Common Dental Questions: Brushing Habits and Oral Care Tips
Dental issues Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask you. 1. Is it okay to drink plain water after brushing my teeth at night? Should I rinse my mouth or brush my teeth again afterward? 2. I brush my teeth two at a time, going back and forth, but it takes m...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. After brushing your teeth before bed, it is fine to drink plain water without needing to rinse or brush again. 2. Brushing a few more times is acceptable as long as the angle is correct and the bristles are appropriate; it won't cause any issues. 3. Brushing your t...[Read More] Common Dental Questions: Brushing Habits and Oral Care Tips
Adult Orthodontics: Your Guide to Braces and Costs
Orthodontics Hello Dr. Wu, I am 34 years old, and my misaligned teeth have always made me feel regretful and insecure. However, the thought of wearing braces has held me back. I would like to ask you: 1. Am I too old to start orthodontic treatment? Is it feasible to begin now?...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your age, you are eligible for orthodontic treatment. However, regarding the situation discussed, it is necessary to have an evaluation by an orthodontic specialist before providing you with an answer. There are several orthodontic clinics available for considerat...[Read More] Adult Orthodontics: Your Guide to Braces and Costs
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Head Pain and Recovery
It has been a week since my wisdom teeth extraction, but I am experiencing sharp pain in my head? Hello Doctor, I had my wisdom tooth extracted at a clinic in Kaohsiung last Wednesday. This wisdom tooth has been with me for two years and has been quite painful, but I was hesitant...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: It is normal to experience swelling and pain within a week after wisdom tooth extraction. If you have stitches that need to be removed after a week, you can ask the dentist who performed the extraction to check the wound and assess the healing process. If you are still con...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Head Pain and Recovery
Understanding Gum Recession: Surgical Options and Costs Explained
Dental issues Hello: In the past, I had gum recession due to incorrect brushing techniques and brushing too hard, which affected most of my teeth! Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor: 1. Are there surgical procedures for gum restoration? How much do they cost? Will the gums...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. Atrophied gums will not regenerate on their own. If gum recession leads to excessive exposure of the tooth roots, periodontal surgery can help cover them. The cost depends on the methods and materials used. 2. The cost of dental implants (including prosthetics) at our h...[Read More] Understanding Gum Recession: Surgical Options and Costs Explained
Effective Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity: What You Need to Know
How can dental sensitivity be improved? Dear Doctor, my mother has been experiencing tooth sensitivity for some time now, and it has recently worsened. The dentist mentioned that her teeth are fine, and the nerves are not damaged; it is purely a symptom of sensitivity. Normally, ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. Based on your description, your mother may be experiencing excessive enamel wear. She can come to our dental department for an examination, and we will provide further treatment based on her condition. This type of sensitivity ca...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity: What You Need to Know
Do You Really Need Bridges or Implants After Tooth Extraction?
Tooth loss Doctor, I would like to ask if it is necessary to get a dental bridge or implant after tooth extraction? Can't I just leave it as it is? I asked my dentist, and he said it’s fine not to do anything because I still have plenty of teeth left, and the gap won't ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
After a tooth extraction, depending on individual circumstances and the location of the tooth, most people's adjacent teeth may shift over time due to the loss of the neighboring tooth or opposing tooth. This can lead to insufficient space for future prosthetic work. However...[Read More] Do You Really Need Bridges or Implants After Tooth Extraction?
Should You Fill Small Cavities? Expert Insights on Dental Care
Do small cavities need to be filled? Dr. Wu: Hello! My teeth are generally in good condition, but I have the following questions: 1. The lower teeth (counting from the middle to the left) numbers four, five, and six, as well as the sixth tooth on the right, have gum recession (th...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
1. Gum recession in the lower teeth can be addressed with resin fillings; however, resin can only fill the depressed areas. If there are regions where the shape is insufficient to support the resin, it cannot be filled, or if filled, it may dislodge. Therefore, there may still be...[Read More] Should You Fill Small Cavities? Expert Insights on Dental Care
Understanding White Bumps on Gums and Gum Recession: What You Need to Know
There are many small white granular spots on the gums, and the gum tissue is minimal? One day, I noticed that there were many small white particles on the tissue above one of my upper left teeth (not sure if it's called the gum?). After about a week, this condition disappear...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Your brushing technique may be problematic. Issues with your gums need to be clinically examined to provide you with a clear answer. Please schedule an appointment with a dentist so we can assist you with further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding White Bumps on Gums and Gum Recession: What You Need to Know
Essential Questions About Dental Implants: What You Need to Know
Dental implant-related issues? Hello Dr. Wu, I am a student from Taipei studying in Tainan and I am about to graduate. I have a cavity in my upper left second premolar that cannot be restored with a crown, and I do not want to use a dental bridge as it would damage the adjacent h...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. If too much time (1-2 years) passes after tooth extraction, adjacent teeth may tilt, resulting in insufficient space for an implant. Therefore, it is best to place a prosthesis as soon as possible after tooth extraction to maintain space. 2. Regarding the timeline, ...[Read More] Essential Questions About Dental Implants: What You Need to Know
Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Should You Remove It or Leave It Alone?
The molar is horizontally impacted within the gum tissue? Hello Doctor: Recently, during an X-ray at the dental clinic, it was discovered that my lower left molar is horizontally positioned and is partially covered by gum tissue. Since it does not affect my eating and is not pain...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Impacted lower wisdom teeth are commonly found in modern dental arches. If left untreated, they may lead to cavities in the anterior teeth or periodontal damage. The presence of bruising on the gums may be due to the eruptive forces of the teeth or occlusion with the upper...[Read More] Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Should You Remove It or Leave It Alone?
Understanding Gum Inflammation: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Regarding the issue of gingivitis? Hello, Doctor: Sometimes when I bite into food, I feel a bit of pain in my left teeth, but it’s not frequent, and I don’t experience any pain at night while sleeping. When I visited a dental clinic, I had an X-ray taken, and there were no caviti...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: The discomfort you experience while biting food may be attributed to two possible causes. The first could be an issue with the teeth themselves, and the second might be related to periodontal problems causing discomfort. The information you provided does not allow for a de...[Read More] Understanding Gum Inflammation: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Can I Safely Undergo Wisdom Tooth Extraction with Low Blood Counts?
Blood and Wisdom Tooth Extraction Hello, my platelet count has been around 100,000 for the past eight years. Two years ago, my white blood cell count started to decrease, ranging from 3,000 to 3,300. Recently, I visited a clinic due to an issue with my wisdom tooth (it is growing...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: For your blood-related issues, you should first consult the Hematology Department at a hospital, so that a physician can assess whether tooth extraction is feasible. It is recommended to undergo tooth extraction treatment at the nearest hospital for safety. Dr. Yang Zhiren...[Read More] Can I Safely Undergo Wisdom Tooth Extraction with Low Blood Counts?
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When to Extract and What to Expect
Impacted wisdom teeth? Hello, doctor. My lower wisdom tooth has not erupted properly due to inadequate cleaning, and the gum around the wisdom tooth has been swollen, causing discomfort. In this situation, should the wisdom tooth be removed as soon as possible? Can it be extracte...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Impacted wisdom teeth are quite common, as they are located at the back of the mouth and are difficult to clean properly. This often leads to pericoronitis around the crown, and in more severe cases, it can result in cellulitis in the oral cavity. After inflammation and sw...[Read More] Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When to Extract and What to Expect
Why Does My Tooth Hurt More After Filling? Understanding Dental Pain
The filled tooth hurts more than it did before the filling? Hello, Recently, during a routine dental check-up, I discovered that the second-to-last molar on the upper right side has a small cavity. This tooth had been filled a long time ago. The dentist mentioned that the cavit...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Generally, a previously filled cavity that develops a secondary cavity due to poor oral hygiene may be deeper and closer to the dental pulp nerve canal, which can sometimes lead to tooth sensitivity or pulpitis. The specific situation varies from person to person. We welco...[Read More] Why Does My Tooth Hurt More After Filling? Understanding Dental Pain
Understanding Loose Dental Implants: Causes and Solutions
The issue of looseness in dental implants? Hello Dr. Wu, I had dental implants two years ago, and the prosthetic teeth often become loose after a few months due to eating, requiring me to visit the dentist to have them re-secured. Is this normal? The other prosthetic teeth I ha...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Normally, dental implants should not become loose frequently. However, sometimes the dentist may choose not to permanently bond the prosthesis to maintain the health of the underlying implant. As a result, when consuming sticky or hard foods, the prosthesis on the implant ...[Read More] Understanding Loose Dental Implants: Causes and Solutions
Dental Care Services for Students with Disabilities: What You Need to Know
Dental care for elementary school students with physical and mental disabilities? A sixth-grade student with a disability handbook previously received dental health check results of 6D, 65BA, 6, ABC6, and has malocclusion. The school nurse mentioned that your hospital's dent...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Our hospital currently has outpatient services for general physical and mental disabilities available from Monday to Friday in the morning and afternoon. There is a special outpatient clinic for disabilities on Tuesday mornings (for surgical procedures). You can bring your...[Read More] Dental Care Services for Students with Disabilities: What You Need to Know
Can My Stroke-Affected Mom Safely Undergo Tooth Extraction?
Mother had a stroke, is paralyzed, requires a tracheostomy, and needs to have teeth extracted? My mother has been paralyzed and on a tracheostomy for a year due to a stroke. Initially, she was in a coma and had to undergo intubation, which resulted in the loss of several teeth. C...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, based on your description, your mother's loose and misaligned tooth may need to be extracted. First, confirm whether she is taking anticoagulants (as most stroke patients do). If she is on such medication, it must be stopped prior to the extraction. Hospitals at the r...[Read More] Can My Stroke-Affected Mom Safely Undergo Tooth Extraction?
Minor Chip on Front Tooth: Should You Be Concerned?
There is a small crack at the edge of the front tooth? Hello, doctor. I accidentally bit down on something hard while eating, and now there is a small crack on the lower edge of my left front tooth (it looks more like a tiny hole, less than a millimeter wide and only slightly ind...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: If you can already feel a small cavity, it is advisable to have it examined and treated as soon as possible. If the crack is not very deep, it can be filled with restorative material. However, if the crack is quite evident, the symptoms of the tooth will become increasingl...[Read More] Minor Chip on Front Tooth: Should You Be Concerned?
Can a Root Canal Tooth Remain Untreated for 8 Years? Risks Explained
Root canal treatment without dental prosthesis? Doctor: Hello! I had a root canal treatment on my lower last tooth 8 years ago. After the nerve was removed, there was some pain for about six months due to drilling into the gum. I temporarily filled it in because I went abroad and...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can become brittle and are more prone to fracture under biting forces. If a complete root canal treatment has been confirmed, it is still recommended to place a crown on the tooth. This will not cause oral cancer; however, if ...[Read More] Can a Root Canal Tooth Remain Untreated for 8 Years? Risks Explained
Does Health Insurance Cover Autologous Dental Implants in Taiwan?
Is there insurance coverage for autologous dental implants? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is insurance coverage for autologous dental implants? Can I extract my wisdom teeth to fill the space where I previously had a dental bridge?
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: How many surgical fees are covered by health insurance for autologous tooth transplantation? Can wisdom teeth be used to fill the gap for a dental bridge? It depends on the condition of the wisdom teeth, and a dentist must conduct an actual examination and review X-rays to...[Read More] Does Health Insurance Cover Autologous Dental Implants in Taiwan?