Understanding Dental Cracks: Common Concerns and Expert Insights
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Tseng, Hello. Yesterday (September 4th), I visited the dental clinic because I noticed a black line on my upper left second premolar that is "suspected" to be a dental crack. During the examination, the dentist performed several tests. Fir...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Kris: 1. A dental crack refers to a fissure in the enamel surface of a tooth. If the crack is shallow or limited in extent and does not reach the second layer of dentin, it typically does not cause any pain or discomfort and may not be easily noticeable upon examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Dental Cracks: Common Concerns and Expert Insights
Can I Use Wisdom Tooth Space for Orthodontics After Extraction?
Wisdom teeth issues related to orthodontics? Hello, I had all four of my impacted wisdom teeth extracted 4.5 years ago, and now I want to straighten my teeth. I would like to move my teeth back without undergoing any additional extractions. I would like to ask the doctor if it is...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The space for tooth alignment requires a lateral cephalometric X-ray for assessment, and calculations must be performed to determine the feasibility. Even if there is sufficient alveolar bone space, it does not necessarily mean that the entire mandibular dentition can be r...[Read More] Can I Use Wisdom Tooth Space for Orthodontics After Extraction?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When to Seek Dental Care?
Post-operative issues after wisdom tooth extraction? I would like to ask the doctor, I had my wisdom tooth extracted last Wednesday, and last night while eating, I accidentally bit the wound and it started bleeding. I bit down on the gauze for two hours before the bleeding stoppe...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: In cases of persistent bleeding from oral wounds, it is advisable to investigate whether there are any underlying systemic issues. Injuries from bites or routine tooth extractions typically do not directly damage small arteries or veins; rather, damage to capillaries or so...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When to Seek Dental Care?
Understanding Pinkish Teeth: Causes and Solutions for Dental Sensitivity
The teeth appear light pink? Hello, Doctor. My upper front tooth (tooth number 11) had a chip due to external force a long time ago. It was initially restored with composite resin, but due to a deeper and heavier bite, the resin would not last long and would fall off. After consi...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe for about a month. If it is a "reversible" pulpitis, the symptoms will gradually decrease, and once asymptomatic, the all-ceramic crown can be cemented. However, if there is concern that cementing the all-ceramic crown may lead to &qu...[Read More] Understanding Pinkish Teeth: Causes and Solutions for Dental Sensitivity
Can Malocclusion Affect Your Sleep Quality?
Can malocclusion affect sleep? Can malocclusion affect sleep? I didn't have any issues when I was younger, but now that I'm older, I do. I personally believe my malocclusion isn't very severe; my lower jaw is slightly shifted to the right.
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, malocclusion can affect sleep, and individuals will likely be aware of it. Common manifestations include waking up with soreness in the temporomandibular joint, teeth grinding leading to tooth damage and sensitivity, bite marks or bruising on the cheeks or tongue, and in s...[Read More] Can Malocclusion Affect Your Sleep Quality?
Can Malocclusion Affect Your Sleep Quality?
Can malocclusion affect sleep? Can malocclusion affect sleep? I didn't have this issue when I was younger, but it has developed as I've grown older. I personally believe my malocclusion isn't very severe; my lower jaw is slightly shifted to the right.
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Malocclusion can affect sleep, and individuals will definitely be aware of it. Common manifestations include waking up with soreness in the temporomandibular joint, teeth grinding leading to dental damage and sensitivity, bite marks or bruising on the cheeks or tongue, and...[Read More] Can Malocclusion Affect Your Sleep Quality?
Choosing Between Ceramic Veneers and Full Porcelain Crowns for Dental Repair
Ceramic veneers and full ceramic crowns? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my front tooth, which has had a chip for over ten years due to external force (approximately one-eighth of the tooth's surface). At that time, the dentist assessed that the nerve condition was ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The primary indication for veneers is to restore the aesthetics, shape, and alignment of teeth. If you expect to exert excessive occlusal function, you may ultimately be disappointed (the veneers may break or completely detach, etc.). It is advisable to first adjust the oc...[Read More] Choosing Between Ceramic Veneers and Full Porcelain Crowns for Dental Repair
Understanding Oral Injuries from Retainer Use: Causes and Solutions
Suddenly biting the inner lining of the mouth? Hello, doctor. I usually wear my retainer for about six hours a day. However, the day before yesterday, due to sleep issues, I ended up wearing it for about ten hours. When I woke up, I noticed a slight mark on the inside of my left ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to have the doctor confirm whether a retainer needs to be redone. If it has shifted, continued use may cause further damage.[Read More] Understanding Oral Injuries from Retainer Use: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions for Chewing Difficulties
Biting hard objects & occlusal pain Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding an issue. On May 1st, I bit into a small bone from a pig and have since felt subjective pain in my upper right first molar whenever I bite into anything, making it impossible to chew foo...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Gao: Inability to chew food may be caused by cracked teeth leading to sensitive pulp inflammation, or it could be due to inflammation or injury of the periodontal ligament. There is also a possibility that there is an infection or inflammation at the root apex. It is re...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions for Chewing Difficulties
Understanding Post-Braces Tooth Shifting: What to Discuss with Your Dentist
Deformation of teeth after orthodontic treatment? I have been wearing braces for two and a half years. Initially, it was due to an improper bite (upper teeth inside, lower teeth outside). I have noticed some improvement (upper teeth outside, lower teeth inside), but my lower teet...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the width and thickness of the alveolar bone are limited, it is possible that the situation you described may occur. It is advisable to inform your treating physician directly and see if there is an opportunity for further improvement or if orthognathic surgery must be ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Braces Tooth Shifting: What to Discuss with Your Dentist
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Gum Discomfort: When to Seek Dental Care
Recently, I've been experiencing discomfort in my teeth and gums? Hello Doctor, last month I experienced sensitivity in my lower left molar when drinking hot and cold water, so I had a full dental X-ray taken, which showed no cavities. However, I noticed sensitivity when air...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Jiang: The pain and sensitivity you are experiencing in the gaps between your front teeth and gums may be due to gingival inflammation or gum recession, which can lead to enlarged gaps that trap food debris. In addition to using a toothbrush and dental floss to clean yo...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Gum Discomfort: When to Seek Dental Care
Persistent Mouth Ulcer: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Mouth ulcer for one month? Hello. 1. I initially bit the inside of my lower lip in the same spot twice, which developed into an ulcer that has persisted for a full month now. About two weeks in, it expanded to approximately 1 cm. I visited an ENT clinic, and the doctor prescrib...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Mouth ulcers may result from physical injuries such as bites, sharp edges of teeth, or dentures, as well as allergic reactions to certain components in food, toothpaste, or mouthwash. Nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B or folic acid), hormonal changes during menstruation...[Read More] Persistent Mouth Ulcer: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Can a Finished Dental Crown Be Reshaped Without Risk of Damage?
Denture polishing Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a crown made for a single molar (zirconia material), and during the try-in, I felt that it was particularly high. The dentist attempted to adjust the crown on the spot using instruments, but I refused. A few weeks later, we took a ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Clinically, it is "essential" to have the patient bite down and adjust (grind) the dentures in their mouth. If it is a metal crown, there are polishing wheels or sanders used after grinding. For traditional porcelain, it can be sent back to the lab for an additio...[Read More] Can a Finished Dental Crown Be Reshaped Without Risk of Damage?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dealing with Bite Pain and Concerns
Post-operative occlusal pain after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello Doctor, I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on June 9th. The doctor mentioned that my wisdom tooth was deeper and the wound was larger. I had my stitches removed on June 15th, but now I experience pain when...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is possible for nearby teeth to feel loose after tooth extraction, which is a potential complication. It is recommended to monitor the situation. If you are concerned, you may return for a check-up with your dentist approximately every two weeks.[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dealing with Bite Pain and Concerns
Understanding Cheek Issues Near Wisdom Teeth: When to Seek Dental Care
Issues related to the buccal mucosa adjacent to the wisdom teeth? Hello, Doctor. I have a small area (about the size of two or three sesame seeds) on the buccal surface next to my lower wisdom teeth on both sides. Although it looks similar in color to the normal mucosa, it appear...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If seven doctors have examined you and all indicated that everything is normal, it is advisable to relax. Oral mucosa examinations are conducted every two years.[Read More] Understanding Cheek Issues Near Wisdom Teeth: When to Seek Dental Care
Understanding Gum Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Gingival inflammation with redness and swelling? The gum tissue below the molar has been swollen for 2 to 3 weeks. The tooth feels loose and slightly wobbly. It doesn't hurt unless I drink or bite down. Initially, I went to the pharmacy to buy anti-inflammatory and pain reli...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Ms. Kuan: It is recommended that if you experience recurrent inflammation and pain in the teeth below the molars, you should return for an examination to check for any bone resorption and the formation of periodontal pockets that may be causing repeated bacterial infections....[Read More] Understanding Gum Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Post-Tooth Extraction: Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, and Night Grinding Issues
Tooth extraction followed by dental implant surgery with bone grafting, upper teeth stabilization, nighttime bruxism issues, and wearing retainers? Due to a recent issue with a cracked lower left molar, I experienced some discomfort while biting. A CT scan and X-ray revealed a sh...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to consult with your physician to see if there is a need to adjust the type or thickness of the wire. 2/3. It is essential to be cautious not to leave the area of the bone graft (PRF) unsupported and to avoid excessive pressure on the device, as this m...[Read More] Post-Tooth Extraction: Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, and Night Grinding Issues
Understanding Clear Retainers: Addressing Bite Issues and Discomfort
Clear retainer Hello Doctor, I recently finished my orthodontic treatment and have just started wearing my clear retainer. However, I've noticed that only my last molars are making contact, while the front teeth are slightly apart, resembling an open bite, with a gap of abou...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The device you mentioned is more similar to a Michigan splint or an Invisalign-related device (which elevates the teeth/increases facial height/prevents the upper and lower teeth from tightly occluding), rather than a clear retainer. I recommend calling the clinic first to...[Read More] Understanding Clear Retainers: Addressing Bite Issues and Discomfort
Understanding Sublingual Polyps: Are They Normal?
Sublingual oral polyp I have a growth under my tongue that I believe might be a normal polyp. The images can be found here: https://imgur.com/gallery/L3AtDUc. I've circled the area in question with a pen. In the first image, the area circled in blue is where the polyp is loc...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The areas with darker coloration are more likely to be hematomas caused by previous bites, while the nearby transparent blisters are blocked minor salivary glands. It is recommended to perform a biopsy for more accurate results.[Read More] Understanding Sublingual Polyps: Are They Normal?
Understanding Occasional Tooth Pain: Causes and Concerns
Dull toothache? Hello, doctor! I occasionally experience a dull pain in my lower left first molar. There is no redness or swelling, but sometimes I feel a sharp pain when yawning. When I bite down hard, I feel a sharp pain on the side of the tooth, but not towards the back. Press...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to first investigate potential causes in the lower left area (after all, the upper left molar has already undergone root canal treatment). This includes checking if there is an excessively deep dental implant in the lower left that may be affecting the prop...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Tooth Pain: Causes and Concerns