Understanding Orthodontics: Why You Might Need Braces and Their Costs
Questions about orthodontics? Hello, I am a third-year junior high school student. A few days ago, I went to the dentist because of a toothache. The doctor found that my teeth do not align properly, and there are significant gaps, which require orthodontic treatment. The dentist ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Xiao Hua: Malocclusion often makes oral hygiene difficult to maintain, leading to an increased risk of cavities and periodontal disease. Additionally, improper occlusion can cause aesthetic and functional issues. If the doctor you previously consulted did not suggest orthod...[Read More] Understanding Orthodontics: Why You Might Need Braces and Their Costs
Understanding Tongue Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Can small pus-filled bumps appear on the tongue? I have a small sore on my tongue that is about 0.5 by 0.5 centimeters. It hurts when my tongue touches the inside of my mouth while speaking, and it also hurts when I eat. Could lack of sleep, high stress, and poor mood contribute ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Dianzi: Based on the symptoms you described, it seems you are experiencing recurrent oral ulcers. Many patients visit the dentist due to mouth sores and often report to the doctor that they have been sleeping poorly and feeling stressed, with painful sores in their mo...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Persistent Bad Breath: Is Dental Care the Solution?
Bad breath? I feel very annoyed because my mouth has a persistent odor. It's not due to eating strong-smelling foods, but it keeps occurring throughout the day, no matter when. It's really bothersome... Is seeing a dentist helpful? I previously visited a dentist but did...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: There are many causes of halitosis, including oral diseases (such as periodontal disease, cavities, oral infections, and dental plaque), nasal conditions (such as post-nasal drip and sinusitis), as well as gastrointestinal issues (such as gastroenteritis and fecaliths), an...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: Is Dental Care the Solution?
Key Considerations for Long-lasting Dental Bridges: Expert Insights
Issues with the installation of multiple dentures? For a fixed dental prosthesis that spans from the upper left central incisors to the molars, which consists of a total of nine connected teeth, there are several considerations to ensure its longevity. Aiming for a lifespan of tw...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: When it comes to long-term dentures, you must pay attention to the following: 1. Occlusion: The occlusion must be balanced. 2. Fit of the dentures: Long-term dentures must fit well; otherwise, if one tooth has an issue, it can compromise the entire set of nine. 3. Ease of ...[Read More] Key Considerations for Long-lasting Dental Bridges: Expert Insights
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage
Regarding periodontal disease issues? Hello: I am aware that I have severe periodontal disease. I previously read that periodontal disease can lead to alveolar bone resorption, making it quite challenging to get dentures. I would like to first consider "guided bone regenerat...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Bear: 1. Generally, the treatment for periodontal disease is divided into the first phase of basic treatment (including scaling, root planing) and the second phase of surgical periodontal treatment. Currently, the first phase of treatment is covered by the National Health...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Gum and Periodontal Issues: Seeking Dental Expertise
Gum and periodontal issues? From the above, I see that Dr. Wu is not an expert in dentistry and also has a poor attitude. I want to see you as soon as possible!
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Welcome![Read More] Understanding Gum and Periodontal Issues: Seeking Dental Expertise
Addressing Overbite Issues in Young Children: Solutions and Insights
Protruding teeth Hello Doctor: My daughter is now just over one year old. She started teething when she was five months old and has currently developed her 11th tooth. However, the two front teeth in the middle appear to be misaligned with the adjacent teeth, with the middle ones...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Miss Dai: Generally speaking, children's primary central incisors tend to protrude more than the lateral incisors, which can create the appearance of "buck teeth." However, as long as the condition is not severe, this appearance usually becomes less noticeab...[Read More] Addressing Overbite Issues in Young Children: Solutions and Insights
Effective Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
How to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders? Hello Dr. Wu! I am a helpless patient who has been troubled by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues for many years. My right TMJ is always tense, and sometimes there are sounds when I open and close my mouth. At its worst, I h...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Kuo: There are many causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as malocclusion or tooth loss leading to an imbalance in bite, unilateral chewing, trauma, facial muscle tension, bruxism, and even stress, anxiety, and emotional factors can contribute to TMJ pain...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Understanding Gum Reshaping: Healing, Follow-Up, and Second Opinions
Gingival recontouring? Should sutures be removed? How is the healing progress after surgery? If gum reshaping is necessary, should I consult another clinic?
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Ivy: Your question is not very clear. Are you asking about periodontal surgery? If so, sutures are indeed necessary after the procedure. The healing process depends on the extent of tissue damage prior to the surgery and the maintenance of wound cleanliness afterward. Addit...[Read More] Understanding Gum Reshaping: Healing, Follow-Up, and Second Opinions
Understanding Lingual Braces: Costs, Time, and Transfer of Records
Orthodontics? I previously visited a clinic for orthodontic treatment and, upon the doctor's recommendation, I had lingual braces installed. Later, I found that this method is more expensive and takes longer. If I want to transfer to another provider, can I retrieve the X-ra...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, the lateral orthodontic appliance is primarily aesthetically pleasing, but it is more challenging and time-consuming. However, if you can cooperate with the treatment and have patience, the correction results can be very good. If you wish to transfer to another specialist,...[Read More] Understanding Lingual Braces: Costs, Time, and Transfer of Records
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Treatment Options
Dental issues! Hello Dr. Wu, I have always considered my teeth to be very healthy since childhood and have rarely visited a dentist. I have never had a cavity until recently when I experienced pain in my left back teeth and decided to see a doctor. The doctor informed me that I ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Sunny: Dental sensitivity is usually caused by the following reasons: 1. Cavities 2. Enamel wear 3. Periodontal disease, gingival recession, and exposed tooth roots. In your case, the likelihood of enamel wear (point 2) is higher. If the wear depth is within 2mm, it can typ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Treatment Options
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Your Facial Appearance?
Will wisdom tooth extraction affect the appearance of the face? I have two upper wisdom teeth that have started to emerge, but the upper left wisdom tooth is causing some discomfort while eating. Doctor, should I remove both upper wisdom teeth at once, or just the upper left one?...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Andy: 1. Usually, one side is extracted first before the other, otherwise both sides will have wounds, making it uncomfortable and troublesome to eat. 2. The differences among most people are not significant, and the appearance of the facial shape is often not affected.[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Your Facial Appearance?
Will Dental Implants Affect Speech and Chewing Function?
Will the process of dental implants (or dentures) affect speech? Hello, I am an elementary school teacher. Due to my past love for sweets, my teeth have decayed significantly, and I only have six healthy front teeth left. Recently, I have been considering dental implants and woul...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Lin: 1. A thorough evaluation is usually required before dental implant surgery. Any teeth that can be preserved should be kept, so it is not necessary to extract all teeth. However, if a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved, it will need to be extracted. In such...[Read More] Will Dental Implants Affect Speech and Chewing Function?
Understanding Periodontal Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery Time
For periodontal disease that requires surgery, what is the treatment plan? Your brother's periodontal disease has caused his gums to recede, resulting in cavities at the base of each tooth. Although he has undergone scaling and root planing, the dental clinic has recommended...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: The surgery to stabilize the tooth root primarily refers to periodontal regeneration surgery. This procedure involves the implantation of a periodontal regeneration membrane at the site of periodontal defects, along with the filling of artificial bone graft material, allow...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery Time
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Should You Consider Extraction?
Wisdom teeth have not erupted? Hello, doctor; about half a year ago, I developed wisdom teeth, but they don't seem to have fully erupted and appear to be completely covered by gum tissue. The gums look swollen, but I don't experience pain when eating. Do I need to have ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Hong: Your wisdom tooth has not fully erupted and may be impacted due to its angled position behind the second molar. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for an X-ray to determine the position and orientation of the wisdom tooth. Typically, poorly erupted wisd...[Read More] Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Should You Consider Extraction?
Alternative Treatments for Oral Tumors Beyond Surgery
Oral tumor Hello Dr. Wu: A family member of mine has been diagnosed with an oral tumor. Aside from surgery, are there any other treatment options available?
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: In addition to surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be options. The choice of the most suitable method depends on the type of tumor.[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Oral Tumors Beyond Surgery
Understanding Oral Health: Signs of Potential Issues and When to Seek Help
Oral issues Hello Dr. Wu: Recently, the inside of my left cheek, which used to be smooth, has become rough. It is not painful. I have seen a doctor and taken medication, but there has been no improvement. It seems like there are very small particles growing, but I am not sure. I ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Zhu: Based on your description, it does not appear to be oral cancer. Sometimes, hyperplasia of the salivary glands can cause irregular, nodular elevations on the otherwise smooth surface of the oral mucosa, leading to abnormal sensations. I recommend that you visit a d...[Read More] Understanding Oral Health: Signs of Potential Issues and When to Seek Help
Managing Periodontal Disease and Orthodontic Issues in Dentistry
Periodontal disease and orthodontics? Hello, my upper first molar has severe periodontal disease. After many treatments, it has reached the root of the tooth, and many doctors have told me that it will not improve and can only be maintained as is. Currently, that tooth and the se...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello VIVIEN: In clinical practice, when there is insufficient space for orthodontic treatment, the traditional approach is to extract premolars to create space for realigning the teeth. However, in special cases, such as when the first molar is in very poor condition while the o...[Read More] Managing Periodontal Disease and Orthodontic Issues in Dentistry
Is Internal Orthodontics Suitable for Adults with Mouth Ulcers?
Types of Braces If you are not suitable for external braces due to a tendency to develop mouth sores that take a long time to heal, you may consider using internal braces (lingual braces) as an alternative. However, it is important to discuss this with your orthodontist, as they ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello VIVI: Of course, the "internal aligners" you mentioned may cause a more pronounced foreign body sensation, and they can slightly affect eating and pronunciation. However, they are generally more aesthetically pleasing compared to "external" aligners. I a...[Read More] Is Internal Orthodontics Suitable for Adults with Mouth Ulcers?
Understanding Oral Palate and Mucosal Issues: When to Seek Help
Issues related to the oral maxilla and mucosa? Hello, could you please tell me if the normal mucosa of the oral maxilla is smooth or rough? I have noticed that my oral maxilla has folds and seems to have slight bony protrusions. Additionally, when I check the mucosa of the oral m...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Cardigan: 1. It is normal for the mucosa of the upper jaw to have folds and an uneven surface. 2. It could be due to a viral infection or possibly blockage of the minor salivary gland ducts. 3. You may consult an oral diagnostic specialist or an oral surgeon. 4. It may be r...[Read More] Understanding Oral Palate and Mucosal Issues: When to Seek Help