Understanding Oral Ulcers: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips
Sore oral ulcers? I am a nursing professional, and my question is about the frequent occurrence of sores in my mouth, which are also known as ulcers. This has been happening for 25 years. They heal and then reappear. Blood tests indicate that I have a weakened immune system, but ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Recurrent oral ulcers have an unclear etiology, but they are believed to be related to disruptions in the immune system caused by psychological stress. Factors such as insufficient sleep (e.g., frequent late nights), irregular lifestyles, or work-related stress can lead our immun...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Pre-Extraction Treatment: When to Start Your Medication
Pre-extraction treatment? I am a nursing professional. If I visited the dentist on July 21 and the doctor prescribed penicillin, Scanal, and Megagel 1# QID for a total of three days, should I start taking the medication on July 21, or should I begin three days before the follow-u...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The dentist prescribed these three medications to address the patient's gum infection and inflammation (suppuration), and they should be started on July 21. If there is any uncertainty regarding the timing, it is advisable to call the prescribing dentist immediately t...[Read More] Understanding Pre-Extraction Treatment: When to Start Your Medication
Water Flossers and Gum Disease: Expert Opinions and Treatment Options
Water flossers and periodontal disease? Hello Dr. Wu, 1. I have periodontal disease, and during my visit, my dentist recommended using a water flosser for better cleaning. However, another doctor at a different hospital advised against using a water flosser, stating that it cou...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: 1. A water flosser can assist in oral hygiene, but it cannot completely remove dental plaque from tooth surfaces or oral mucosa. The most effective methods remain the use of traditional toothbrushes and dental floss. Please follow the instructions provided when using the...[Read More] Water Flossers and Gum Disease: Expert Opinions and Treatment Options
Dealing with Tooth Loss: Dental Care and Insurance Support in Taiwan
Tooth loss The teeth were already unhealthy, and due to an accident at work, one of the teeth was struck. It did not fall out immediately but eventually did after some time. Now, there is only one tooth left in the lower jaw. What should I do about this? Is there any assistance a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Unhealthy teeth commonly include periodontal disease and dental caries, both of which are caused by oral bacterial infections compounded by inadequate oral hygiene over time, leading to these prevalent oral diseases. Additionally, if a tooth is accidentally struck, it may become ...[Read More] Dealing with Tooth Loss: Dental Care and Insurance Support in Taiwan
Understanding Dry Socket: Symptoms, Risks, and Post-Extraction Care
Dry socket I had my wisdom teeth removed a week ago, and my face is still a bit swollen with some bad taste in my mouth, but there is no severe pain. Could this possibly be dry socket? When I went to have my stitches removed yesterday, the doctor advised me to rinse my mouth with...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello Jane: Gently rinsing your mouth and keeping the area around the wound clean will help with healing and prevent secondary infections. It is advisable to seek prompt treatment to prevent the condition from worsening. Wishing you a speedy recovery. For inquiries, please call (...[Read More] Understanding Dry Socket: Symptoms, Risks, and Post-Extraction Care
Understanding Dental Implants: Key Considerations and Expert Advice
Dental implant Hello: Recently, I had my lower right second molar extracted due to periodontal disease, and the first molar had already been removed. Since I cannot have a dental bridge, I am considering dental implants. I would like to ask: Given that I still have periodontal is...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Is it possible to get dental implants if you have periodontal disease? It should be possible, but the prerequisite is that your periodontal disease must be treated and in a stable condition, without inflammation or infection, and you must maintain excellent oral hygiene, e...[Read More] Understanding Dental Implants: Key Considerations and Expert Advice
Why Are My Child's Teeth Stained Black? Causes and Solutions
Children's teeth are stained black and cannot be cleaned off, no matter how much they brush? Dear Doctor: My son is over 3 years old, but recently one of his teeth has developed a black discoloration on the surface, which has extended to the inner and outer sides of the uppe...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
1. This is a symptom of bottle feeding-related dental caries. It requires restorative treatment. 2. After the restorative treatment at the dental clinic, it is essential to brush the baby's teeth before bedtime. Additionally, it is best to replace the toothbrush with a new...[Read More] Why Are My Child's Teeth Stained Black? Causes and Solutions
Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Dental Health After Orthodontics
Regarding root canal treatment? My front tooth has a deep cavity, and after undergoing root canal treatment, the dentist said it was necessary to use braces to reposition the tooth root. Now that the braces have been removed and a temporary crown was being placed, the dentist acc...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Your cavity is too deep, and the treatment method used by the dentist is correct. If the post is removed during the procedure, it is important to check for any issues with retention; otherwise, there is a chance it may come out again in the future. After the post is remove...[Read More] Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Dental Health After Orthodontics
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 Root Canal Treatment and the Need for Crowns
Root canal treatment and orthodontic braces? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to consult with you regarding my dental situation. About a year ago, I underwent root canal treatment on my upper left incisor. Recently, I discovered ongoing infection at two different hospitals, which le...
Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
Dear Miss Shuli, 1. I apologize for not being able to clearly understand the cause of the crack from your description. 2. If the tooth has previously been filled and there is now black discoloration inside, it may indicate recurrent decay, which would require reopening and refil...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment and the Need for Crowns
Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gum swelling is unbearable? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from gum swelling for the past six months. She experiences sharp pain when her upper and lower teeth touch, and she has slight swelling in her cheeks. The middle and back parts of her tongue have lost their co...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The primary cause of gum swelling is inflammation resulting from infection of the periodontal tissues (including both soft and hard tissues), which can lead to bleeding. Since this affects the supporting structures of the teeth, the most immediate impact is weakened chewing abili...[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Root canal treatment Hello Doctor, Last Friday, I underwent root canal treatment, during which the dentist placed a pin-like object in my tooth. After the procedure, the doctor advised me to return in a week, but instead of using silver powder to seal it, he just made a tempora...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello, root canal treatment involves the complete debridement and shaping of inflamed or necrotic nerves (pulp), followed by thorough disinfection and filling the root canal with gutta-percha. The original access cavity must also be tightly sealed to prevent reinfection. Your den...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain and Recovery: What to Expect
Understanding Tooth Pulp Inflammation and Facial Swelling: Key Insights
Pulpitis. Blisters on the gums! After my dental appointment, I noticed swelling in my cheek! During my follow-up visit, the dentist said that the inflammation of the pulp in my front tooth is causing the swelling in my cheek. I need to undergo root canal treatment! The inflammati...
Dr. Chu Boqin Reply:
Hello Jie: You need to visit the emergency department for urgent root canal treatment, and if it's severe, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. Based on the X-ray, it has been determined that there is a bacterial infection causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. Curr...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pulp Inflammation and Facial Swelling: Key Insights
Exposed Mandible After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns for Cancer Patients
Exposed mandible Three weeks ago, I had my wisdom teeth and the teeth in front of them extracted. After the stitches were removed, I noticed some bone protrusion and experienced some pain. The dentist suggested smoothing the bone. I am a nasopharyngeal cancer patient, so I am con...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Nasopharyngeal cancer patients generally undergo radiation therapy, which can lead to necrosis of the blood vessels within the bones, resulting in poorer blood supply compared to the general population. Consequently, when extracting teeth, the wounds may heal more slowly, ...[Read More] Exposed Mandible After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns for Cancer Patients
Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Hard Lump and Infection Risks
Surgical wound after wisdom tooth extraction? I had a wisdom tooth extraction two months ago, and after the procedure, the surgeon placed two stitches on my cheek near the extraction site. Once the stitches came out, I noticed a horizontal hard lump on my cheek. Initially, I thou...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In general, after the extraction of wisdom teeth, sutures may be placed at the extraction site to aid in hemostasis, depending on the size of the wound and the difficulty of the extraction. These sutures are typically removed one week after the procedure. However, during the chew...[Read More] Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Hard Lump and Infection Risks
Root Canal Treatment and Anesthesia: Understanding Pain Management Issues
Root canal treatment and anesthesia? Hello Dr. Liu: Six months ago, I underwent root canal treatment on my upper right last molar due to decay, and I also had a crown placed afterward. However, six months later, I suddenly experienced pain when biting into food, and even drinking...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Root canal treatment involves the cleaning, disinfection, and complete sealing of the root canal system within the tooth. Due to the extreme complexity of the root canal system, especially during the process of tooth decay, the pulp can become stimulated and lead to the ac...[Read More] Root Canal Treatment and Anesthesia: Understanding Pain Management Issues
Understanding Oral Blood Blisters: Causes and When to See a Dentist
Oral blister formation? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an oral issue. For the past 1 to 2 years, I often develop blood blisters when eating, which appear like a bubble filled with blood, most commonly on my tongue. I frequently have to puncture them to relieve the di...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Oral mucosa often presents with vesicles, which may be caused by mechanical irritation, viral infections (such as herpes simplex virus), or autoimmune diseases manifesting symptoms in the oral mucosa. For instance, sharp edges of teeth or poorly fitting dentures can cause mechani...[Read More] Understanding Oral Blood Blisters: Causes and When to See a Dentist
Persistent Gum Inflammation and Pus: Seeking Solutions After Dental Surgery
Gingival redness and purulence? The five anterior lower teeth underwent alveolar repositioning surgery due to a car accident. After the surgery, the gums remained red as if they were still injured, but there was no pain. After four to five months, the gums began to ache and sligh...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Your teeth were injured in the car accident, and your gums are still purulent. There are two possible reasons: (1) The alveolar bone may have fractured during the accident, and if any fragments were not removed, it could lead to persistent infection. (2) The dental pulp ma...[Read More] Persistent Gum Inflammation and Pus: Seeking Solutions After Dental Surgery
Understanding Retained Tooth Roots: Implications for Dental Health
Dental root Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted, but due to the angle of the tooth roots being too close to the nerve, my dentist left the roots embedded in the gum. Will these roots continue to grow? Since they are located deep ...
Dr. Gao Zhijian Reply:
The tooth root will not continue to grow longer and will not cause cleaning difficulties in the future. In principle, if the wisdom tooth is clean and free of infection before extraction, leaving the root inside should not pose a problem. However, it is necessary to evaluate the ...[Read More] Understanding Retained Tooth Roots: Implications for Dental Health
How to Protect Yourself from Infections During Dental Visits
Will dental treatment transmit any infectious diseases? I have severe tooth decay because I have been avoiding the dentist, fearing that the doctor will need to extract my teeth. Recently, I've seen a lot of news about infectious diseases, which has made me even more anxious...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: During dental treatment, if disinfection is not thorough, there is a risk of transmitting Hepatitis B, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. Therefore, please seek treatment at medical facilities with complete sterilization, including high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization of ...[Read More] How to Protect Yourself from Infections During Dental Visits