Can You Use Dental Floss on Silver Fillings After Deep Cavities?
I would like to inquire about the care for silver fillings? Hello, doctor. I have a deep cavity in my left molar that was discovered after I had my wisdom tooth extracted. After treatment, almost half of the tooth was removed and filled with silver amalgam (almost down to the roo...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
After filling a cavity with silver powder, it is still important to use dental floss to clean between the teeth to prevent further decay. If the filling is extensive, it indicates that the cavity was deep, and the remaining tooth structure is thinner. It is advisable to avoid har...[Read More] Can You Use Dental Floss on Silver Fillings After Deep Cavities?
Understanding Lingual Pain: Causes and Solutions for Tongue Discomfort
Tongue pain or discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask about my tongue, which often feels prickly and occasionally painful. The sides of my tongue, particularly the lower edges, and sometimes the tip have white spots that can expand over a day or two into a red center with a white...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Chabesiel: It is likely that the recurrent inflammation of the tongue mucosa is caused by an immune system disorder. It is recommended to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for further examination. Director Tseng Guang-Hui, Dental Department, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Lingual Pain: Causes and Solutions for Tongue Discomfort
Understanding Tooth Pain and Abscess: Causes and Treatment Options
Toothache with the presence of an abscess? Hello Doctor, (1) I had my second molar replanted last June, but recently a pus-filled bump has appeared near my cheek. I went to a major hospital for an examination, and the doctor there diagnosed it as a necrotic nerve. I completed t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello MOLO: 1. The presence of a pus-filled blister around the second molar indicates that the periodontal tissue is still in an inflammatory state, or that the replanted tooth's pulp has not yet undergone root canal treatment. If the blister persists, it is recommended to...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Abscess: Causes and Treatment Options
Recurring Blisters on the Soft and Hard Palate: Causes and Concerns
Blisters on the soft and hard palate? Hello Doctor, about two months ago, I developed a blister at the junction of the soft and hard palate on the left side of my mouth. I also experienced a sudden sensation of pulling or tearing at the edge of my palate, which felt like there we...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Wu: It is likely that an autoimmune system disorder is causing the oral mucosa to develop blisters that rupture repeatedly. I recommend consulting a dentist or an oral surgeon for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Recurring Blisters on the Soft and Hard Palate: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Oral Health Issues: Tongue Sores and Mucosal Concerns
Oral issues. Tongue ulcer. Oral mucosa? Hello, Director: My grandmother has just turned 79 years old. Around November last year, she often felt a dryness in her mouth. I believe this is because she is afraid of frequently using the restroom, so she only drinks about 500 to 600 cc...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Hsieh: In cases of dry mouth, it is easy for bacterial or fungal infections to occur. Additionally, if elderly individuals have chronic systemic diseases that lead to weakened immunity, this situation can recur. It is recommended to drink more water or use mouthwash, bu...[Read More] Understanding Oral Health Issues: Tongue Sores and Mucosal Concerns
Understanding Osteoporosis Risks in Dental Surgery for Seniors
Osteoporosis and its Risks in Dental Surgery Hello Doctor, my mother, who is about 64 years old, had her teeth extracted due to severe decay and wishes to get a full set of dentures. Six months ago, during a follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that there was bone growth in the ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Lisa: The medications used for osteoporosis, whether oral or injectable, can suppress the new bone metabolism over time, leading to bones filled with old bone tissue. If a patient undergoes dental surgery, this may result in osteonecrosis or delayed wound healing. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis Risks in Dental Surgery for Seniors
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Tips for Pain Relief During Treatments
Dental anxiety and pain relief? It feels like I can't avoid going to the dentist anymore, but I'm still terrified... I have such bad memories from childhood. What should I do? Is there a way to reduce the pain or sensitivity during fillings or cleanings? Is it effective...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Anonymous, If you feel anxious when visiting the dentist, you might consider applying a topical anesthetic before receiving local anesthesia. It is advisable to communicate your fears to the dentist, as they can take appropriate measures to help alleviate your anxiety. D...[Read More] Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Tips for Pain Relief During Treatments
Understanding Oral Issues: Painful Bump Near Your Molars
Oral issues There is a small flesh-colored bump in the oral cavity near the molars, with a small white spot on it, and it causes slight pain.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Anonymous: It may be an inflammatory hyperplastic response caused by repeated irritation of the mucosa. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further evaluation and examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Oral Issues: Painful Bump Near Your Molars
Do You Need a Follow-Up After Dental Filling? Understanding Your Options
Do I need to have a follow-up appointment after getting a cavity filled? Dear Doctor, previously, I had a small corner of my lower right second molar that chipped off. The dentist assessed that I needed to have my impacted wisdom tooth extracted before any treatment could be done...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Chen Yi-Ting: To determine whether the chipped corner is caused by tooth decay, it is important to assess if there is any softening or bacterial infection present in the tooth. If decay is present, it must be thoroughly cleaned before proceeding with either a temporar...[Read More] Do You Need a Follow-Up After Dental Filling? Understanding Your Options
Understanding Tartar Buildup vs. Hidden Cavities in Your Gums
Dental calculus in interdental spaces? Hello Doctor: I have been going to the hospital for annual check-ups and X-rays for many years without any issues, and I also schedule regular dental cleanings. Recently, a few weeks before my semi-annual cleaning, I noticed a small black sp...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Hsu: It is possible in all cases, and I recommend consulting a dentist for further evaluation and treatment. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tartar Buildup vs. Hidden Cavities in Your Gums
Should You Keep Baby Teeth When Permanent Ones Are Missing?
Should primary teeth be preserved in the absence of permanent teeth? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have a primary tooth with an underlying missing permanent tooth. After getting a filling for the cavity in this primary tooth, the dentist initially assessed that the tooth could still be use...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Wang, The primary tooth has been filled due to decay, but after the filling, you feel that the gap with the permanent tooth has increased. It is recommended that you have a thorough examination by a dentist to determine whether the primary tooth is inherently small or...[Read More] Should You Keep Baby Teeth When Permanent Ones Are Missing?
Understanding Occasional Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
Occasional mild tooth sensitivity? Hello Dr. Tseng, I started feeling a sudden pain in one of my upper right teeth when biting down on food last night. It wasn't very painful, and it doesn't hurt every time I bite down. Additionally, drinking cold water or consuming ver...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. H: If there are no cavities but the teeth are very sensitive, it may be due to cracks in the teeth or gum recession around the teeth, which can expose the tooth roots in the oral cavity. Additionally, inflammation of the gums can also lead to sensitivity symptoms. It is...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Endodontic Discomfort: Is It Normal?
Dental implant issues? Hello, Doctor: After completing root canal treatment and placing the post, I feel a slight sensitivity when gently pressing or tapping the surface of the dental crown with my finger. Is this normal? What could be the possible reasons? Thank you!
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Natasha: If you have undergone root canal treatment and had a post and crown placed, and you still experience slight sensitivity when tapping on the crown surface, it is possible that there is inflammation at the gum margin of the crown. It is recommended to return for a fo...[Read More] Understanding Post-Endodontic Discomfort: Is It Normal?
How Soon Should You Get a Dental Bridge After Tooth Extraction?
Issues with Dentures Hello, after my tooth extraction, the doctor recommended that I get a fixed dental bridge. How long should I wait before getting it done? The doctor provided me with a temporary denture but is urging me to get the fixed bridge within two weeks. Is this the co...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Jj: After tooth extraction, it is necessary to wait 1-2 months for the wound and alveolar bone to fully heal before proceeding with a fixed dental bridge. During this period, you can use a temporary resin denture for provisional wear. If you have any questions, please f...[Read More] How Soon Should You Get a Dental Bridge After Tooth Extraction?
Severe Pain After Dental Filling: Is It Normal and How Long Will It Last?
It hurts a lot after getting a dental filling? A few days ago, I visited the dentist, and the doctor said I have a deep cavity with a high likelihood of needing a root canal. I told him to proceed with the root canal. He drilled a hole in my tooth and placed a medicated dressing....
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Cheng: Normally, pain should alleviate within 2-3 days. If the pain persists, it indicates that the nerve is still inflamed. I recommend returning for a follow-up appointment for continued treatment. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Severe Pain After Dental Filling: Is It Normal and How Long Will It Last?
Addressing Dental Concerns: Braces, Cavities, and Treatment Options
Braces and cavities related issues? 1. The upper left first premolar appears on the X-ray to have the area between the crown and the gum line filled on the left, right, and middle sides, but there is currently a phenomenon of detachment. It is not painful, but it feels rough when...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello JJ: 1. If the area of tooth loss is significant, even if filled, it may collapse. It is recommended to evaluate the possibility of a dental crown. However, if there is insufficient tooth structure remaining after preparation for the crown, it is advisable to consider plac...[Read More] Addressing Dental Concerns: Braces, Cavities, and Treatment Options
Brushing Teeth on the Same Day After Dental Filling: Is It Safe?
Brushing your teeth on the same day after getting a dental filling? I had a dental filling done on the same day. I brushed my teeth at 5 PM and then again at 11 PM. Will this affect the filling?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Cheng: It is fine to brush your teeth a few hours after getting a dental filling, but you should avoid biting down on hard objects immediately afterward. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Brushing Teeth on the Same Day After Dental Filling: Is It Safe?
Understanding Dentures: Concerns About Payment and Treatment Options
Removable dentures Hello Doctor: My mother has periodontal disease and after treatment, she had several teeth extracted. Therefore, her previous removable dentures can no longer be used, and the dentist made a complete set of removable dentures for her. Since my mother has a cros...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Neil: The upper removable denture has caused the anterior teeth to protrude due to the bite relationship, possibly resulting in the incisal edges of the upper and lower teeth meeting. It may feel unfamiliar at first when biting down. It is recommended to have regular fol...[Read More] Understanding Dentures: Concerns About Payment and Treatment Options
Can Gum Papillae Heal After Injury? Insights for Dental Care
Interdental papilla Hello Doctor: During a visit, an 11-year-old child had dental plaque scraped off the central incisor with a stainless steel instrument, which accidentally cut the tip of the papilla between the teeth on the right side (there is a long deep scar on the right si...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ella: For an 11-year-old child with a laceration of the gingival papilla, if the wound is not deep, maintaining good oral hygiene should prevent gum recession. However, if gum recession does occur, it is advisable to consult a dentist for further evaluation and treatment, c...[Read More] Can Gum Papillae Heal After Injury? Insights for Dental Care
Understanding Oral Health: White Bumps and HPV Concerns
Oral issues Hello, doctor. There is a small white blister under the gums behind my front teeth. It doesn't hurt and is not very noticeable, but I can feel it when my tongue touches it. I would like to know if this could be HPV. Additionally, if I have been vaccinated, is it ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. J: It is recommended to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for further examination. If there is an HPV infection of the oral mucosa, in addition to the presence of blisters on the oral mucosa, there may also be symptoms such as fever and swollen, painful gums. Therefo...[Read More] Understanding Oral Health: White Bumps and HPV Concerns