Dealing with Gum Bone Spurs: Which Dental Specialist to See?
Osteophyte on the inner side of the upper right gum? Doctor, I live near Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung. Should I go to the oral surgery department or the periodontology department for treatment? I have this sharp, hard protrusion on my gums that feels like a small bon...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello: Both departments are available. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.[Read More] Dealing with Gum Bone Spurs: Which Dental Specialist to See?
Understanding Oral Health: What Could a Pink Bump Between Your Teeth Indicate?
Gum issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent examination of my mouth. I found a small round pink growth in the space between my teeth, connected to the gums. It is painless and does not bleed. What could this condition be?
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The swelling may be caused by gingival inflammation. If you are concerned about the possibility of oral cancer, it is advisable to visit an oral surgeon nearby for a biopsy.[Read More] Understanding Oral Health: What Could a Pink Bump Between Your Teeth Indicate?
Common Dental Issues: Filling, Extraction, and X-Ray Insights
Dental filling and tooth extraction issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. Over the past couple of days, I have noticed that when I floss between two specific teeth, the dental floss sometimes gets stuck (I use a floss pick). After inserting the floss...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have recently had dental work done and are experiencing floss getting stuck, you may return for a follow-up appointment for the dentist to check if a re-treatment is necessary, or if the issue is due to misalignment of the teeth causing difficulty with flossing. ...[Read More] Common Dental Issues: Filling, Extraction, and X-Ray Insights
Concerns About Dental Tumor Surgery: Risks of Nerve Damage
Dental tumor issues? Hello, doctor. I underwent a dental tumor excision surgery at the hospital performed by a PGY resident dentist. During the procedure, the electric bone saw was used too quickly, and I kept smelling a burning odor. I was constantly aware of the charred smell. ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Surgical procedures in the oral cavity, whether involving teeth, gums, or alveolar bone, will inevitably produce some odor. A burnt smell does not necessarily indicate nerve damage. It is recommended to continue follow-up visits for monitoring.[Read More] Concerns About Dental Tumor Surgery: Risks of Nerve Damage
Do I Need to Revisit Root Canal Treatment or Just Extract the Tooth?
Does root canal treatment need to be re-evaluated or redone? Six years ago, I had a severe cavity in one of my teeth that was causing pain, so I underwent a root canal treatment. The dentist mentioned that I would need to come back for a second session, but I only went for the fi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Miss: During the root canal treatment process, the initial filling material is mostly temporary and cannot last long. Once it falls out, bacteria or dental plaque can invade the root canal, leading to infection and pain. It is recommended to redo the root canal treatment; h...[Read More] Do I Need to Revisit Root Canal Treatment or Just Extract the Tooth?
Dealing with Large Gaps After Dental Implants: Solutions and Considerations
After dental implants, if the gaps between the teeth are too large, it can lead to food trapping? Hello Dr. Tseng, I recently underwent dental implant surgery for three teeth, two of which have a large gap between them and the adjacent teeth, making it easy for food to get stuck....
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Kuang, 1. Generally, dental gaps cannot be filled with resin or other materials. Even if they can be filled, over time, the gums in the gaps are prone to infection and inflammation. 2. If the opposing tooth of the wisdom tooth is no longer present, the opportunity...[Read More] Dealing with Large Gaps After Dental Implants: Solutions and Considerations
Understanding Periodontal Disease and Tooth Restoration Options
Questions about periodontal disease, tooth fractures, and bone grafting for dental implants? Hello, Dr. Tseng. Six months ago, I experienced pain in my second molar and swelling of the gums. The dentist diagnosed me with moderate to severe periodontal disease and suspected nerve ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Barry: 1. You may consider consulting a periodontist. 2. The decision to use bone graft material after tooth extraction depends on the morphology of the alveolar bone and the severity of the defects. If the alveolar bone remains intact after extraction, immediate bon...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease and Tooth Restoration Options
Understanding Alveolar Bone Resurfacing: Causes of Persistent Pain
Alveolar bone leveling procedure The 17th tooth has a bone spur. It was ground down once on March 2 and again on March 17. Now, three months later, there is persistent dull pain in the upper cheek area, which only subsides during sleep. Upon waking, the pain returns and lasts all...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to patiently observe until around September 17. During this period, please continue to follow up with both oral surgery and neurology specialists as scheduled and take your medications. If there is still a progression towards deterioration after six month...[Read More] Understanding Alveolar Bone Resurfacing: Causes of Persistent Pain
Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and X-ray Insights for Dental Health
Gum issues Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I noticed that two of my lower front teeth had small triangular gaps in the gums (less than 1mm). Additionally, I felt that the triangular gum area between two other teeth was quite loose and not well-adapted, which made me suspect th...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The health and aesthetics of soft and hard tissues do not always equate. If there is no periodontal disease, cavities, or severe misalignment of teeth, but there is still a desire to improve the black triangle areas between the gums, it is advisable to consult with a perio...[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and X-ray Insights for Dental Health
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Managing Fever and Discomfort
After wisdom tooth extraction and suture removal? Hello, Doctor! I had my wisdom tooth and an adjacent tooth extracted, and after returning for suture removal, I have been experiencing recurrent fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue for the past three days without improvement. I...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have a persistent high fever and fatigue for 48 hours after taking medication, and you are unsure whether it is related to tooth extraction, it is advisable to go directly to a major hospital for examination to check for other sources of infection or any biological/...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Managing Fever and Discomfort
Concerns About Child's Crown: Pain, Gums, and Treatment Options
Hao-style dental crown The child had a Hawley retainer placed on May 11. Three days prior, rubber bands were used to open the gaps between the teeth, and the retainer was placed directly after that. However, now that it has been seven days, one side of the gap can be cleaned easi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Kelly: If the edges of your braces are pressing against your gums, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with your dentist for adjustments. This will help avoid gum irritation and allow for proper flossing. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry,...[Read More] Concerns About Child's Crown: Pain, Gums, and Treatment Options
Is Roughness After Teeth Cleaning Normal? Understanding Dental Recovery
After teeth cleaning, the surface of the teeth may feel rough? It has been several days since my dental cleaning, and I have noticed that the surfaces of a few teeth feel a bit rough, accompanied by slight swelling of the gums (I have already taken anti-inflammatory medication an...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Anonymous: It is possible that the gums were already inflamed before the teeth cleaning. Although plaque and tartar have been removed after the cleaning, the inflammation may take some time to improve. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Is Roughness After Teeth Cleaning Normal? Understanding Dental Recovery
Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and X-ray Insights for Dental Health
Gum issues Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I noticed that two of my lower front teeth had small triangular gaps in the gums (less than 1mm). Additionally, the triangular gum area between two other teeth feels very loose and not well-adapted, leading me to suspect that I might ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The health and aesthetics of soft and hard tissues do not always equate. If there is no periodontal disease, cavities, or severe misalignment of teeth, but there is still a desire to improve the black triangle areas between the gums, it is advisable to consult with a perio...[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and X-ray Insights for Dental Health
Understanding Dental Nerve Death: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding dental pulp necrosis? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a question regarding my upper left first molar (hereafter referred to as "the tooth"). Several years ago, I had extensive silver amalgam filling done on this tooth, which was already very close to the dental pulp at...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult directly with the Department of Endodontics at a medical center.[Read More] Understanding Dental Nerve Death: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Oral Soft Tissue: Concerns About Movable Cheek Lumps
Buccal palpation Hello doctor, I felt a movable lump in the cheek area next to my wisdom tooth. However, when I saw the doctor, he assured me that it is a soft tissue in the oral cavity and told me not to worry, saying it is not a growth. But the lump feels somewhat oval-shaped a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Lala: It is possible that the inflammation and swelling are due to the gums around your wisdom tooth. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for further examination by a dentist. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Oral Soft Tissue: Concerns About Movable Cheek Lumps
Understanding Dental Crown Issues: Expert Answers to Common Concerns
Braces issues Hello Doctor: Over a year ago, I had issues with the metal crowns on two of my central incisors and the left lateral incisor bridge, which had black margins at the gums. I went to the clinic to have them remade. The right central incisor had not been crowned since I...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Since the current issue is only the fracture of the right central incisor, it is recommended to focus on reconstructing that tooth (simplifying the problem makes it easier to achieve the goal). We can see if it is possible to reattach the post and crown; if not, I suggest ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Crown Issues: Expert Answers to Common Concerns
Post-Braces Sensitivity: Understanding Gum Recession and Dental Pain
After one year of orthodontic treatment, there is gingival recession in the upper two molars? Dear Doctor, my orthodontic treatment is expected to last about a year. Recently, after changing the upper arch wire, the last two molars have become extremely sensitive; drinking water ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: During the process of orthodontic treatment, acute pulpitis is quite common. It is advisable to coexist with the pain for a while and not rush into starting root canal therapy, as this could prolong the orthodontic treatment indefinitely. The dentist should first move the ...[Read More] Post-Braces Sensitivity: Understanding Gum Recession and Dental Pain
Understanding Tooth Pain and Gum Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Toothache, dental issues, and swollen gums? I had pain in my teeth recently, specifically in the lower right row. My wisdom tooth has a cavity that looks black. After a period of no pain, one day I felt pain between the third and fourth teeth from the right when biting down on so...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you feel that your occlusion is higher after the completion of treatment, it is recommended to return for an adjustment by your dentist. As for the chest tightness, you should consult an internist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Gum Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Best Alcohol-Free Medicinal Mouthwashes for Gum Health
Alcohol-free medicated mouthwash recommendations? Hello Dr. Tseng, I completed the first phase of periodontal treatment (subgingival scaling) at the end of February and am currently under observation. Although I have been consistently using a water flosser and mouthwash (Bai Li...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: 1. If the gingival inflammation is caused by periodontal disease, mouthwash can only serve as an adjunctive measure. The key is to thoroughly clean the dental plaque and calculus, which will naturally improve the gingival inflammation. If you really want to use...[Read More] Best Alcohol-Free Medicinal Mouthwashes for Gum Health
Understanding Dentures and Oral Health Issues: FAQs on Dental Care
Dentures and Oral Thrush 1. What is the cause of the black line between the teeth and gums? Can a dentist determine the cause after examination? If I want to remove the black line, what would be the cost? Is it charged per tooth or as a single session? 2. After tooth extraction...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. The discoloration could be due to dental caries, food pigment staining, oxidation and corrosion of metals or silver powder in old dentures, chronic inflammation of the gums caused by metals, or discoloration following root canal treatment. It is advisable to discuss t...[Read More] Understanding Dentures and Oral Health Issues: FAQs on Dental Care