Understanding TMJ Disorders After Facial Injury: Symptoms and Solutions
I have developed temporomandibular joint disorder due to an impact injury? Hello Doctor, On December 6, 2023, I was playing basketball and someone accidentally hit my left cheek (possibly near the jaw area). Since then, I have experienced a clicking sensation when I open my mout...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Avi, 1. Any external force that can cause displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage, or even tearing of the joint head, can lead to inflammation and pain in the TMJ. 2. If you experience difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or if you feel pain in ...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders After Facial Injury: Symptoms and Solutions
Fixed Dentures Dislodged: Should You Reposition Them for Better Fit?
The fixed dental prosthesis has come loose, and reattaching it feels like it is flipped sideways compared to its original position? If a patient has had their fixed dentures dislodged due to eating overly sticky food and subsequently had them reattached by a dentist, but is exper...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Bystander A: Generally, if the appliance is worn in the wrong direction, it is unlikely to fit completely. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment to have the dentist check it again. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, N...[Read More] Fixed Dentures Dislodged: Should You Reposition Them for Better Fit?
Why Does My Tooth Still Hurt After Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?
Even after undergoing microscopic root canal treatment and having a crown placed, pain may still persist? Hello doctor, my second to last lower left molar underwent root canal treatment at the end of June. The dentist mentioned that the tooth was calcified and could not be cleane...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the original clinic for treatment, including occlusal adjustment, replacement of the crown, redoing the root canal, or periodontal treatment, among others. The tooth itself, in addition to the dental pulp nerves, also has surrounding nerves t...[Read More] Why Does My Tooth Still Hurt After Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?
Why Does My Tooth Still Hurt After Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?
Even after undergoing microscopic root canal treatment and having a crown placed, pain may still persist? Hello doctor, my second to last lower left molar underwent root canal treatment at the end of June. The dentist mentioned that the tooth was calcified and could not be thorou...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the original clinic for treatment, including occlusal adjustment, replacement of the dental crown, redoing the root canal, or periodontal therapy, among others. Besides the dental pulp nerves, the nerves surrounding the tooth can also respond...[Read More] Why Does My Tooth Still Hurt After Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?
Common Issues with Dentures: Understanding Your Dental Options
Issues with Dentures Dr. Jun-Chi Tseng: I would like to inquire about issues related to dentures. My upper left incisor had swollen gums and pain, and I did not seek dental care immediately. Later, I was diagnosed with the need to extract the tooth. I chose to have a dental bridg...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Bao: The edges of the dentures should be bonded in such a way that they fit snugly against the gums without any gaps. If there are any gaps, it is recommended to return for an examination. If there is a black area at the back of the dentures, it is generally a metal-c...[Read More] Common Issues with Dentures: Understanding Your Dental Options
Understanding Tooth Decay, Grinding, and Cracked Teeth Issues
Cavities, bruxism, and tooth fractures? Hello, doctor. I was breastfed until I was two and a half years old. At three, I discovered cavities in my primary teeth that required root canal treatment, but I did not address those teeth because they were going to fall out. As I grew ol...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to find a trusted physician and undergo long-term treatment at that location. Many of the questions you raised require prior and subsequent X-rays or objective data from follow-up observations to determine whether filling is necessary, whether to proceed ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay, Grinding, and Cracked Teeth Issues
Dealing with Dentures: When Your New Smile Looks Overdone
The dentures are fitted but have become misaligned? Dear Dr. Tseng: Today I went to try on a partial denture, and when the doctor showed me in the mirror, I was shocked to see how it looked like a big overbite. The doctor said it was supposed to look like that and that I would ge...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Alon: If it is a porcelain crown, the thickness will be greater, and since the amount of tooth reduction is relatively small, the resulting crown will be slightly larger than the original tooth. It is recommended to discuss the treatment plan further with your attending...[Read More] Dealing with Dentures: When Your New Smile Looks Overdone
After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do About Exposed Bone Fragments?
After the extraction of a wisdom tooth, a bone fragment protruded, and the doctor removed it directly? Doctor, I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted about a month ago, and since then, there has been a hard piece on my gum that keeps irritating my cheek. During my follow-up v...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe for 1 to 2 weeks to see if the symptoms improve, as only the physician at the time of treatment knows the most appropriate course of action. Currently, what you can do is to wait for the wound to heal.[Read More] After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do About Exposed Bone Fragments?
Understanding Jaw Issues After Ankle Injury: A Patient's Journey
Swallowing saliva, wisdom tooth issues? Hello Doctor, On September 11th of this year, I sprained my left ankle while carrying four large bags of trash at my rental place in Banqiao. I missed the last two steps and fell. I went to an orthopedic doctor and had two X-rays, which c...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Caroline: If the discomfort in your temporomandibular joint persists, it is recommended to return to the oral surgeon for further evaluation. If you are experiencing pain in your temples, it could also be a migraine issue, so it is advisable to consult a neurologist for...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Issues After Ankle Injury: A Patient's Journey
Is a Palate Expander Necessary for Jaw Alignment and Dental Health?
What is the necessity of a maxillary expander? Hello, Doctor. 1. I am a 20-year-old male who has had a full mouth X-ray and a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) X-ray. The TMJ specialist indicated that the articular discs on both sides are anteriorly displaced, with the right side b...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Issues related to orthodontics or aesthetic medicine are highly individualized and non-essential medical procedures, making it difficult to provide generalized answers online. Additionally, they often involve significant out-of-pocket expenses. It is advisable to choose a ...[Read More] Is a Palate Expander Necessary for Jaw Alignment and Dental Health?
Gum Pain Without Dental Issues: Seeking Answers for Persistent Discomfort
Gum pain with normal teeth? Over a year ago, I started experiencing pain when pressing on a specific spot on my gum related to one of my teeth. It doesn't hurt or show any redness or swelling when not pressed. I have seen many dentists and had X-rays done, all of which showe...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "It won't hurt if you don't press it." "Many dentists and X-rays show that the teeth are normal." It is recommended to just observe and not to intentionally press on the gums. If you still feel discomfort, consider going to a medical center fo...[Read More] Gum Pain Without Dental Issues: Seeking Answers for Persistent Discomfort
Understanding Roughness on Front Teeth: Causes and Solutions
Rough surface of the teeth? Is the rough feeling on my front tooth due to enamel wear? Could it be caused by using an electric toothbrush, or is it due to excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks leading to erosion? However, why is it that only one front tooth is noticeab...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. It may be caused by misalignment of the teeth (anterior-posterior crossbite) or malocclusion (where a particular incisor bears more occlusal load). 2. Textbooks and literature primarily suggest fluoride products (mouthwash/toothpaste/fluoride varnish) for the prevention...[Read More] Understanding Roughness on Front Teeth: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Soft Feel of Your New Porcelain Dental Crown
All-ceramic crown Hello Doctor, I recently had a connected porcelain crown placed on my upper four teeth, and it has been permanently bonded. I would like to ask why the sensation when my tongue touches the inner side feels soft, somewhat like chewing gum sticking to the roof of ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the clinic for a detailed discussion with the original physician, including the reasons for the connection of the four teeth, the condition of the periodontal and pulpal tissues, the structural condition of the teeth themselves, and whether t...[Read More] Understanding the Soft Feel of Your New Porcelain Dental Crown
Understanding Bite Discomfort After Temporary Dentures: Key Insights
Sudden changes in bite alignment? Hello, Doctor. While waiting for the implant to integrate with the bone, I was wearing a temporary denture (fitted in a clear retainer, which only covers 3/4 of my teeth, leaving three molars on one side uncovered). Recently, after removing the r...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: I'm not quite clear on your question, but I recommend discussing any overly detailed concerns with your implant and orthodontic specialists. However, I can provide some information: the vertical height of the posterior teeth must differ by at least 4mm between the upp...[Read More] Understanding Bite Discomfort After Temporary Dentures: Key Insights
Best Dental Filling Materials for Teeth Grinding Issues
The suitable dental materials for individuals with bruxism (teeth grinding habit)? Hello, Doctor. I have recently developed a habit of teeth grinding, which has caused a filling to crack, leading to ongoing gum inflammation. After the dentist removed the original filling, they te...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Ms. Anonymous: If the habit of teeth grinding has caused a filling to break, in addition to redoing the filling, it is advisable to consult a dentist to address the grinding habit. It may also be necessary to evaluate whether a bite guard is needed to alleviate the excessive occl...[Read More] Best Dental Filling Materials for Teeth Grinding Issues
Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions
Unilateral chewing Hello Dr. Lin, I have been chewing on one side for several years, and recently the side that I haven't been using suddenly developed gum inflammation. After taking antibiotics and painkillers for a week, it has healed. I then tried to use the other side (t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "I had a dental check-up, and the X-rays showed no abnormalities. My gums are also normal. The dentist ground down a bit of my tooth and advised me to continue monitoring. I used Sensodyne and Parodontax, but they don't seem to help." It is recommended to go...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Chewing Pain: Causes and Solutions
Is Filling Gaps in Front Teeth a Good Solution for Dental Issues?
Front tooth filling, dental gap? Hello, I have had large gaps between my front teeth since childhood, which has caused my upper front teeth to grow poorly, and the teeth on either side are quite small. I have consulted a dentist who mentioned that this is due to missing teeth. Cu...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the gap between teeth exceeds 2.5 mm or if there is a malocclusion or deep bite, direct resin filling is not recommended.[Read More] Is Filling Gaps in Front Teeth a Good Solution for Dental Issues?
Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?
Asymmetrical length of the right and left sides of the mandible can cause a clicking sound when opening the mouth to its maximum extent? Hello, Doctor. I am 20 years old and visited a dentist when I was 11, during which X-rays were taken. The doctor's findings were as follow...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The primary treatment goal of orthodontics should be to achieve proper alignment of the teeth. Other related issues (such as facial appearance and joint clicking) may improve as well, but if expectations are set too high, the outcomes may not meet those expectations. If te...[Read More] Can Uneven Jaw Length Cause Clicking Sounds When Opening Mouth?
Should I Continue Wearing Braces? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Braces issues? When I was in fifth grade, I needed to wear braces to correct my deep bite issue, as my molars had not fully erupted at that time. By the time I reached seventh grade, the braces were removed, and since my molars had not yet come in, I switched to a retainer. At th...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to discuss with your treating physician the significant impact on your life. If there is a need for further wearing, could it be postponed until after your university exams? After all, if the physician has recommended wearing it, there should be a therapeut...[Read More] Should I Continue Wearing Braces? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Run? Understanding the Connection
Experiencing tooth pain when your heel strikes the ground while running? I have never experienced this situation before, but today while running, I suddenly felt pain in my teeth. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night, it may lead to occlusal damage. It is recommended to consider wearing a bite guard during exercise to improve the situation.[Read More] Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Run? Understanding the Connection