Can Dental Fillings Damage Tooth Pulp? Understanding the Risks
Is it possible for dental fillings to damage the dental pulp? At the end of the year, during a dental check-up at a clinic near my home, the dentist informed me that both of my wisdom teeth had cavities. One of them appeared to be close to the pulp and required root canal treatme...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Deep cavities may have already invaded the nerve, and it can be clinically difficult to determine this; X-ray examinations may also yield inconclusive results. Sometimes, in the process of cleaning out the cavity, the dental pulp may become irritated and lead to an acute flare-up...[Read More] Can Dental Fillings Damage Tooth Pulp? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Enamel Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Demineralization of enamel I noticed a dark brown discoloration on my teeth about a year or two ago, and recently it has become more severe, particularly on my front teeth and the two teeth below them. Could this be dental enamel erosion? I've heard that enamel erosion canno...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: If the upper and lower incisors appear dark brown and have a rough surface, and if they are sensitive to heat or touch, it may indicate dental erosion of the enam...[Read More] Understanding Enamel Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dental Nerve Length and Root Canal Treatment Effects
Inquiry 1. How long is a dental nerve typically? I heard someone say it is about two centimeters! 2. Are teeth that have undergone root canal treatment more prone to fracture? Does getting braces affect appearance? Is there an age that is more suitable for getting braces? What ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: If the nerve structure within the gums is net-like, it is difficult to determine its length. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment tend to become dehyd...[Read More] Understanding Dental Nerve Length and Root Canal Treatment Effects
Understanding Pediatric Dental Issues: Nerve Damage and Treatment Options
Children's teeth Hello, Doctor: My child is 5 years old this year. He has a tooth that has decayed, and when I took him to the dentist, the doctor said that the nerve has already been damaged. I always thought that pain was a sign of nerve damage (I didn't hear my child...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Sir: I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: A five-year-old child with a cavity that has affected the nerve may experience pulpitis or necrosis of the dental nerve. If necrosis occurs, the tooth may not be painful, but it is still advisab...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Dental Issues: Nerve Damage and Treatment Options
Could I Have Periodontal Disease? Symptoms and Treatment Options
Is it possible to have periodontal disease? Hello Doctor: My 21-year-old tooth has experienced nerve necrosis due to a collision with a wall, and I have had a crown for over a year and two months. However, after using dental floss, I notice a foul odor, and when I bite down on th...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: Your dental nerve is necrotic, and you must complete a thorough root canal treatment before proceeding with the crown. Otherwise, if there is an apical lesion, it may lead to clinical biting pain. Additionally, using dental floss may produce an unpleasant odor, possibly du...[Read More] Could I Have Periodontal Disease? Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Treatment Options for Partial Nerve Necrosis in Dentistry
Subsequent treatment for localized nerve necrosis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about the issue of nerve necrosis. You mentioned: "If the dental nerve is only partially necrotic (possibly near the cavity where it has died, but the deeper part of the root canal is no...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the pulp chamber close to the deep layers of decayed tooth structure has already necrosed, it generally indicates that the infection in the pulp chamber is quite severe or has been present for some time. Even the pulp near the apex of the tooth may become infected, leading to ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Partial Nerve Necrosis in Dentistry
Understanding Root Canal Pain: Myths and Facts About Dental Nerves
Questions about nerve extraction? Hello doctor, I came across some information stating that a certain doctor mentioned that the dental nerve is not dead; it does not just wait for bacteria to invade it. Instead, it will continuously retreat and form a self-protective membrane. Th...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Our body's tissues, including the dental pulp, have a certain level of resistance to external pathogens (immune system). In the case of dental pulp, when it is invaded by carious bacteria, it triggers an inflammatory response. Additionally, a layer of mineralized protective ...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Pain: Myths and Facts About Dental Nerves
Understanding Painless Cavities: Why Dead Nerves Don't Hurt
The issue of dental caries? I recently went for a dental check-up, and the X-ray revealed that I have cavities. When the dentist drilled into the tooth, I didn't feel any pain, and the doctor mentioned that the nerve inside the tooth had already died, requiring root canal tr...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If a tooth has cavities and instruments can penetrate deep into the tooth without causing pain, it indicates that the dental nerve has already died, necessitating root canal treatment. Otherwise, the necrotic pulp tissue may become infected, spreading to the alveolar bone and lea...[Read More] Understanding Painless Cavities: Why Dead Nerves Don't Hurt
Understanding Numbness and Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Treatment
Numbness Due to recent tooth decay and pain from the wisdom tooth in the lower right jaw, I have been seeking treatment at the clinic for nearly a month, with the pain mostly occurring at night. The dentist informed me that the dental nerve in this area has been removed, so the p...
Dr. Chu Boqin Reply:
Pain in the lower right wisdom tooth is generally caused by dental caries leading to pulpitis or misalignment of the wisdom tooth, making it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, which can result in pericoronitis. If the nerve of the wisdom tooth has been removed (i.e., root...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Treatment
Understanding Tooth Nerve Pain: Is High Altitude the Culprit?
Tooth nerve pain? Hello, doctor. I have a question. One time when I was hiking at an altitude of about 2200 meters, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the nerve of my upper right molar. I thought it was a cavity, so I went to see a dentist, but the dentist found no cavities. After t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The dental pulp nerves are surrounded by the hard dental tissues, including dentin and enamel. When we are at high altitudes (such as during a flight or hiking), the decrease in external atmospheric pressure may lead to changes in pressure within the pulp chamber, which can stimu...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Nerve Pain: Is High Altitude the Culprit?
Understanding Tooth Fractures: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Tooth fracture Hello Doctor, I have a small chip in my tooth (but it doesn't hurt). I use dental floss after every meal to prevent cavities from worsening and for easier cleaning. Recently, I decided to visit a nearby clinic for a filling. However, when the dentist used den...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The dental pulp (commonly known as the dental nerve) is located at the center of the tooth, approximately 2-3 millimeters from the surface. If tooth decay reaches the nerve, it can cause pain when drinking cold water, spontaneous pain, pain during biting, and even lead to ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Fractures: Pain Management and Treatment Options
Understanding Gum Cysts: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives
Gingival cyst (swelling) Hello, doctor... Back in July, I had pain in my lower teeth (specifically under my front teeth), and it also hurt when I pressed on my chin (the skin of my lower lip). So, I went to see a doctor! An X-ray was taken, and a shadow was seen at the root of th...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The dental nerve can become necrotic and infected due to bacterial invasion from cavities. If the toxins leak from the root canal into the periapical area of the alveolar bone, inflammation and purulence may occur, which can be detected as radiolucency on X-rays. If the de...[Read More] Understanding Gum Cysts: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives
Do I Really Need a Root Canal? Exploring Alternatives for Tooth Pain
Do I really have to get a nerve block? I don't want to? About a week ago, I started experiencing pain in my tooth when consuming cold foods. I visited the dentist, and there were no cavities or issues with my gums. However, the dentist mentioned that there is nerve inflammat...
Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
Improper brushing techniques can lead to gum recession and exposed tooth roots. It may also cause sensitivity to cold. Additionally, it is recommended to clean any painful teeth thoroughly to see if there is any improvement. If there has been a previous trauma to the tooth that a...[Read More] Do I Really Need a Root Canal? Exploring Alternatives for Tooth Pain
Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gingival polyp Hello Doctor, my tooth was previously impacted, resulting in a fracture of my upper left central incisor. I also underwent orthodontic treatment as a result. After six months of orthodontics, I had a porcelain crown placed. A year and a half after the incident, I n...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: When a front tooth is fractured, it may injure the dental nerve, leading to necrosis. If there is a bacterial infection later, an abscess may form. The polyp you discovered could possibly be an abscess. Please consult a dentist for an X-ray to clarify the situation. If the...[Read More] Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tooth Pain After Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Concerns
Toothache? Hello, Doctor. I have a question to ask. It's about my tooth... the last one on the left side. I had a root canal treatment done a year ago, and a dental post was placed. However, in the past few days, I've been experiencing pain when eating. Since the dental...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello! Root canal treatment involves removing the inflamed or necrotic nerve (dental pulp), enlarging and shaping the canal, disinfecting it, and then filling it with appropriate materials. If bacteria proliferate within the root canal, their toxins can cause inflammation of the ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain After Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Concerns
How Long Can You Tolerate Tooth Decay Pain Before Seeking Treatment?
How long can one tolerate a cavity? Hello, doctor. I am currently studying abroad and will return to my home country in two weeks. Three weeks ago, I started experiencing severe pain in the last molar of my upper left jaw. This tooth had been previously filled, but the filling co...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello! Based on the symptoms you described, it seems that the tooth has likely affected the nerve (pulpitis). It may not be advisable to wait another two weeks; it is best to visit a dental clinic for emergency pulp treatment (removal of the nerve from the pulp chamber and medica...[Read More] How Long Can You Tolerate Tooth Decay Pain Before Seeking Treatment?