheduling: When to Arrive?
Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Dental Health After Orthodontics
Regarding root canal treatment? My front tooth has a deep cavity, and after undergoing root canal treatment, the dentist said it was necessary to use braces to reposition the tooth root. Now that the braces have been removed and a temporary crown was being placed, the dentist acc...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Your cavity is too deep, and the treatment method used by the dentist is correct. If the post is removed during the procedure, it is important to check for any issues with retention; otherwise, there is a chance it may come out again in the future. After the post is remove...[Read More] Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Dental Health After Orthodontics
Understanding Gingival Sulcus: Importance and Surgical Considerations
What is the gingival sulcus? Hello, Director: Thank you and Dr. Peng for answering my questions. I am unclear about what you mean by the gingival sulcus? Is it the vertical height of the space between the teeth that the interdental brush passes through? My tooth root gaps are ver...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The gingival sulcus is the space between the gums and the teeth. Using an interdental brush is for cleaning the root area of adjacent teeth, rather than the gum area that passes through the interproximal space. If the serrated defect you mentioned does not cause any pain o...[Read More] Understanding Gingival Sulcus: Importance and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gingival polyp Hello Doctor, my tooth was previously impacted, resulting in a fracture of my upper left central incisor. I also underwent orthodontic treatment as a result. After six months of orthodontics, I had a porcelain crown placed. A year and a half after the incident, I n...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: When a front tooth is fractured, it may injure the dental nerve, leading to necrosis. If there is a bacterial infection later, an abscess may form. The polyp you discovered could possibly be an abscess. Please consult a dentist for an X-ray to clarify the situation. If the...[Read More] Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Jagged Tooth Roots: Causes and Treatment Options
The tooth root exhibits a serrated appearance? Director: Hello, I recently changed my dentist, and after reviewing my dental X-rays, they diagnosed me with periodontal disease. They mentioned that the portion of my tooth roots covered by the gum tissue appears serrated, which the...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Improper brushing can lead to gum recession, and if you notice a serrated appearance at the root area, it is essential to improve your brushing technique. If there is no periodontal disease (which is defined as having a periodontal pocket depth greater than 5mm; generally,...[Read More] Understanding Jagged Tooth Roots: Causes and Treatment Options
How to Treat Partial Calcification on Front Teeth?
What is dental calcification? Hello Doctor: I have four anterior teeth that are partially calcified, with about a quarter of the surface appearing white. What would be the best way to address this? How long will it take? Thank you, Doctor...thanks...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Your description cannot be used as a definitive diagnosis; we need more information to understand your issue. The "partially calcified" and "whitish areas" on your anterior teeth may be due to congenital "hypocalcification" or "deminerali...[Read More] How to Treat Partial Calcification on Front Teeth?
Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Root canal treatment Hello Doctor, Last Friday, I underwent root canal treatment, during which the dentist placed a pin-like object in my tooth. After the procedure, the doctor advised me to return in a week, but instead of using silver powder to seal it, he just made a tempora...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello, root canal treatment involves the complete debridement and shaping of inflamed or necrotic nerves (pulp), followed by thorough disinfection and filling the root canal with gutta-percha. The original access cavity must also be tightly sealed to prevent reinfection. Your den...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Managing Nerve Pain and Concerns
After wisdom tooth extraction Hello Doctor: Four days ago, I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted, and I received two stitches that have not been removed yet. After the extraction, my lower left jaw became numb, so I returned to the clinic yesterday for a check-up. The doctor...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The tooth commonly referred to as the wisdom tooth is the third molar, typically located at the back. However, based on your description, the tooth that is located near the lower left incisors and canines that has not erupted is likely a supernumerary tooth or an impacted ...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Managing Nerve Pain and Concerns
Understanding Jaw Pain When Opening Mouth: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when opening the mouth? Sometimes, when I open my mouth to eat, the temporomandibular joints on both sides hurt, making it difficult to close my mouth again. What could be the cause of this, and how can I improve the situation? Thank you.
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The chewing motion is facilitated by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located in front of the ear, along with the surrounding muscles and ligaments that open and close the mouth, allowing the upper and lower teeth to grind and cut food. When there is a prolonged occlusal ...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain When Opening Mouth: Causes and Solutions
Exposed Mandible After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns for Cancer Patients
Exposed mandible Three weeks ago, I had my wisdom teeth and the teeth in front of them extracted. After the stitches were removed, I noticed some bone protrusion and experienced some pain. The dentist suggested smoothing the bone. I am a nasopharyngeal cancer patient, so I am con...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Nasopharyngeal cancer patients generally undergo radiation therapy, which can lead to necrosis of the blood vessels within the bones, resulting in poorer blood supply compared to the general population. Consequently, when extracting teeth, the wounds may heal more slowly, ...[Read More] Exposed Mandible After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns for Cancer Patients
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Insights from Taiwan's Dental Care
Root canal treatment in large hospitals? Hello ^__^ I previously had a root canal treatment at a small clinic in Taichung, but when the crown was placed, a small abscess appeared on my gums... During my follow-up visit, the doctor recommended that I go to a larger hospital and ex...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The most common reason for the reappearance of a dental abscess after root canal treatment is that the root canal was not thoroughly cleaned, leading to inflammation and pus formation in the tissues outside the apex due to bacteria and toxins present inside. Factors such a...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Insights from Taiwan's Dental Care
Persistent Dental Abscess: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
A dental abscess that does not resolve over a long period? Hello Dr. Liu: Last year around this time, I went to a dental clinic for a cavity, and the dentist filled the tooth for me. After returning home, I noticed that the gum around that tooth has been developing dental abscess...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your description, it appears that the pulp (nerve) of the affected tooth has become necrotic and infected, leading to a chronic periapical abscess. The bacteria and their toxins within the root canal have caused inflammation and pus formation in the surrounding ti...[Read More] Persistent Dental Abscess: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Root Canal Treatment Medications and Procedures: A Patient's Guide
Medications and Management for Root Canal Treatment Dr. Liu: I have been seeing the same dentist for over a decade for my dental issues. Since she left her practice, I went to a new clinic near my home for a routine check-up. The new dentist indicated that the tooth I had previou...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: During the root canal treatment process, it is essential to frequently irrigate the root canal with disinfectant solutions to achieve sterilization and flush out debris, preventing blockage within the canal. The most commonly used disinfectant irrigant is sodium hypochlori...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment Medications and Procedures: A Patient's Guide
Root Canal Treatment and Anesthesia: Understanding Pain Management Issues
Root canal treatment and anesthesia? Hello Dr. Liu: Six months ago, I underwent root canal treatment on my upper right last molar due to decay, and I also had a crown placed afterward. However, six months later, I suddenly experienced pain when biting into food, and even drinking...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Root canal treatment involves the cleaning, disinfection, and complete sealing of the root canal system within the tooth. Due to the extreme complexity of the root canal system, especially during the process of tooth decay, the pulp can become stimulated and lead to the ac...[Read More] Root Canal Treatment and Anesthesia: Understanding Pain Management Issues
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Neck Traction Therapy
Tooth sensitivity? Since I underwent cervical traction rehabilitation last Thursday (which involved sitting during the traction), I have been experiencing a sensation of soreness and looseness in my teeth starting from Friday, as if they might fall out. During the traction, my fa...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: During your rehabilitation, you may have experienced a sensation of pressure on your face due to traction. The sensitivity in your teeth post-surgery is likely a reaction from the teeth being compressed, which should normally resolve within 1-2 weeks. If it does not improv...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Neck Traction Therapy
Persistent Gum Inflammation and Pus: Seeking Solutions After Dental Surgery
Gingival redness and purulence? The five anterior lower teeth underwent alveolar repositioning surgery due to a car accident. After the surgery, the gums remained red as if they were still injured, but there was no pain. After four to five months, the gums began to ache and sligh...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Your teeth were injured in the car accident, and your gums are still purulent. There are two possible reasons: (1) The alveolar bone may have fractured during the accident, and if any fragments were not removed, it could lead to persistent infection. (2) The dental pulp ma...[Read More] Persistent Gum Inflammation and Pus: Seeking Solutions After Dental Surgery
Dealing with a Broken Tooth: Solutions and Advice
A tooth is broken? Hello, after my tooth had a root canal, it was filled, but I couldn't afford a crown. Later, the filling came out, and not long after, the tooth broke. Now, it seems like the adjacent teeth have become larger. What should I do?
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes more fragile due to the presence of a large cavity and the removal of some tooth structure during the access cavity preparation. It is advisable to use a crown to protect the tooth after treatment. Since you did not take any re...[Read More] Dealing with a Broken Tooth: Solutions and Advice
How to Protect Yourself from Infections During Dental Visits
Will dental treatment transmit any infectious diseases? I have severe tooth decay because I have been avoiding the dentist, fearing that the doctor will need to extract my teeth. Recently, I've seen a lot of news about infectious diseases, which has made me even more anxious...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: During dental treatment, if disinfection is not thorough, there is a risk of transmitting Hepatitis B, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. Therefore, please seek treatment at medical facilities with complete sterilization, including high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization of ...[Read More] How to Protect Yourself from Infections During Dental Visits
Do You Really Need to Remove a Misaligned Wisdom Tooth?
Do I definitely need to have my wisdom teeth removed if they are growing in crooked? Hello~~ I have a wisdom tooth growing in the lower left corner, but it is growing at an angle. The dentist at a small clinic advised me to have it removed at a larger hospital. The dentist mentio...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: If your wisdom tooth is growing in a crooked position, is it necessary to extract it? Most likely, the answer is yes. Clinically, it is common to see wisdom teeth that are tilted or horizontally positioned, which can make cleaning difficult and lead to cavities or periodon...[Read More] Do You Really Need to Remove a Misaligned Wisdom Tooth?
Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?
Can the timing of root canal treatment be postponed? Hello Dr. Liu, I am currently studying in the United States. A few days ago, during a dental check-up, I discovered that my lower canine tooth has a bacterial infection. The doctor used a cold cotton swab to test it, and I felt...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The "bacterial infection" you mentioned, is it indicated by the presence of a shadow at the apex of the tooth on the X-ray? If so, this typically suggests that the pulp (commonly referred to as the nerve) is necrotic and associated with a bacterial infection. The...[Read More] Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?