Understanding White Bumps in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
There are small white hard lumps in the oral cavity? Hello Doctor, I have noticed a small hard white bump, approximately 0.2 to 0.3 centimeters in size, at the junction of my gums and oral mucosa behind my lower second molar. The color resembles that of a canker sore, and it feel...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Leimeng: It is possible that the gum tissue has been irritated, resulting in a small fibroma. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding White Bumps in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tooth Decay: Treatment Options and Concerns for Sensitive Teeth
Cavity-related issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about my dental situation. I had orthodontic treatment in high school, but as I grew older, my teeth became very sensitive and I developed severe cavities. The dentist said that the cavity in my upper right second mola...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Anonymous: If the cavity is very deep and has caused spontaneous tooth pain, it is recommended to undergo root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is not an invasive procedure, and if heart disease or endocrine disorders are well-controlled, there will be no complicat...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: Treatment Options and Concerns for Sensitive Teeth
Understanding Dental Issues: Genetics, Gum Recession, and Treatment Options
Dental issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask three questions. 1. Are there teeth that are more prone to cavities and others that are less so? Is there a genetic factor involved? My father has excellent teeth and has never had a cavity even in his 50s, while my mother is mor...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Chung, 1. If the teeth are well mineralized, they are less likely to develop cavities; however, this is contingent upon maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque accumulation on the tooth surface. Otherwise, even well-mineralized teeth can still develop cavities...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: Genetics, Gum Recession, and Treatment Options
Dealing with Pain from Lower Dental Splint: What to Do Next?
Wearing an occlusal splint can cause pain in the lower anterior teeth? I have never worn an occlusal splint before because I had root canal treatment on my upper four front teeth twenty years ago and did not get fixed braces. Therefore, my dentist made the splint for my lower tee...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Li Qiuchiu, The discomfort caused by the occlusal splint may be due to issues with the periodontal tissues or the nerves of the teeth themselves. It is recommended that you return for a detailed examination and treatment. Sincerely, Director Zeng Guanghui, Departm...[Read More] Dealing with Pain from Lower Dental Splint: What to Do Next?
Affordable Dental Solutions for Long-Term Tooth Issues
Long-term dental issues can be a source of frustration? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have the following question: My teeth have deteriorated due to lack of care, resulting in issues with all four corners of my molars, including missing teeth and root canals. After researching, I found that...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Jeff: If there are missing teeth or if a tooth has undergone root canal treatment, gaps in the dental arch can be filled using removable dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. Removable dentures are more economical, but they do not provide as much biting force. They ...[Read More] Affordable Dental Solutions for Long-Term Tooth Issues
Understanding Dental Suction Devices: Safety, Sterilization, and Usage
Instrument disinfection I saw two types of suction devices while visiting the dentist. Later, I found out online that one is called water suction (a bendable, transparent type that hangs in the patient's mouth), and the other is called high power suction (a strong suction de...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Akai: The flexible transparent saliva suction tube is disposable, while the high-power saliva suction tube is sterilized through high temperature and pressure, packaged individually, and then reused. Of course, the plastic material should be discarded after being deformed d...[Read More] Understanding Dental Suction Devices: Safety, Sterilization, and Usage
Post-Teeth Cleaning Pain: Understanding Sensitivity and Swelling
Post-cleaning tooth sensitivity or pain? First, I had a cavity filled, and then I experienced quite a bit of bleeding during the teeth cleaning. After returning home, the filled tooth occasionally has sharp pain, and the surrounding gums are slightly swollen. Is this phenomenon o...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, if there is severe gingivitis and a lot of tartar, bleeding may occur after dental cleaning, and there may be sensitivity and pain. However, as the gingivitis gradually improves, the pain will also slowly subside. If there is sharp pain after a dental filling, it is import...[Read More] Post-Teeth Cleaning Pain: Understanding Sensitivity and Swelling
Understanding Bone Overgrowth in Lower Right Molars: Risks and Treatments
Bone hyperplasia in the medial aspect of the lower right molar? Hello Doctor, This week, I experienced swelling and pain in my lower right gum, accompanied by bleeding. I went to the hospital's dental emergency department at midnight, where the emergency dentist took a full...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Su: Osteophyte formation typically occurs on the lingual or buccal aspects of the maxilla. Generally, it is caused by prolonged excessive growth. In severe cases, it can protrude in pearl-like nodules, potentially affecting the mobility of the tongue. Most osteophytes a...[Read More] Understanding Bone Overgrowth in Lower Right Molars: Risks and Treatments
Understanding the Metal Composition of Dental Implants: Your Questions Answered
Dental implant issues? Hello, doctor. About seven years ago, I had two dental implants placed that cost 2000 NT dollars. At that time, I was only informed that they were made of metal. Could you please tell me the metal composition and proportions? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mila: The general composition of dental implants is cobalt-chromium alloy, and the specific ratio may need to be confirmed with the original dentist. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Director of Dentistry at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding the Metal Composition of Dental Implants: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Tooth Pain from Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Tooth sensitivity to heat can cause pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the area of my lower right molar when drinking hot water or eating hot food. However, after an X-ray, the dentist did not find any abnormalities in the surrounding teeth, and my lower right m...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Patient: It is possible that the gum tissue around the edges of the braces may be inflamed, or there may be resorption or inflammation of the alveolar bone around the tooth roots. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Direc...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain from Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Effects of Acid Etchants on Skin During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics - The Effects of Acid Etchants on the Skin Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the effects of an acid etchant used before orthodontic treatment on the skin if it comes into contact. After having the braces installed and removing the mouth opener, I noticed t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello: After orthodontic treatment using a mouth opener, if there is pain and skin breakdown around the mouth, it is usually not due to the mouth opener causing inflammation at the corners of the mouth, unless there is pre-existing inflammation or the mouth opener is used for an ...[Read More] Effects of Acid Etchants on Skin During Orthodontic Treatment
Do Dental Floss Recommendations Still Hold Value? A Review of Recent Guidelines
Concerns about the effectiveness of dental floss? The latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans has removed the recommendation for the public to use dental floss. A review of research studies on dental floss over the past decade found that the evidence regarding its ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, if food debris gets stuck between your teeth after eating, simply brushing your teeth without using dental floss to clean between the teeth can lead to the accumulation of dental plaque, which may cause gingivitis, periodontitis, and even cavities between the teeth. It is ...[Read More] Do Dental Floss Recommendations Still Hold Value? A Review of Recent Guidelines
Can You Correct Teeth with Periodontal Disease? Expert Insights
Periodontal disease correction Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask if it is possible to undergo orthodontic treatment with periodontal disease? If treatment is done first and then orthodontics is pursued later in life, will it have any impact as I age? Additionally, I have missi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Amber: (1) If periodontal disease is not treated, it is not suitable to undergo orthodontic treatment. After the treatment of periodontal disease is completed, the main issue for adults receiving orthodontic treatment is that they must wear retainers for an extended period ...[Read More] Can You Correct Teeth with Periodontal Disease? Expert Insights
Black Spots on Neighboring Tooth After Dental Filling: What to Do?
After getting a dental filling, I noticed a dark spot on the adjacent tooth? Hello, Doctor. After having the second-to-last tooth on the lower left filled today, I noticed a black spot on the adjacent last tooth. The black spot is located near the cheek, not in the gap between th...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Kai: It is possible that the original cavity has extended below the gum line, which is why the dentist administered anesthesia before placing a rubber dam to prevent saliva from affecting the quality of the filling. Whether the dark spot is a cavity needs to be clinically d...[Read More] Black Spots on Neighboring Tooth After Dental Filling: What to Do?
Does Napping After Meals Increase the Risk of Cavities?
Does napping after meals increase the risk of cavities? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if taking a nap for about one to two hours after a meal increases the risk of tooth decay during that time. Of course, I will brush my teeth afterward.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Anonymous: Brushing and rinsing your mouth after a meal can help reduce the oral environment's acidity and remove dental plaque, which can lower the risk of cavities. During napping, saliva production decreases, and the mouth's self-cleaning ability diminishes, m...[Read More] Does Napping After Meals Increase the Risk of Cavities?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Is This Black Spot Normal?
Post-operative issues after wisdom tooth extraction in the oral cavity? Hello doctor, I had my wisdom teeth removed two weeks ago and had my stitches taken out last week. The lower left wisdom tooth was a horizontal impaction. The doctor said my recovery is going well. I just loo...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mark: After having my wisdom teeth removed, I developed a black bump the size of a grain of rice on my left cheek, which is likely a blood blister. If the wound is healing well, the blood blister should gradually disappear. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consu...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Is This Black Spot Normal?
Understanding Painless White Bumps Inside the Cheek: Causes and Solutions
Oral issues A small painless white bump inside the cheek could be a mucocele, which is a cyst that forms when a salivary gland is blocked or damaged. It can also be a fibroma or a benign growth. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate dia...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Sky: Based on your description, it is difficult to make a judgment. I recommend that you consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Painless White Bumps Inside the Cheek: Causes and Solutions
Adjusting Antibiotic Timing for Optimal Effectiveness in Dental Care
Medication Concepts Hello, doctor. I am taking Amoxicillin 375mg for cellulitis, and the pharmacist advised me to take it after each meal. However, there is a gap of over 12 hours between dinner and breakfast, while there is only a 4-hour gap between breakfast and lunch. Should I...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Chen: You have been prescribed Amoxicillin for cellulitis. Please take it as directed by your physician after each meal. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Adjusting Antibiotic Timing for Optimal Effectiveness in Dental Care
Sharp Tooth Growth After Tooth Extraction: Is It Normal?
Two months after tooth extraction, a sharp tooth cusp may emerge and irritate the tongue? It has been over a month since the extraction of your molars and adjacent wisdom teeth, and you are waiting three months before getting dental implants. It seems that a pointed tooth has eme...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Fred: It has been over a month since the extraction of your molars and wisdom teeth, and it seems that a sharp bony prominence is protruding at the extraction site, likely due to the buccal plate not being fully resorbed. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further eva...[Read More] Sharp Tooth Growth After Tooth Extraction: Is It Normal?
Understanding Cavities: Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Dental filling issues Hello, Doctor: Last month, I went for a dental check-up, and the dentist said I have cavities. I have completed the fillings for my upper teeth, but for my lower teeth, there is a molar where the dentist saw on the X-ray that it is close to the pulp. He ment...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, if the cavity is deep and close to the pulp chamber but there are no symptoms, you may consider pulp capping followed by temporary filling. After observing for one month, if there are no symptoms, you can consider permanent filling. Dr. Tseng Kuang-Hui, Director of Dentist...[Read More] Understanding Cavities: Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?