Understanding Wisdom Tooth Healing Time and Complications
The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction? Hello Doctor, I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on February 18 and had my stitches removed on February 25. However, I noticed that some of the sutures had come loose. At that time, the doctor told me that I could wait for t...
Dr. Lai Yishao Reply:
Generally, the extraction of wisdom teeth results in a larger wound, which is often sutured and requires removal of stitches one week later. During the healing process, the epithelium will regenerate first, while bone healing will continue. Although the extraction site may still ...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Healing Time and Complications
Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?
Can the timing of root canal treatment be postponed? Hello Dr. Liu, I am currently studying in the United States. A few days ago, during a dental check-up, I discovered that my lower canine tooth has a bacterial infection. The doctor used a cold cotton swab to test it, and I felt...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The "bacterial infection" you mentioned, is it indicated by the presence of a shadow at the apex of the tooth on the X-ray? If so, this typically suggests that the pulp (commonly referred to as the nerve) is necrotic and associated with a bacterial infection. The...[Read More] Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Stages, and Care Tips for Teens
Periodontal disease..? Doctor, I am 18 years old. I have noticed bleeding when brushing my teeth for some time now. I regularly get dental cleanings and check-ups. I asked my dentist why I experience bleeding, and he mentioned it might be due to improper brushing technique. Today...
Dr. Lai Yishao Reply:
Gingival bleeding is one of the symptoms of periodontal disease, and the focus of periodontal treatment remains on reducing infection, with the most important aspect being thorough dental cleaning. Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque, which continuo...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Stages, and Care Tips for Teens
Do You Really Need a Root Canal? Understanding Dental Pain and Treatment Options
Is root canal treatment absolutely necessary? Hello Dr. Lai, Recently, I had severe pain in my lower jaw due to a tooth issue, so I went to see a dentist. The dentist mentioned that I might need a root canal treatment, but suggested trying a filling first to see if that allevia...
Dr. Lai Yishao Reply:
After the removal of cavities and filling, reversible pulpitis should improve, although not all symptoms may disappear immediately; they will gradually get better. The depth of caries is sometimes not directly observable. If there is still sensitivity or pain after the filling, i...[Read More] Do You Really Need a Root Canal? Understanding Dental Pain and Treatment Options
Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and Treatment Options
Small blisters in the oral cavity? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I developed a small blister in the lower left area of my mouth. After brushing my teeth, it burst, and the next day, a similar one appeared in the same spot. The most concerning part is that today I noticed a bump a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
There are many causes for the formation of blisters on the oral mucosa, including viral infections of the oral mucosa or mucosal lesions caused by autoimmune system interference or dysfunction (such as pemphigus or pemphigoid), which can lead to small blisters in the mouth. When ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Tongue Coating Cause Bad Breath? Understanding Oral Health Issues
Can a coated tongue cause bad breath? Dear Dr. Tseng, Recently, I saw a television advertisement stating that tongue coating can affect oral taste and cause bad breath. I have been experiencing bad breath for over 20 years (since middle school, when others informed me about it)....
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The causes of halitosis can be divided into external and internal factors. External factors refer to poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria in the mouth to ferment food residues left in the oral cavity, producing volatile sulfur compounds that lead to a distinct odor. This incl...[Read More] Can Tongue Coating Cause Bad Breath? Understanding Oral Health Issues
Understanding Oral Wounds: Is That White Spot with a Black Dot Normal?
My question? A week ago, I developed a sore in the upper right part of my mouth. After a week of using medication, the wound is healing, but there is a white area in the center with a black dot. Is this normal? Additionally, I frequently get sores; is this also normal, or could i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If wounds frequently appear on the oral mucosa, it may be commonly referred to as "mouth sores," which are also known as recurrent aphthous ulcers. The frequency of these outbreaks varies from person to person, occurring every few weeks or months, and can affect any are...[Read More] Understanding Oral Wounds: Is That White Spot with a Black Dot Normal?
Understanding Dental Fistulas: Causes, Treatment, and Healing Insights
Dental fistula Hello, doctor. Recently, I developed a fistula after root canal treatment. There is a small hole in the gum near my left central incisor, and the doctor said that it is a fistula. The medication injected into the tooth root can come out of this hole. The doctor men...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, 1. If the fistula does not heal, bacteria can easily accumulate within it, increasing the risk of infection; therefore, it should be excised. 2. Fistula surgery is not very time-consuming; a general physician can typically complete it in about half an hour.[Read More] Understanding Dental Fistulas: Causes, Treatment, and Healing Insights
Understanding Tooth Pain and Its Connection to Headaches and Sinus Issues
Toothache causing temple pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I am experiencing the following symptoms: 1. My upper left second molar underwent root canal treatment three to four years ago, and in mid-August of this year, I started a retreatment (due to frequent floss snagging, an X-ray revea...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: It is normal to experience mild pain during root canal treatment, but if the pain persists for 1-2 months, you may consider consulting an endodontist. The apices of the maxillary premolars are often located close to the maxillary sinus, and infections in these teeth can ea...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Its Connection to Headaches and Sinus Issues
Peeling Skin Inside Mouth: Causes and Dental Concerns Explained
In the oral cavity, there is a layer of skin peeling on the right buccal mucosa? Dear Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask about an issue I'm experiencing. The right side of my oral cavity is shedding a layer of skin, almost as if it's peeling away, revealing a surface that ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The mucosa on the right side of the oral cavity may shed a layer, exposing the underlying red tissue. This could be due to a viral infection or an attack on the oral mucosa by an autoimmune disease. In the case of the former, the oral mucosa typically develops vesicles, which, wh...[Read More] Peeling Skin Inside Mouth: Causes and Dental Concerns Explained
Understanding Facial Swelling and Tooth Pain: When to Consider Extraction
Please ask your question? Hello Dr. Chen: I have never experienced tooth pain before, but recently I have had pain two or three times, and it has caused my face to swell. The first time it developed into cellulitis. I don't quite understand what this term means. Should this ...
Dr. Chen Yingfang Reply:
If facial redness, swelling, heat, and pain are caused by a dental infection, it may be acute cellulitis. It is advisable to consult a dentist before deciding whether to extract the tooth.[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling and Tooth Pain: When to Consider Extraction
Understanding Tooth Decay: When to Extract or Treat Your Cavity
Cavities in molars can lead to the growth of tissue? Hello Dr. Lai, I have a tooth with a large cavity. This tooth was filled by a dentist several years ago, but the filling later fell out for unknown reasons. I had the dentist refill it, but that filling also came out. Interesti...
Dr. Lai Yishao Reply:
There is a large cavity in the tooth with flesh growing in the middle and bleeding. It is suspected that the decay has penetrated deep into the tooth. It is advisable to visit a dentist for an examination. If the tooth structure is too damaged to be restored, it should be extract...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: When to Extract or Treat Your Cavity
Should You See a Dentist for a Tongue Injury?
Should I see a dentist if my tongue is cracked? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask about a cut on the left edge of my tongue. It hurts when I eat and swallow saliva. Should I see an ENT specialist or a dentist? I can confirm that there are no issues with my teeth. Thank you, Xi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Oral ulcers, commonly known as "mouth sores," can occur on any part of the oral mucosa, including the tongue. Their causes may include trauma (such as accidentally biting oneself), mechanical irritation (from sharp edges of teeth or ill-fitting dentures), and chemical i...[Read More] Should You See a Dentist for a Tongue Injury?
Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Abscess in the gums? Hello doctor, I have a small abscess in my gums and it is painful. What causes this abscess? If it becomes severe, what complications could arise? If it doesn't hurt anymore, is surgery still necessary? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In general, a small abscess in the gums is often caused by infection, most commonly of dental origin. However, other external mechanical or chemical irritants that damage the oral soft and hard tissues can also lead to gum abscesses. Dental infections can be categorized into thos...[Read More] Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Endo In the case where two teeth require root canal treatment and both are experiencing severe pain, a dentist can address both teeth in a single appointment, depending on the complexity of the cases and the dentist's judgment. However, it may also be advisable to treat them...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Root canal treatment is a meticulous and time-consuming procedure. If the dentist's schedule permits, it is possible to treat two teeth in one session. Typically, a one-week interval is advisable between two root canal treatments. The primary cause of alveolar bone re...[Read More] Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Effective Ways to Remove Betel Nut Stains from Teeth: Whitening Options Explained
Whitening How can betel nut stains on teeth be removed? Can they be eliminated just by professional dental cleaning? Will laser whitening performed by a general dentist harm the teeth, and what is the approximate cost?
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello, 1. General dental discoloration can be removed using whitening toothpaste or with the assistance of dental cosmetic materials. 2. The cost of dental cosmetic procedures can vary significantly due to the materials used and the techniques employed, which also affects thei...[Read More] Effective Ways to Remove Betel Nut Stains from Teeth: Whitening Options Explained
Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management
Gum surgery I recently had an X-ray and discovered a dark shadow approximately 0.8 cm in size above the gum line of my front tooth. The doctor mentioned that I would need surgical treatment or possibly the removal of the prosthetic tooth to undergo root canal therapy again. Howev...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: According to your statement, it appears that there is a bacterial infection in the root canal of the front tooth, with bacteria and their endotoxins leaking out of the apex of the root canal, causing inflammation and resorption of the alveolar bone. This can be detected as...[Read More] Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management
Understanding Dental Implants: Success Rates, Longevity, and Risks
Dental implant issues Hello Doctor: I have periodontal disease and had the last two teeth extracted from my upper right jaw. My wisdom tooth is also loose. The doctor suggested dental implants, but I have insufficient bone length and will need surgery to harvest bone from my jaw ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally speaking, if there are no specific contraindications for dental implants (such as severe diabetes, significant alveolar bone resorption, or coagulation disorders), the success rate of dental implants is over 90%. In Taiwan, dental implants have been performe...[Read More] Understanding Dental Implants: Success Rates, Longevity, and Risks
Understanding Dental Issues: What to Do When Symptoms Persist
Doctor, I need your help again? Doctor, I don't have any of the symptoms you mentioned. However, it seems like this has been present for several years. I noticed that it hasn't changed much since then. When I touch it, it feels like there are small lumps, and they are v...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the color of the oral mucosa is normal and the tongue moves freely, but there are bumpy (or circular, flat) structures felt on the posterior side of the tongue, another possibility could be the lingual tonsils. These are lymphoid tissues located beneath the mucosa at the back ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: What to Do When Symptoms Persist
Understanding Tongue Numbness: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Numbness of the tongue? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation on my tongue. Additionally, I have noticed some coating on my tongue, which may be due to my diet consisting of more spicy foods. I am wondering i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The tongue is an important organ for chewing, and under normal circumstances, its surface is covered with various taste buds that allow us to perceive different flavors such as sour, sweet, and bitter. However, if the normally rough surface of the tongue is frequently subjected t...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Numbness: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options