Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Dental Care for TMJ Issues
Jaw pain! Sometimes when I open my mouth wide, I experience pain in the joint below my ear, or when I move my jaw side to side. However, it usually resolves on its own after a while, and it only happens occasionally. What could this symptom be, and should I see a doctor?
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: It may be temporomandibular joint pain; it is best to consult a physician for an examination to determine the cause and treatment options. Dr. Wu Jin-jun, Director of Dentistry, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Dental Care for TMJ Issues
Correcting Underbite in Toddlers: Treatment Options and Specialist Recommendations
A two-year-old child has a recessed lower jaw and does not like to eat? My child has an inwardly curved lower jaw and is currently two years old. All of his teeth have fully erupted, but he tends to bite the soft tissue of his upper jaw while chewing, which makes him reluctant to...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: We apologize! Dr. Wang Chun-Cheng has left our hospital and is no longer providing services here. We will respond to your inquiry once another physician has addressed it. Dear Yang Yang: Regarding the questions you posted on the website, some parts are not easily underst...[Read More] Correcting Underbite in Toddlers: Treatment Options and Specialist Recommendations
Can You Get Dental Work Done During Early Pregnancy?
Is it safe to get dental work done during early pregnancy? Doctor, can I get dental fillings when I'm newly pregnant? I have a small cavity in my tooth, and every time I eat, some food gets stuck in it. That's why I want to get it filled. My tooth is not painful at the ...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Miss: Generally, shallow cavities can be safely treated during pregnancy, but it is important to inform the dentist about your pregnancy. Dr. Wang Cunzhen, attending physician of the Department of Dentistry at Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can You Get Dental Work Done During Early Pregnancy?
Understanding Limited Jaw Opening: Causes and When to Seek Dental Care
Inability to open the mouth? Hello Dr. Wang: After seeing the questions others have raised, I have the same issue, which is that I can only open my mouth 3-4 centimeters wide. Previously, I noticed a clicking sound when eating, but I didn't think much of it, attributing it t...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: Since your issue is still in the early stages, it may be advisable to start by consuming soft foods for a period of time. Avoid chewing gum, squid strips, and jerky. Applying heat to the joints can help reduce jaw movement and improve sleep quality. If there is no improvem...[Read More] Understanding Limited Jaw Opening: Causes and When to Seek Dental Care
Understanding Oral Ulcers: A Patient's Gratitude for Timely Dental Care
Thank you! Thank you! (Oral ulcer) Dr. Wang: Thank you for your detailed response. The website indeed does not specify the time required for the tests. Perhaps my daughter is too eager to know the results, as the days waiting for the report feel like an eternity. I hope you can u...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
I have received your thanks, you're welcome![Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: A Patient's Gratitude for Timely Dental Care
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Oral ulceration Hello, doctor: The area under my tongue has developed severe ulcers. A biopsy was performed on March 16. From what I found online, the pathology department can provide the results of this test. Why does the report take a week? I am very concerned about the possibi...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Jia: I think you may not have understood the content on the website, or it may not have explained it in detail. Pathological examination of tissue samples is different from routine blood tests. A routine blood test only requires adding a reagent and waiting for 30 minutes ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Cost of Occlusal Splint Treatment: What to Expect in Dental Care
How much does occlusal splint treatment typically cost? How much does an occlusal splint treatment typically cost? I visited the doctor today, and he asked if I have a habit of grinding my teeth. If so, I would need to undergo occlusal splint treatment. When I asked my family at ...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Li. Teeth grinding does not necessarily require the use of an occlusal splint, and the treatment with an occlusal splint may not effectively address bruxism. The causes of teeth grinding can vary widely, and treatment options differ accordingly. It is advisable to first id...[Read More] Cost of Occlusal Splint Treatment: What to Expect in Dental Care
Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Risks and Removal Options
Regarding supernumerary teeth? Hello, doctor: I have an extra tooth behind my front tooth (in the maxilla)! Previously, a dental clinic suggested that I go to a provincial hospital for extraction. Is the extraction more complicated, which is why they recommended I go to a larger ...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Mer maid: The extraction of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region typically requires a minor surgical procedure, and the difficulty level must be determined through clinical judgment and X-ray diagnosis. Since this is a surgical procedure, most general practitioners a...[Read More] Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Risks and Removal Options
Addressing Jaw Issues: Can You Combine Cosmetic and Dental Surgery?
The issue of betel nut? Hello Dr. Wang: My chin is longer than average, which is known as a prognathism. I just did some research and have more questions to ask you because I am also interested in undergoing rhinoplasty and would like to know if I can have both the rhinoplasty an...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: The procedures for jaw reshaping and rhinoplasty are fundamentally two different surgeries that may pose challenges and conflicts if performed simultaneously. In fact, all cosmetic surgeries require an in-person consultation to determine the treatment plan; it is absolutel...[Read More] Addressing Jaw Issues: Can You Combine Cosmetic and Dental Surgery?
Understanding Facial Asymmetry: When to See a Dentist for Concerns
I'm sorry, but it Hello doctor, today I noticed that when I open my mouth wide, the left side of my cheek seems to shift slightly, and I can't tell if it's bone or nerve. There is no sound and no pain. When I close my mouth, it tilts to one side before returning to...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: This issue you mentioned is likely not something you just discovered; rather, it may not have been something you paid attention to. Generally speaking, if there is no pain or difficulty in opening the mouth, it is advisable to observe the situation first, as it may not be ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Asymmetry: When to See a Dentist for Concerns
Understanding and Managing Jaw Joint Pain: Causes and Solutions
Temporomandibular joint pain Last October, I noticed that whenever I opened my mouth, there was a sound coming from the right side of my jaw joint. I initially thought it was normal, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, around May or June of this year, I started ex...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, the causes of joint pain are quite complex, and the treatment methods vary. Typically, during acute pain, it is advisable to use soft foods and apply "high-frequency" and "sufficient duration" heat or cold therapy, along with medication for relief. Rega...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Jaw Joint Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Issues with Occlusal Splints: A Patient's Concern
Issues with occlusal splints? Hello Dr. Wang, A year and a half ago, I experienced sounds from my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when opening my mouth. After my dentist taught me how to relax my jaw joint, my symptoms improved significantly, and there was only a slight sound when...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Ms. Chen: Hello! Theoretically, when you first start using the occlusal splint, the situation you described can indeed occur due to adaptation issues. Typically, after a period of time, as your joints readjust, the situation should improve. However, it is essential to have the sp...[Read More] Understanding Issues with Occlusal Splints: A Patient's Concern
The Risks of Tooth Extraction: Understanding Sinus Complications
The risks of tooth extraction! I have seen online that tooth extraction can lead to sinusitis! Are the sinuses connected to the teeth? How could this happen? My dentist once told me that if the two are too close, the extraction could tear the "membrane" or even injure t...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Guo: What you mentioned is not an exaggeration at all, and it indeed has a high chance of occurring. This is because the maxillary sinuses are located very close to the roots of our upper teeth. It's similar to a neighbor downstairs hammering something into the c...[Read More] The Risks of Tooth Extraction: Understanding Sinus Complications
How Long Should I Wait After Wisdom Tooth Surgery Before Re-Operation?
Wisdom teeth I had a wisdom tooth extraction at a general dental clinic on the 26th, but when the incision was made, it was discovered that the tooth was too deep and close to the nerve. The doctor advised me to seek an oral surgeon to perform the surgery to avoid any risks, so t...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello: In this situation, surgery can actually be performed immediately, but considering the ease of managing the postoperative wound, it would be better to wait about 1-2 weeks for the procedure (if there is no wound pain). Dr. Wang Cunzhen, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Hsinc...[Read More] How Long Should I Wait After Wisdom Tooth Surgery Before Re-Operation?
Can Jaw Joint Disorders Cause Shoulder Tilt and Lower Back Pain?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) Does Dr. Wang believe that temporomandibular joint disorders can affect shoulder tilt and cause lower back pain?
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Dear Mrs. Dai: Temporomandibular joint pain, along with shoulder and neck discomfort and lower back pain, can actually be categorized under the same syndrome. However, determining which condition is primary and which is secondary is quite challenging, much like the age-old ques...[Read More] Can Jaw Joint Disorders Cause Shoulder Tilt and Lower Back Pain?
Understanding Jaw Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint issues? Doctor, I have been struggling with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder for four months. For the first three months, I only experienced difficulty opening my mouth without any noise, so I underwent conservative treatment. However, in the past mo...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, A-Chung. The treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome in the early stages, when there are no noises, typically involves medication. When pain intensifies and there is difficulty opening the mouth, the treatment phase progresses to the use of an occlusal splint....[Read More] Understanding Jaw Joint Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Tetracycline Mouthwash Help with Mouth Ulcers?
Can tetracycline be used for mouth ulcers? Hello, doctor. I am in my early fifties and have been troubled by recurrent mouth ulcers since I was young. Every few days, I develop six to seven ulcers in my mouth, each about 0.5 to 0.7 centimeters in size, and I can even feel pain in...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, regarding the issue of mouth ulcers, the most important aspect is actually the diagnosis rather than the treatment. This is because most treatments are considered supportive care, meaning that even without these interventions, the condition will eventually resolve, albeit ...[Read More] Can Tetracycline Mouthwash Help with Mouth Ulcers?
Understanding Jaw Joint Surgery: Costs, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Temporomandibular joint arthroscopy! Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing long-term pain in my jaw joint, and I recently underwent an MRI examination. After reviewing the results, my doctor mentioned that the inflammation is quite severe. He believes that medication and physic...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, A1: For temporomandibular joint pain, if an MRI has confirmed disc displacement or perforation, surgical intervention is necessary for treatment. Most of these surgeries are covered by health insurance, although some may require out-of-pocket expenses depending on the spec...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Joint Surgery: Costs, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Effective Treatments and Tips for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Doctor, may I ask how to treat issues related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders? What should I be aware of? I hope you can provide some advice. Thank you.
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. A-Chung, Due to Dr. Wang Chun-Cheng being abroad, we will address your questions upon his return on April 7th. We appreciate your understanding regarding this inconvenience. Sincerely, Department of Dentistry, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan[Read More] Effective Treatments and Tips for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Why Do My Permanent Teeth Look Yellow? Understanding Tooth Discoloration
Yellowing of teeth? Hello Dr. Wang: My teeth were white when I had my primary teeth, but why did they turn yellow after I got my permanent teeth? I went to see a dentist, but the doctor told me it was because my enamel is thinner. However, my teacher said that thicker enamel is l...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Little One: Primary teeth are generally whiter than permanent teeth. If the permanent teeth develop with an excess of pigments during the enamel formation process, or if the enamel is thinner, these can be reasons for your teeth appearing yellow. The thickness of the ename...[Read More] Why Do My Permanent Teeth Look Yellow? Understanding Tooth Discoloration