Affordable Teeth Whitening Options Covered by Health Insurance
Teeth whitening What methods are available to whiten teeth while still being covered by health insurance?
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, the National Health Insurance only covers dental scaling and cleaning, which can remove tartar, tobacco stains, and tea stains. However, for teeth whitening, you will need to pay out of pocket as it cannot be resolved through scaling. This information is provided by Dr. Ya...[Read More] Affordable Teeth Whitening Options Covered by Health Insurance
Can Cavities Be Treated with Crowns? Cost and Payment Options Explained
Can cavities be treated with crowns? Can I get a dental crown if my tooth is decayed very deeply? Should I first undergo root canal treatment to eliminate the bacteria before placing the crown? 1. How much does a dental filling cost? 2. How much does orthodontic treatment cost, a...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, first, the decayed tooth needs to be cleaned thoroughly. If the decay is very deep and has reached the nerve, root canal treatment will be necessary. After the treatment, the tooth can be restored. If the decay is extensive, it may be necessary to assess the extent of the ...[Read More] Can Cavities Be Treated with Crowns? Cost and Payment Options Explained
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Checked? Debunking Dental Myths
Dental care!! Dr. Yang, should teeth be checked every six months? Like every six months, the dental clinic sends a notification to remind me to get my teeth checked. I think it's great because it allows for cleaning of tartar and teeth whitening! However, my dad told me that...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, the health insurance regulations state that general dental check-ups are every six months. However, patients with periodontal disease should return for check-ups approximately every three months. Professional dental cleanings are performed to remove tartar and inflamed tis...[Read More] How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Checked? Debunking Dental Myths
Understanding Jaw Misalignment: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Mandibular deviation Hello doctor, I have a crossbite. I underwent orthodontic treatment in sixth grade, but it did not improve, and I ignored it afterward. During my time in medical school, I noticed that in addition to the crossbite, my lower teeth seem to be slightly misaligne...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, 1. The effectiveness is limited. 2. If the condition is severe, there may not be better options besides surgery. 3. You should consult with the oral and maxillofacial surgery department for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Yang Zhiren, Director of Dentistry at Hsinchu Hospital, ...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Misalignment: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Post-Tooth Extraction: Foods to Avoid and Alcohol Consumption Guidelines
Tooth extraction After tooth extraction, it is important to avoid certain foods and beverages. You should refrain from consuming hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as well as hot beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may interact with...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: After a routine tooth extraction, it is recommended to bite down on gauze for one hour. Do not use your tongue to lick the blood clot. If there is no excessive bleeding, it is advised to consume soft foods for the next forty-eight hours and to avoid chewing on the extracti...[Read More] Post-Tooth Extraction: Foods to Avoid and Alcohol Consumption Guidelines
Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Dietary Tips
Regarding halitosis? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, if I regularly get my teeth cleaned but still experience chronic bad breath, could it be primarily due to periodontal disease? Are there any methods to improve this condition or foods that can help reduce bad breath? Thank y...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: The causes of bad breath: periodontal disease is the primary reason. If there are no issues with periodontal disease upon examination, then check whether the tongue surface is being brushed regularly, as this can also contribute to unpleasant odors. If neither of these con...[Read More] Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Solutions, and Dietary Tips
How to Identify Gum Inflammation Caused by Residual Roots?
Gums Thank you, doctor, for your response. I would like to ask how to determine if inflamed gums have been stimulated by residual roots, as long-term irritation from these roots may lead to degeneration. Thank you for your reply, doctor.
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, there is a residual tooth root in your mouth. The gums surrounding the tooth root are showing signs of inflammation. Generally, it is difficult to maintain proper hygiene around a residual tooth root, which can easily lead to inflammation. However, if the residual tooth ro...[Read More] How to Identify Gum Inflammation Caused by Residual Roots?
Post-Filling Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
It is common to experience pain after a dental filling for a cavity? A few days after the filling, I only felt a slight sensitivity to hot and cold. However, in the past few days, it has gotten worse. Not only does eating ice or drinking hot beverages cause pain, but even breathi...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, if the cavity is too deep and filled with light-cured resin, it is more likely to experience the situation you described. It should improve in about 1-2 weeks. If the symptoms do not improve, further treatment may be necessary (which could involve root canal therapy). The ...[Read More] Post-Filling Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Periodontal disease issues? Hello Dr. Yang: (1) Is it necessary to undergo full treatment for periodontal disease? (2) I've heard that treatment for severe periodontal disease requires out-of-pocket expenses; are the costs the same at hospitals and dental clinics? (3) Is it ...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. Yes. 2. The hospitals for the first and second stages of treatment can be covered by National Health Insurance; however, our hospital only requires out-of-pocket payment for the use of bone grafts or regenerative membranes during periodontal surgery in the second stage ...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Costs in Taiwan
Understanding Gum Degeneration: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Gingival degeneration Thank you, doctor, for your response to my previous question. I would like to ask further about your answer; what does gingival degeneration mean?
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, gingival dysplasia refers to the phenomenon where the cells in the gums undergo some degree of poor differentiation or excessive keratinization, which may potentially lead to malignant changes (such as cancer), according to Dr. Yang Zhiren, the Director of Dentistry at Hsi...[Read More] Understanding Gum Degeneration: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Do You Need to Treat Regenerative Teeth? Extraction or Not?
Regenerative dental issues Is it necessary to treat a regenerating tooth? Should it be extracted?
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, I am not quite sure what you mean by "regenerative teeth." If you are referring to supernumerary teeth or impacted teeth, they both require treatment. I recommend that you first schedule an appointment with a general dentist for an evaluation, which would be more...[Read More] Do You Need to Treat Regenerative Teeth? Extraction or Not?
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: When to Seek Dental Care
Intermittent toothache? Hello, Doctor. Due to my studies in the United States, I can only visit the dentist in Taiwan during the summer break each year. Last summer, I had a filling done on a molar that had previously fallen out, and everything else was in good condition. I occas...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Tooth sensitivity may be due to the following possibilities: 1. Gum recession leading to exposed tooth roots causing sensitivity; 2. Enamel wear; 3. Dental caries. For conditions 1 and 2, using desensitizing toothpaste (fluoride toothpaste) may help improve the situation. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: When to Seek Dental Care
Choosing Between Electrocautery and Laser for Gum Repair: Costs Explained
Gum issues If you need to perform gum surgery, should it be done with electrosurgery or laser? Is the cost of gum surgery out-of-pocket? Approximately how much does it cost? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, the use of electrosurgery depends on the situation. If it is for gingival hyperplasia, the gingivectomy may be covered by health insurance. This information is provided by Dr. Yang Zhiren, the Director of Dentistry at Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Choosing Between Electrocautery and Laser for Gum Repair: Costs Explained
Post-Tooth Extraction: Understanding Temperature Readings
Post-extraction body temperature? I had a tooth extraction surgery three days ago. Can I accurately measure my temperature using an ear thermometer or an oral thermometer? I noticed that both my ear and oral temperatures are 37.8 degrees Celsius. Should I measure my axillary temp...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: Generally, tooth extraction surgery does not affect the temperature measurements in the area. Dr. Yang Zhiren, Director of the Dental Department at Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Post-Tooth Extraction: Understanding Temperature Readings
Understanding the Risks of Long-Term Gum Inflammation from Cracked Tooth Roots
Root fracture Last week, I noticed some abnormalities with my gums, so I went to see a dentist. The dentist informed me that the inflammation was caused by a crack in the root of my previous denture. I was prescribed a dental powder called "Yad'an" for treatment. T...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, if you have been experiencing long-term inflammation of the gums along with a fractured tooth root causing irritation, there is a higher likelihood of degeneration. It is advisable to address this issue as soon as possible. Dr. Yang Zhiren, Director of Dentistry at Hsinchu...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Long-Term Gum Inflammation from Cracked Tooth Roots
Understanding Gum Disease vs. Wisdom Teeth Pressure: A Dental Dilemma
Periodontal disease or wisdom tooth impaction? Hello Dr. Yang: I originally had one upper wisdom tooth that was growing in relatively straight, but in the past few months, two more wisdom teeth have erupted, one on top and one on the bottom. The lower one is partially covered by ...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, the mobility of your front teeth may indicate the presence of periodontal disease, which requires further examination (it is not related to the pressure from wisdom teeth). Dr. Yang Zhiren, Director of Dentistry at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Gum Disease vs. Wisdom Teeth Pressure: A Dental Dilemma
Understanding Tooth Pain After Filling: Common Concerns and Solutions
Small cavities. After taking X-rays, a larger hole was drilled. It hurt more after the filling was completed? Hello Dr. Yang, for the past two weeks, I have experienced slight pain in a specific tooth when eating, but normally there is no discomfort. After getting it filled, it a...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: We apologize for the issues with the medical consultation system, which has prevented us from seeing your questions on our dental consultation platform. Therefore, there has been a delay in our response. For general cavities that are not deep, it is usually sufficient to...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain After Filling: Common Concerns and Solutions
Solutions for Dental Issues at Home for Stroke Patients
How to address dental issues for stroke patients who have difficulty going out? How can a stroke patient at home address dental issues such as dental calculus and loose teeth, especially when living in a regular apartment without an elevator and family members are unable to assis...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Due to some issues with the e-hospital system in Taiwan, your inquiry did not appear until today. Regarding the issue you mentioned: dental treatment must be performed in the dental chair in order to proceed with the necessary procedures....[Read More] Solutions for Dental Issues at Home for Stroke Patients
Understanding Orthodontic Treatment for Protruding Lower Jaw in Children
Braces correction The child has a malocclusion, with the lower lip protruding about 0.5-1 cm compared to the upper lip. At the age of 15, he was evaluated by an orthodontist, who advised waiting until he completed his growth before proceeding with treatment. After three years of ...
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello: During orthognathic surgery, both the oral surgeon and the orthodontist will assess the post-operative occlusion. Additionally, it is usually necessary to undergo orthodontic treatment for six months to a year after the surgery, with the goal of adjusting the occlusion of ...[Read More] Understanding Orthodontic Treatment for Protruding Lower Jaw in Children
White Patches in the Mouth: Should You See a Dentist?
White patches found on both sides of the oral cavity? There are white patches on both sides of the oral cavity. Since I can't find an oral surgeon or a specialist in oral mucosal diseases, should I see a dentist? A biopsy of the oral tissue may be necessary.
Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry
Hello, you can first visit our dental outpatient clinic for an examination. If a diagnosis indicates that you need assistance from an oral surgeon, we will refer you to a specialist in oral surgery. The attending dentist at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan i...[Read More] White Patches in the Mouth: Should You See a Dentist?