Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and When to See a Dentist
Blister Hello Dr. Wu, I previously consulted you about mouth sores, but now I have small blisters that are not painful, only causing a foreign body sensation and irritation when my teeth rub against them. I would like to know why this is happening. Should I see a dentist? Thank y...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Winnie: It is possible that a mucous cyst has formed due to injury or obstruction of the salivary gland duct. It is recommended that you visit a dental clinic for a thorough examination to obtain a more definitive answer.[Read More] Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and When to See a Dentist
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes and Treatments for Blisters in the Mouth
Mouth ulcer Hello, I have been experiencing inflammation in my mouth recently, and usually, it heals on its own. However, this time, I developed blisters. The area where I had the sore suddenly has multiple transparent protrusions covering the inflamed area. Could you please expl...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Winnie: There are many causes for "mouth ulcers," which are usually triggered by bacterial or viral infections and a weakened immune system. Since your condition occurs frequently, it is evident that the cause is not simple. I recommend that you consult a physicia...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes and Treatments for Blisters in the Mouth
Understanding Dental Crowns: Benefits, Costs, and Necessity After Root Canal
After a root canal treatment..? Hello Dr. Wu, I had a tooth that just underwent root canal treatment last week. The doctor asked me if I want to get a crown. I don't have much knowledge about this, so I would like to ask Dr. Wu about the benefits and drawbacks of getting a c...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello Danny: After undergoing root canal treatment, teeth are more prone to fracture, so it is usually necessary to place a crown to protect the tooth and prevent it from cracking. Therefore, the placement of a crown is absolutely essential. Crowns vary based on the type of metal...[Read More] Understanding Dental Crowns: Benefits, Costs, and Necessity After Root Canal
Understanding Early Dental Development and Potential Orthodontic Needs
Orthodontic treatment for children? My son is currently 10 months old. He started teething at over 8 months, with two teeth coming in on the bottom. It seems that he is afraid of biting himself, as he tends to position his bottom teeth outside of his upper gums. This has led to w...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Hsiao-Min: Based on your description, it is not possible to definitively determine whether the four teeth will erupt and cause crowding. I recommend visiting a pediatric dentist for a thorough examination, and it would be best to take an X-ray to better assess the relation...[Read More] Understanding Early Dental Development and Potential Orthodontic Needs
Dealing with Tooth Pain After Cavity Treatment: What to Do?
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation. Please provide the specific text Hello, Doctor. My tooth had a deep cavity before, but it has been filled. However, a few weeks after the filling, I sometimes experience a slight pain when eating or drin...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, the advice given to you by your previous dentist was correct. When a tooth decays to the nerve, root canal treatment is necessary to address the inflammation and damage caused by nerve death. After treatment, the tooth is very prone to fracturing, so placing a crown to pro...[Read More] Dealing with Tooth Pain After Cavity Treatment: What to Do?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Pain in Adjacent Molars
Pain after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello Doctor: I will have my upper right wisdom tooth extracted on Tuesday (April 9). The healing of the extraction site is going well, but I've started to experience some pain in the adjacent second molar when biting down over the past co...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
The wisdom tooth extraction site is healing well, and there seems to be no issues in that area. The occlusal pain in the second molar is likely related to the extraction itself. If the condition does not improve within a week, it is advisable to return to the hospital for a follo...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Pain in Adjacent Molars
Understanding Oral Growths: Causes and Self-Care Tips for Wisdom Teeth Issues
Hyperplasia Hello Dr. Wu, I have noticed that there is an extra piece of tissue growing between my upper and lower wisdom teeth on the right side at the back. I am unsure if this is caused by the constant friction between the wisdom teeth. I often end up biting it, which is qui...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Due to the difficulty in cleaning wisdom teeth, periodontal issues often arise, leading to swelling. When problems are caused by wisdom teeth, dentists typically recommend extraction to thoroughly resolve the issue. This situation is quite common, and seeking treatment from a den...[Read More] Understanding Oral Growths: Causes and Self-Care Tips for Wisdom Teeth Issues
Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease: Benefits and Differences Explained
Periodontal disease Dear Doctor, some clinics are currently using lasers to treat periodontal disease, claiming that it can be completed in just one or two sessions. How does this differ from traditional treatment methods, and what is the efficacy of this approach? I would greatl...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello: The principle of using laser therapy for periodontal disease is to apply high-energy lasers to kill the pathogenic bacteria responsible for periodontal inflammation, thereby improving the damage caused by the disease. While the theoretical basis for laser treatment of peri...[Read More] Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease: Benefits and Differences Explained
Options for Improving the Appearance of Uneven Front Teeth
Incisor..? Hello! I would like to ask the doctor, my two front teeth have an unattractive shape, resembling an arch, with the middle being shorter and the sides longer. I have previously had them filed down, but the middle continues to get shorter. Should I have them extracted an...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
It is recommended that you visit a hospital for a physician evaluation to determine the underlying issue, and then decide whether to use orthodontics or dentures to improve the situation.[Read More] Options for Improving the Appearance of Uneven Front Teeth
Do You Really Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Do wisdom teeth always need to be extracted? I have my upper and lower left wisdom teeth that are growing normally, but they have only emerged a little bit. The dentist said they are unlikely to fully erupt, so they recommend extraction. Is it possible to not have them removed?
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
It would be better to remove it. If you choose not to, you must ensure thorough cleaning; otherwise, bacteria can accumulate easily, leading to inflammation, which could be problematic.[Read More] Do You Really Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Understanding the Impact of Orthodontics on Jaw Joint Disorders
Dental Alignment and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Hello, doctor. I am a student living in Taipei. I recently started orthodontic treatment because my previous orthodontic treatment in childhood was unsuccessful. I am currently undergoing re-treatment. In addition, I have not...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Nan: There is currently no definitive literature reporting that orthodontic treatment causes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders; however, cases like yours are not commonly seen in clinical practice. Orthodontics involves the relationship between teeth, muscles, a...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Orthodontics on Jaw Joint Disorders
Common Dental Questions: Alternatives to Floss and Stains on Teeth
Dental Consultation Hello, Doctor: I have some questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide some guidance! 1. Can I use the finest thread for sewing instead of dental floss? Is that feasible? 2. I have some dark spots on my teeth that do not come off with bru...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
1. Dental floss is made from special materials that are strong and resistant to breaking, while regular sewing thread lacks sufficient strength and can easily harm the gums, so it is not recommended for use. 2. Dark discoloration of teeth may be caused by cavities or staining; if...[Read More] Common Dental Questions: Alternatives to Floss and Stains on Teeth
Understanding Dental Development in Puppies: When Should Teeth Erupt?
Teeth The puppy is currently eight years old and has only developed two teeth (the lower incisors were removed surgically because the old teeth were still intact). Aside from the front incisors, which were extracted due to certain factors, the remaining teeth are still considered...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
The average age for losing baby teeth is approximately between 7 to 13 years old. However, there are many exceptions, and individual variations can be significant. Under normal circumstances, the reasons for hastily extracting a baby tooth include: 1. The permanent tooth has alre...[Read More] Understanding Dental Development in Puppies: When Should Teeth Erupt?
Challenges and Solutions for Traditional Dentures in Severe Tooth Loss
Traditional dentures Dr. Wu, when a patient has complete edentulism due to early-onset periodontal disease, with only a few molars and wisdom teeth remaining and the alveolar bone being very thin, the dentist has indicated that the "dental walls" have collapsed, making ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Basically, after alveolar bone resorption due to periodontal disease, placing dentures can indeed pose significant challenges. It is advisable to first consider procedures such as "guided bone regeneration" or "sinus augmentation," which require prior...[Read More] Challenges and Solutions for Traditional Dentures in Severe Tooth Loss
Dealing with Gaps in Front Teeth: Dental Solutions and Concerns
There is a large gap between the front teeth? Dear Dr. Wu, Hello! I have a decayed front tooth with a large gap. I originally wanted to get a dental crown, but my dentist said he wouldn't do it because I have periodontal disease. He mentioned that getting the crown could ca...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Dear Sakula: You are correct; teeth with periodontal disease are not suitable for crowns. Therefore, I recommend that you first consult a periodontist for an evaluation to determine if the periodontal disease can be treated. If treatment is possible, we can reassess how to design...[Read More] Dealing with Gaps in Front Teeth: Dental Solutions and Concerns
Is Dental Surgery Necessary for Gum Disease Treatment?
Is surgery necessary? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a couple of questions. 1. I had swelling and pain in my gums due to two teeth, one of which has been covered with a crown for six years. After seeing the dentist, I was diagnosed with periodontal disease. The dentist s...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Hello, Amei: Your condition is indeed likely caused by the misfit of the dental braces, leading to bacterial accumulation and resulting in an acute periodontal abscess. The solution is to remove the braces, treat the periodontal disease, and perform a clinical crown lengthening p...[Read More] Is Dental Surgery Necessary for Gum Disease Treatment?
Understanding Fibrosis in the Temporomandibular Joint: Symptoms and Recovery
Temporomandibular joint fibrosis I have pain when opening my mouth, which can only open about 2 cm. The doctor suggested a minor surgery, which I underwent on September 28, 2001. After the surgery, the doctor informed me that there was fibrosis in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ)...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
The recovery period after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery typically takes about six months, and practicing with a mouth opener generally requires at least six months as well. During the process of practicing mouth opening, pain is unavoidable. In addition to the intra-artic...[Read More] Understanding Fibrosis in the Temporomandibular Joint: Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Teeth Grinding: Benefits of Mouthguards and Costs
Bruxism issues? Hello, doctor. I often grind my teeth and I've heard that there is a type of occlusal splint that can prevent dental damage. Does health insurance cover this? If not, what is the approximate cost? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
3. Occlusal splint therapy is covered by health insurance at medical centers, but not at general clinics or small hospitals. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek treatment at medical centers such as National Taiwan University Hospital, Veterans General Hospital, or Chang Gu...[Read More] Understanding Teeth Grinding: Benefits of Mouthguards and Costs
Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) After diagnosis, I found that there is fibrosis of the tissue above the cartilage in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule, and the cartilage has shifted forward. I underwent arthroscopy on September 28. Currently, I am using a m...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
The recovery period after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery typically takes about six months, which means that practicing with a mouth opener also requires at least six months. During the process of practicing mouth opening, pain is unavoidable. This pain arises not only from...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Patient's Guide
Can You Use Whitening Products on Fake Teeth? Alternatives Explained
Whitening toothpaste? If you have four dental crowns on your front teeth, it is not advisable to use the whitening products advertised on television, as these products are typically designed for natural teeth and may not be effective on dental crowns. Additionally, they could pot...
Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Answer: If the color of the dentures is too dark, they cannot be whitened using whitening agents for teeth. However, if there are surface stains, the dentist can perform a polishing cleaning.[Read More] Can You Use Whitening Products on Fake Teeth? Alternatives Explained