Understanding Dental Crowns: Payment Options After Root Canal Treatment
Regarding dental crowns? Doctor, I just completed my root canal treatment and I'm preparing to get a dental crown. Do I need to pay for the crown in full at the time of the procedure?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Wu: The payment methods may vary between different medical institutions. Generally, a deposit is paid first, and the remaining balance is settled during the crown placement appointment. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dental Crowns: Payment Options After Root Canal Treatment
Understanding Pain in the Inner Mouth: Wisdom Teeth and Dental Issues
Pain on the inner side of the mouth? It seems that my lower right area is experiencing pain due to an emerging wisdom tooth, which is causing discomfort when it bites against the inner gum of the mouth. The inner side is painful, and the second molar has already been extracted, l...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Bao: If your wisdom teeth are about to erupt or have already erupted but are misaligned, it can make it difficult to clean the gums around the wisdom teeth properly, leading to gum issues. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-H...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Inner Mouth: Wisdom Teeth and Dental Issues
Understanding Tongue Issues: Common Concerns and Orthodontic Effects
Tongue issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about some issues regarding my tongue. 1. The area marked in green seems to be slightly raised compared to the surrounding areas, but it is neither painful nor itchy. Could you please tell me what the issue might be? 2. I am u...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ali: The raised area on your tongue may be due to inflammation caused by irritation of the tongue mucosa. This irritation could be a result of repeated friction from the side of an orthodontic appliance against the tongue mucosa. It is recommended to consult a dentist or or...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Issues: Common Concerns and Orthodontic Effects
Persistent Tongue Sores in Children: Causes and Solutions
Tongue issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my child who is in the third grade of elementary school. He has a sore on his tongue that hasn't healed and is painful and itchy, causing him to cry and preventing him from sleeping at night. Previously, a doctor dia...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Beibei: The hole in your tongue is not caused by herpes; it may be due to the immune system reacting to significant emotional stress or irregular lifestyle habits, leading to recurrent oral ulcers. It is recommended to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for further examin...[Read More] Persistent Tongue Sores in Children: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Silver Fillings: Corrosion, Cracks, and Dental Care Concerns
Continuation of Inquiry #155479: Silver Amalgam Filling Dear Dr. Tseng, Thank you very much for your personal response to my inquiry regarding "Silver Powder Dental Filling" in article #155479. I sincerely appreciate it. However, I still have some questions I would lik...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Ah-Xiang: 1. (1) The metal fillings can corrode over time in the moist environment of the oral cavity, and there may be small gaps or cracks at the edges of the filling, which can lead to secondary caries in the treated tooth. (2) Most commonly, cracks develop between ...[Read More] Understanding Silver Fillings: Corrosion, Cracks, and Dental Care Concerns
Understanding Recurrent Mouth Ulcers: Causes and Solutions
Mouth ulcer issues? Hello doctor, I frequently get sores in the same spot in my mouth, and it takes about ten days for them to heal. After healing, they reappear in a few weeks. I did some research online and found that if it's due to staying up late and having excessive hea...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Student Zhao: Mouth ulcers are related to dysfunction of the immune system and significant emotional stress. Frequently staying up late is also one of the causes. If you often experience mouth ulcers, it is advisable to maintain good oral hygiene and establish a regular da...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Mouth Ulcers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Safety and Alternatives of Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam dental filling Dear Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask you some questions regarding "silver amalgam fillings": 1. Some medical information and dentists indicate that the composition of silver amalgam is mercury alloy (amalgam), which can release mercury vap...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: 1. Silver amalgam does release trace amounts of mercury vapor during the initial setting phase, but once the amalgam is fully hardened, it no longer releases mercury. The potential adverse effects of these trace mercury vapors are still debated, with differing ...[Read More] Understanding the Safety and Alternatives of Silver Amalgam Fillings
Understanding Orthodontic Adjustments: When to Seek Further Treatment
Orthodontics Hello, Doctor. I underwent orthodontic treatment because my front teeth were overlapping. A few days ago, the doctor said the treatment was complete and that I should prepare for retainers. However, my front teeth still don’t look very straight; they seem misaligned,...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Miss Mi: During the orthodontic process, the brackets placed on the teeth facilitate the application of the archwire to move the teeth. After the treatment is completed and the brackets are removed, bleeding gums may occur, which could be due to inadequate oral hygiene dur...[Read More] Understanding Orthodontic Adjustments: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Jaw Pain Linked to Mouth Ulcers Near Wisdom Teeth
Mouth ulcers accompanied by lower jaw pain? Hello, I recently have a mouth ulcer located near the left wisdom tooth, but in addition to the pain at the ulcer site, the entire left lower jaw is also painful, and even my teeth feel sore. I would like to know what this could possibl...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Tseng: You are experiencing pain near your left wisdom tooth, and the entire left lower jaw is painful. This could be due to acute inflammation of the wisdom tooth or an issue with the temporomandibular joint. It is recommended that you see a dentist for further examina...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain Linked to Mouth Ulcers Near Wisdom Teeth
Understanding Gum Pain from Flossing: Causes and Solutions
Gum pain when using dental floss? Hello Doctor, I am currently on an offshore island. Three weeks ago, I went to a clinic in Taiwan for a dental cleaning, and since then, I have been using dental floss for three weeks (occasionally missing a day or two). Recently, the space betwe...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. An: When using dental floss, you should gently place the floss at the bottom of the gingival sulcus and carefully move it up and down. Taking contraceptive pills can affect female hormones, but as long as proper oral hygiene is maintained, it should not lead to gingival...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain from Flossing: Causes and Solutions
How to Treat Gum Injury from Dental Floss: Healing Tips and Care
Injured gums while using dental floss? I injured the papillae on both sides of my gums while using dental floss. The floss cut into the papillae a little on each side, and upon closer inspection, there appears to be a crack that measures about 0.2cm to 0.3cm in total. What should...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Ms. Wen: When using dental floss to clean around the gum papillae, it is important to keep the floss against the surface of the teeth and move it up and down within the gingival sulcus to remove plaque, minimizing the risk of injuring the gum papillae. If the gum papillae are acc...[Read More] How to Treat Gum Injury from Dental Floss: Healing Tips and Care
Will Dental Crown Preparation Damage Adjacent Healthy Teeth?
Dental fracture due to a car accident? Due to a car accident, a front tooth was broken and a dental crown is needed. Will the preparation for the crown involve grinding down the adjacent healthy teeth? What are the effects of grinding down healthy teeth, and what should I be part...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Zheng: If a dental crown breaks, a dental crown restoration is needed. Typically, only the affected tooth will be prepared for the crown, and the adjacent healthy teeth will not be affected. The prepared tooth may have exposed dentin, which can lead to sensitivity to ho...[Read More] Will Dental Crown Preparation Damage Adjacent Healthy Teeth?
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Bad Taste After Dental Work
After more than 10 years of having a dental filling, I suddenly experienced sensitivity and a metallic taste? Hello Dr. Tseng, my lower right molar (tooth A) had a filling due to a cavity during my childhood, but I'm unsure about the severity of the cavity at that time. It h...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Tseng: 1. If the restoration on tooth A is not loose or torn, it should not develop cavities again. However, the sensitivity and discomfort at the root of tooth A and tooth B may be due to chronic gingivitis, which can lead to gum recession and expose the roots, causi...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Bad Taste After Dental Work
Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Bleeding Gums
The tissue beneath the tooth is ulcerated? Hello doctor, I recently changed my toothbrush and I'm not sure if I've been brushing too hard. The tissue below my lower teeth, which I believe is called the gums, has been bleeding a little. A few days later, I noticed a red ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Bobo: Bleeding after brushing your teeth may be due to gum inflammation or improper brushing technique. If the bleeding persists after brushing, it is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Bleeding Gums
Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Bleeding Gums
The tissue underneath the tooth is ulcerated? Hello doctor, I recently changed my toothbrush and I'm not sure if I've been brushing too hard. The tissue below my lower teeth, which I believe is called the gums, has been bleeding a little. After a few days, I noticed a r...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Bobo: It is possible that improper brushing technique is causing your gums to bleed, but it may also be due to plaque accumulation on the gums, leading to gingivitis or even periodontal disease, which makes brushing more likely to cause bleeding. It is recommended to consu...[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Bleeding Gums
Understanding Tooth Decay in Upper Second Molars: Causes and Treatment
Cavity in the second molar? Hello Doctor, my upper left second molar hurts when I bite down on hard objects. After visiting the clinic, the doctor suspected there might be a cavity inside and that the silver filling needs to be removed to confirm, but mentioned that this tooth is...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
1. If the adjacent wisdom tooth is growing at an angle, it may have an impact. 2. If the wisdom tooth is excessively tilted and presses against the second molar in front, root canal treatment may involve complete cleaning of the nerve canal, but it might not be able to thoroughl...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay in Upper Second Molars: Causes and Treatment
Should I See the Dentist Now if My Filling Came Out?
The filling has come out? I had an appointment scheduled for next week to see about a cavity, but today the filling came out. Should I change my appointment to go in now instead?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Chen: If the filling has already fallen out, it is advisable to see a dentist as soon as possible for a replacement. This is to prevent untreated cavities from potentially causing inflammation of the dental nerve over time. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Should I See the Dentist Now if My Filling Came Out?
Understanding White Tissue Around Wisdom Teeth: Causes and Concerns
White mucosa near the wisdom tooth? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that the tissue around my lower left horizontal wisdom tooth is white. It feels smooth to the touch and is not painful. I'm not sure if this is due to the wisdom tooth erupting and causing pressure, or if i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, Li: The white lesions in the oral cavity may be leukoplakia, ulcers, or mucosal fibrosis. It is recommended to consult a dentist for an examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding White Tissue Around Wisdom Teeth: Causes and Concerns
Dealing with Dental Trauma: Can Your Front Tooth Heal After an Injury?
Incisal tooth injury Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident a while ago, and one of my upper front teeth is a bit loose and painful. I went to see a doctor the same day, and after an X-ray, the doctor advised me to monitor the situation. About a month later, the condition of the ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Ms. Chang: You were involved in a car accident that affected your upper front tooth, which was loose at the time. After a month, it feels more stable, but you are experiencing some weakness while eating. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up examination to check...[Read More] Dealing with Dental Trauma: Can Your Front Tooth Heal After an Injury?
Understanding Teeth Grinding and Dental Fillings: Pain and Anesthesia Insights
Grinding teeth and dental fillings? I am currently studying in Canada, and due to grinding my teeth while sleeping, I have worn down the filling in my right back tooth. The dentist here administered a local anesthetic before repairing my tooth. Initially, I only experienced soren...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Bang, 1. If there is sensitivity or pain in the tooth that has been filled, local anesthesia can be considered before the procedure to help alleviate discomfort during the filling process. 2. Cheek pain is mostly related to long-term nighttime bruxism, which causes ten...[Read More] Understanding Teeth Grinding and Dental Fillings: Pain and Anesthesia Insights