Should You Extract a Loose Tooth After an Injury? Expert Advice
Tooth extraction Hello, I had an injury to my upper left incisor near the canine due to a car accident ten years ago, and it has been slightly loose. Recently, I visited a dental clinic, and one dentist said that if the tooth doesn't hurt, I don't need to worry about it...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: After dental trauma, there are various possible phenomena, including crown fracture, pulp necrosis, root resorption, root fracture, tooth displacement, and alveolar bone fracture. Your description is insufficient for making a diagnosis; if you could provide X-rays, it woul...[Read More] Should You Extract a Loose Tooth After an Injury? Expert Advice
Post-Apex Surgery Questions: Understanding Recovery and Care
Questions after apical surgery! Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you some questions, and I have now completed my apicoectomy! I have a few questions I would like to consult you about: 1. Today is the fourth day post-surgery, why is there still oozing blood from the wound? 2. ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. Bleeding on the fourth postoperative day indicates high pressure within the wound or inflammation. 2. The above phenomenon may be related to the connection between the dental root apex and the maxillary sinus. 3. Ice packs can be applied on the first postoperative day; ...[Read More] Post-Apex Surgery Questions: Understanding Recovery and Care
Understanding Apexectomy: Duration, Pain, and Recovery Insights
Apicoectomy! How long does an apicoectomy typically take? Is it necessary to go to the operating room, or can it be done in an outpatient setting? After the apicoectomy, will speaking be affected, or will there be noticeable swelling in the face? How long will the pain last after...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The duration of an apicoectomy depends on the tooth position and whether retrograde filling is required. It usually takes about one hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Since there will be swelling for 3-4 days post-surgery, it is more suitable to have the pro...[Read More] Understanding Apexectomy: Duration, Pain, and Recovery Insights
Dealing with Curved Tooth Roots During Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, but the tip of my tooth root is curved..? Hello! I am currently undergoing root canal treatment, but the tip of my tooth root is curved. My doctor is filling it with medication, but it causes pain whenever I bite down. Yesterday, when I went for a medication...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The roots have varying degrees of curvature, and the more curved the root, the more challenging the treatment at the apex. Endodontic specialists are better equipped to manage curved root canals; usually, extraction is not necessary. Please visit the "Taiwan Endodonti...[Read More] Dealing with Curved Tooth Roots During Root Canal Treatment
Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Endo In the case where two teeth require root canal treatment and both are experiencing severe pain, a dentist can address both teeth in a single appointment, depending on the complexity of the cases and the dentist's judgment. However, it may also be advisable to treat them...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Root canal treatment is a meticulous and time-consuming procedure. If the dentist's schedule permits, it is possible to treat two teeth in one session. Typically, a one-week interval is advisable between two root canal treatments. The primary cause of alveolar bone re...[Read More] Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Understanding Tongue Moles: Causes, Risks, and Lifespan
A mole has developed on the tongue? I suddenly developed a mole on my tongue, but I am currently studying abroad and cannot return to Taiwan for an examination right away. Could you please explain under what circumstances a mole can appear on the tongue? Am I at any risk? I'...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The sudden appearance of black spots or patches on the tongue can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it may be a hematoma caused by trauma or other unknown reasons. In such cases, no treatment is necessary, as it will typically resolve and be absorbed back to norma...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Moles: Causes, Risks, and Lifespan
Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management
Gum surgery I recently had an X-ray and discovered a dark shadow approximately 0.8 cm in size above the gum line of my front tooth. The doctor mentioned that I would need surgical treatment or possibly the removal of the prosthetic tooth to undergo root canal therapy again. Howev...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: According to your statement, it appears that there is a bacterial infection in the root canal of the front tooth, with bacteria and their endotoxins leaking out of the apex of the root canal, causing inflammation and resorption of the alveolar bone. This can be detected as...[Read More] Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management
Understanding Teeth Grinding: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
What should I do if I grind my teeth? Doctor, I have a question! I often grind my teeth while sleeping, and I wake up with soreness in my facial muscles. I want to know: why do people grind their teeth? Has there been any research on which types of individuals are more likely to ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The brain contains many functional centers, such as those for respiration, circulation, and mastication, which maintain basic physiological functions. For example, humans eat instinctively without needing to be taught; this is regulated by the masticatory centers. During t...[Read More] Understanding Teeth Grinding: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Persistent Numbness in Chin After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
The numbness in the chin has not subsided after tooth extraction! Hello Dr. Liu: I had my wisdom teeth extracted yesterday. During the first injection of anesthesia, my lips didn't feel numb, so they continued to administer more anesthesia until my lips were numb. After retu...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The persistent tingling sensation in the lips after tooth extraction is usually due to injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (not the facial nerve). The inferior alveolar nerve runs along the mandible and primarily provides sensation to one side of the lower lip and gums. ...[Read More] Persistent Numbness in Chin After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
How to Handle Dental Injuries After a Fall: Expert Advice
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, I fell on June 2, 2004, and my four front teeth were broken, with each one fractured about 1/3 to 2/3. One of them is tilted outward. My canine tooth is also fractured by 1/3 to 2/3. On June 2, the doctor used a wire to stabil...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Common scenarios of dental trauma include tooth fracture and displacement. The management of fractured teeth depends on whether the dental pulp is exposed. If the pulp is not exposed, it should be filled and protected. If the pulp is exposed, root canal treatment is necess...[Read More] How to Handle Dental Injuries After a Fall: Expert Advice
Persistent Tightness After Apex Surgery: Is It Normal?
Is the area around the apex surgery still tight and hasn't subsided? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I underwent an apicoectomy on May 28 for my left central incisor and the adjacent lateral incisor. However, starting from the fifth day post-surgery, I beg...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: During apical surgery, the flap around the affected tooth needs to be elevated. The longer the tooth root, the closer it is to the nasal cavity. The flap will gradually heal within a week, and there may be a slight feeling of tightness, which will disappear after 2 to 3 we...[Read More] Persistent Tightness After Apex Surgery: Is It Normal?
Persistent Pain After Root Canal: Seeking Solutions and Expert Recommendations
Unresolvable root canal treatment Hello Dr. Liu, I would like to ask you a question that has been troubling me for a long time. I had a root canal treatment on my front tooth nearly a year ago, but I still experience occasional pain. Two months ago, I underwent the procedure aga...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Root canal treatment is a highly intricate medical procedure. For successful root canal therapy, it is essential to remove all necrotic pulp tissue from the root canal system, achieve complete sterilization, and eliminate any endotoxins. After carefully shaping the root ca...[Read More] Persistent Pain After Root Canal: Seeking Solutions and Expert Recommendations
Do You Really Need to Extract Your Wisdom Teeth? Expert Insights
Wisdom teeth Dr. Liu: Hello, do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed? I just developed my second wisdom tooth in the past year, and it has come in crooked. There is mild inflammation present. My experience with having my first wisdom tooth removed was very frightening; i...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, erupt after the first and second molars. If the teeth are larger or the jawbone is smaller, there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to emerge properly, leading to impaction. This can create gaps between the wisdom teeth ...[Read More] Do You Really Need to Extract Your Wisdom Teeth? Expert Insights
Severe Pain During Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Severe pain during root canal treatment? Problem Statement: On April 27, I underwent root canal treatment due to acute pulpitis. After the initial opening and removal of the pulp, I experienced severe pain that was unrelieved by the analgesics prescribed by my doctor. Additionall...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Root canal treatment involves the complete removal of inflamed dental pulp, followed by shaping, disinfection, and filling. If the pulp is not completely removed or adequately sterilized, there may be ongoing pain, especially in molars that have multiple canals; if even on...[Read More] Severe Pain During Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Does Hot Pot and Drinks Cause Tooth Discoloration? Whitening Tips
The impact of hot pot on teeth? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if it's true that drinking beverages while eating hot pot can cause teeth to become yellow. I also want to know the best, most cost-effective, and longest-lasting method for teeth whitening. After whitening, ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: The color of teeth is determined by intrinsic genetics and extrinsic dietary habits. Eating hot pot and drinking beverages should not cause teeth to turn yellow. Smoking, drinking tea, coffee, and consuming traditional Chinese medicine are more likely to stain the surface ...[Read More] Does Hot Pot and Drinks Cause Tooth Discoloration? Whitening Tips
Common Dental Concerns: Proper Brushing Techniques and Toothbrush Care
Dental issues Hello Doctor, 1. I brush my teeth in two sessions. Why is that? I first use toothpaste to brush my upper teeth, and after finishing, I use toothpaste to brush my lower teeth. If I try to brush all at once, the toothpaste foam tends to flow out due to saliva, leavin...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: It doesn't matter how many times you brush your teeth, but the principle is to ensure that the entire mouth is cleaned thoroughly. Whether or not you use toothpaste is irrelevant as long as the teeth are cleaned properly; toothpaste is merely a flavoring agent and sur...[Read More] Common Dental Concerns: Proper Brushing Techniques and Toothbrush Care
Understanding Tooth and Gum Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
My teeth and gums hurt a lot? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure why the teeth right below my front teeth, about 4 to 6 of them, are very painful along with my gums. Interestingly, this pain doesn't occur all the time; it happens occasionally. The pain feels strange, almost li...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is likely that there is a cavity between your teeth at the contact point. This type of cavity may not be visible externally, but it can be diagnosed by a dentist through examination and X-rays. Please visit a reputable dental clinic or hospital f...[Read More] Understanding Tooth and Gum Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding KEFLEX: Uses, Side Effects, and Dental Applications
The effects of KEFLEK? I had another toothache and went to a nearby clinic for treatment. After describing my pain, the dentist tapped on one of my teeth, which was the most painful, and prepared to administer anesthesia. I asked the doctor if I needed a root canal treatment, to ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello! Root canal treatment is an invasive procedure that requires prior communication with the patient regarding its necessity. Typically, X-rays and clinical examinations are needed to confirm that the pulp is irreversibly inflamed. The procedure can only proceed after the pati...[Read More] Understanding KEFLEX: Uses, Side Effects, and Dental Applications
Is Rinsing Enough? Nighttime Eating and Dental Health Concerns
Teeth Hello, I am a student. I usually brush my teeth before taking a shower, but sometimes when I get hungry in the middle of the night, I eat something like instant noodles. I rinse my mouth afterward (since I have already brushed my teeth earlier), and then I go to sleep. Is t...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello! During sleep, the secretion of saliva decreases for an extended period, so it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly beforehand. If you have already brushed your teeth and then have a midnight snack, merely rinsing your mouth is not sufficient, as rinsing can only rem...[Read More] Is Rinsing Enough? Nighttime Eating and Dental Health Concerns
Managing Tooth Pain: Solutions for Chewing Difficulties and Discomfort
The person who is eating is feeling weak? Thank you for your detailed response last time. I have decided to follow your advice and not undergo root canal treatment on the two rows of teeth on the left side that often feel sore and painful. However, the pain issue keeps recurring,...
Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello! You have had one tooth extracted from both the upper and lower right sides, and it is best to get dentures to restore your bite, allowing you to use both sides for chewing. This way, you won't rely solely on your left side for eating. As for the wear on your teeth, it...[Read More] Managing Tooth Pain: Solutions for Chewing Difficulties and Discomfort