Understanding White Spots on Gums: Causes and Concerns
White circular spots on the gums? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed two white round spots, approximately 2-3 mm in diameter, on the outer gum of my upper left canine. They are not painful when pressed, and there are no other discomforting symptoms. Could you please advise what mi...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: There are several causes for white lesions on the gums, including infections, trauma, and physical or chemical irritations. It is recommended that you seek a diagnosis at a medical facility as soon as possible. Wishing you safety and good health.[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Gums: Causes and Concerns
Managing Avulsed Baby Teeth: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Dental trauma resulting in avulsion of primary teeth? Hello, Doctor. My child has just turned two years old and accidentally fell, injuring the upper front teeth. Two of the upper front teeth have been luxated into the alveolar bone, with one being more severe, having been displa...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
A 2-year-old child has experienced trauma to the primary incisors, with one tooth being more severely impacted, having been driven into the alveolar socket by nearly half. Generally, the tooth may eventually re-erupt, but potential complications include injury to the permanent to...[Read More] Managing Avulsed Baby Teeth: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Dental Root Shadows: When to Consider Surgery
Root shadow Hello Doctor: I had a root canal treatment on my front tooth 15 years ago, but I never had a crown placed on it. Recently, during a routine dental check-up, I discovered that there is a shadow on the root of my front tooth. Sometimes, when I press on the gums, I feel ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Shenmisha, The issue of periapical radiolucency is quite complex. Even after treatment 15 years ago, there is still a presence of periapical radiolucency. Occasionally, there is a sensation of tenderness when pressing on the gums, which likely indicates that there is st...[Read More] Understanding Dental Root Shadows: When to Consider Surgery
Post-Root Canal Care: Concerns About Infection and Crown Options
Root canal treatment I have completed root canal treatment, and the GP (which is likely a type of material) has been filled in. The doctor mentioned that the medication can last for three months. Doctor A has completed periodontal treatment and scaling. Doctor B is involved as we...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Y, Hello! After completing root canal treatment, it is advisable to fabricate a dental crown to prevent tooth fracture. If the periodontal pocket depth is greater than 5mm, periodontal flap surgery should be considered. Please communicate frequently with your dentist! T...[Read More] Post-Root Canal Care: Concerns About Infection and Crown Options
Understanding Red Polyps on Gums: What to Know and When to Seek Help
Deep red polyp My 14-year-old niece discovered a polyp about 0.6 cm in size above the gums where her wisdom teeth would emerge, but she hasn't developed her wisdom teeth yet! It doesn't hurt, but it is slightly painful when pressed. What could this issue be? Which speci...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: When wisdom teeth cannot fully erupt, it is often accompanied by gingival hyperplasia. It is recommended that you get an X-ray. If possible, it would be ideal to address the wisdom teeth promptly; otherwise, the hyperplasia of the gums may increase the risk of infection. W...[Read More] Understanding Red Polyps on Gums: What to Know and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tooth Fractures: Treatment Options for Molars
Molar fracture Hello, doctor. I previously had a filling in my upper left first molar, but two weeks ago I bit into something hard and fractured the tooth, creating a cavity. About four days later, I started developing a mucosal growth, which is not painful. Initially, it bled an...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the polyp has grown into the tooth, there is a 90% chance that the tooth should be extracted as soon as possible. Additionally, bleeding and pus are symptoms of infection. Currently, it is only being temporarily suppressed due to your strong immune system, but this is n...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Fractures: Treatment Options for Molars
Post-Root Canal Sensitivity: Causes and Recommendations for Patients Abroad
Root canal treatment (six months later) Hello Doctor, I had a root canal treatment six months ago, but due to traveling abroad, I only received a temporary crown. About two months ago, the temporary crown came off. At that time, I didn't think much of it because I didn'...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the root canal treatment has not been completed and only temporary filling and a temporary crown are in place, there is a significant risk of reinfection of the root canal. It is advisable to enhance the cleaning of that tooth and return to Taiwan for treatment as soon ...[Read More] Post-Root Canal Sensitivity: Causes and Recommendations for Patients Abroad
Is It Safe to Extract Wisdom Teeth Without Sterile Gloves?
The process of wisdom tooth extraction? Hello doctor, may I ask if it is correct for the dentist to not wear sterile gloves and not use a drape during wisdom tooth extraction? Additionally, if only the tooth being extracted was disinfected and not the entire area, am I at risk of...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: During the tooth extraction process, we strive to maintain a sterile environment. However, if you have not experienced any signs of infection or other complications since the extraction, you can feel reassured. If you still have concerns, it is advisable to visit a larger ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Extract Wisdom Teeth Without Sterile Gloves?
Understanding Salty Taste on Tongue: Link to Gum Ulcers?
Tongue issues Hello, Doctor. For the past few days, I have been experiencing a salty sensation on the right posterior side of my tongue, as if I had eaten something salty. This feeling persists throughout the day. Additionally, there is an ulcer on the gums near my upper right ca...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Viral infections usually take a longer time to recover. If you are still concerned, it is advisable to go to a larger medical facility for a biopsy. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Salty Taste on Tongue: Link to Gum Ulcers?
Black Tissue After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What Does It Mean?
After having wisdom teeth extracted, the next day the meat appears black, but there is no pain? On the evening of July 25th, after having my wisdom tooth extracted, I noticed a white object on the gum. The next day, July 26th, I ate three meals (using the other side of my mouth t...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Fu, Hello! According to the attached image, I personally believe it is a hematoma (black) combined with sutures. Basically, two days before the tooth extraction surgery, you should pay attention to bleeding issues. If you do not bite down tightly on the gauze after the proc...[Read More] Black Tissue After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What Does It Mean?
Is Dental Implant Surgery Suitable for Elderly Patients?
Conditions Suitable for Dental Implants Hello, I would like to ask about my father, who is 89 years old. He was hospitalized for three weeks due to a fever. After being discharged, he went to see a dentist for tooth pain, and the doctor said that four teeth in his dentures were f...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ingkaifang, Hello! As mentioned, your father has been living in a long-term care facility for several years and is unable to care for himself. When considering dental implants, it is important to take into account not only the width, depth, and density of the bone but also ...[Read More] Is Dental Implant Surgery Suitable for Elderly Patients?
Cold vs. Heat Therapy After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Follow?
Cold and hot compresses after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, I had my impacted wisdom tooth extracted last Saturday. The next morning, my cheek was swollen. I applied ice packs for the first 48 hours, and after that, there was still some swelling, so I switched to heat packs, wh...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Please focus on applying heat to accelerate blood circulation and metabolism. If you still feel swelling and pain, you need to return to the clinic to check for any infection. If there is no infection, please try to relax! Wishing you health and safety. Sincerely, Dr. Lin ...[Read More] Cold vs. Heat Therapy After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Follow?
Concerns After Tooth Extraction: Large Blood Clots and Potential Risks
Two days after having a canine tooth extracted, there is a large blood clot? Three days ago, I had a canine tooth removed from my upper right gum. In two days, the blood clot became quite large and dark. I'm hesitant to rinse my mouth or drink water because I'm afraid o...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Please confirm if you have any blood-related disorders. If not, the blood clot after tooth extraction usually does not require concern, as it will naturally dissolve over time. 2. It is normal for the surrounding teeth to feel loose immediately after extraction, so ther...[Read More] Concerns After Tooth Extraction: Large Blood Clots and Potential Risks
Managing Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
Is there inflammation and swelling of the gums after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. Last Monday, I went to treat a cavity, and after the dentist cleaned my teeth, a small piece of tissue on my lower left wisdom tooth started to feel loose ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, fever lasting more than 2 days, facial swelling with asymmetry, it is recommended that you go to the emergency room for prompt treatment to prevent acute infection. If you ...[Read More] Managing Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
Dealing with a Lost Crown After Root Canal Treatment: What to Do?
A few years after root canal treatment, the crown came off? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my dental crown that I had placed after a root canal treatment a few years ago. It suddenly fell off today, leaving a large cavity. Since I am currently abroad and unable to seek ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, please start by eating soft foods (avoid anything harder than an apple) and maintain oral hygiene. You may use an electric toothbrush and mouthwash (do not scrub the affected tooth vigorously). Please seek dental treatment as soon as you return to Taiwan. Thank you.[Read More] Dealing with a Lost Crown After Root Canal Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Pain after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello doctor, it's been 5 days since I had my horizontally impacted wisdom tooth removed and now my gums have suddenly swollen and are painful, with white stuff around the tooth. Is this new tissue growth or an infection?
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Xiao Yu: Pain after wisdom tooth extraction can vary from person to person within a week. The white substance may be granulation tissue, which is normal; however, if there are any abnormalities, you should return for a follow-up! Thank you! Sincerely, Dr. Huang Ting-Fang, ...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Understanding Tongue Granules: Causes and Concerns for Oral Health
Lingual papules In the past two months, my tongue has been feeling uncomfortable, and I always feel that the sides of my tongue are very rough. Could this be a viral infection? It has been ongoing for two to three months. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and my diet is light, but...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, oral mucosal issues are quite diverse. Since you mentioned having a fungal infection on your skin that has persisted for two to three months, if you are concerned about a possible infection in your tongue as well, I recommend that you visit the oral diagnostic department o...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Granules: Causes and Concerns for Oral Health
Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary for Severe Tooth Decay?
Is it necessary to perform a root canal? When I was a child, I didn't like brushing my teeth. It wasn't until a year ago that I started paying attention to my dental hygiene, and since then, most of my teeth have been treated. However, I had severe tooth decay in my upp...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, The purpose of root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is to treat teeth that have pulp inflammation due to infection or other reasons, in order to preserve them. You mentioned that the severe tooth pain could be caused by a deep cavity leading to pulp infection and in...[Read More] Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary for Severe Tooth Decay?
Understanding Teeth Whitening: Risks of Abrasion and Staining
What are the disadvantages of using abrasive whitening methods for discoloration of the front teeth? A long time ago, when I visited the dentist, I asked how I could make my teeth whiter, and the dentist said that polishing was necessary. However, the surface would become rougher...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Teeth whitening primarily consists of two methods: removal of stain deposits (such as polishing and scaling) and bleaching (using chemical agents). You mentioned the former, which involves the removal of stain deposits. While polishing and scaling do remove a very thi...[Read More] Understanding Teeth Whitening: Risks of Abrasion and Staining
Understanding Tongue Issues: Taste Buds or Warts?
Tongue issues? I recently noticed some small bumps under my tongue. After researching online, I couldn't determine if they are taste buds or oral warts. If they are warts, could they spread throughout my mouth?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the cauliflower-like lesions are caused by an infection, they may affect other oral mucosa. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Issues: Taste Buds or Warts?