Understanding Tooth Decay Risks After Ceramic Inlay Restoration
Diagnosing whether an inlay restoration has recurrent caries? Hello, Doctor. Around the end of April, I felt pain from my wisdom tooth and went to the first clinic to have it extracted. However, after reviewing the X-ray, the clinic determined that the second molar had a cavity, ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the clinic where the ceramic inlay was originally made for follow-up on that tooth. Having pre- and post-treatment X-rays as evidence provides a more objective basis and reduces the risk of unnecessary or excessive treatment.[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay Risks After Ceramic Inlay Restoration
Post-Dental Visit Concerns: Understanding Tooth Issues and Treatments
Questions After the Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Hello. Today I visited the dentist for a check-up and had two areas examined: the lower left first molar and the upper right first molar. The issue with the lower left first molar is that there is a small gap on the surface of the t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "Since it is not a cavity and there are no symptoms such as tooth pain or sensitivity," it is recommended to just observe. Dental insurance provides preventive care and disease treatment. 1. It is meaningless; adding materials may create occlusal interference, wh...[Read More] Post-Dental Visit Concerns: Understanding Tooth Issues and Treatments
Understanding Non-Vital Teeth: Causes and Symptoms of Dental Necrosis
Inquiry about the issue of unexplained necrotic teeth? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a tooth that experienced severe pain in 2019. Recently, both cold and electric pulp tests at the clinic and medical center indicated that the tooth is non-responsive. Lately, there has been sensitivity a...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If periapical periodontitis has already occurred, it is recommended to prioritize root canal treatment. If there is no improvement, consider combining it with periodontal surgery. There are many causes of pulp necrosis, including bacterial infection, but more commonly due ...[Read More] Understanding Non-Vital Teeth: Causes and Symptoms of Dental Necrosis
Common Post-Root Canal Questions: Crowns, Pain, and Treatment Options
Post-endodontic complications 1. Is it necessary to place a temporary crown after root canal treatment before fitting a permanent crown? 2. Can an impression be taken on the same day after the cavity is filled following the completion of root canal treatment? 3. After the dentist...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Miss Troubled by Teeth, 1. If there are no periodontal issues after root canal treatment, a permanent crown can be placed. However, if there are still periodontal problems, it may be advisable to first use a temporary crown to protect the tooth. 2. A permanent crown that is...[Read More] Common Post-Root Canal Questions: Crowns, Pain, and Treatment Options
Understanding Nerve Death After Dental Inlay: Causes and Patient Rights
Less than three years after getting an inlay, the nerve has died? Approximately in 2021, an inlay was placed, and there have been ongoing issues with sensitivity and an unpleasant odor from the tooth gap, but examinations indicated no problems. In May 2023, there was significant ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsiao Wei: 1. If the placement of the inlay is very close to the dental pulp, it may cause pulpitis and necrosis due to occlusal pressure or thermal stimuli. 2. It is recommended to undergo root canal treatment and to have a new crown fabricated to protect the tooth....[Read More] Understanding Nerve Death After Dental Inlay: Causes and Patient Rights
Sensitivity After Ceramic Inlay: Questions About Dental Care and Maintenance
After receiving a unilateral ceramic inlay (full coverage on a large molar) five months ago, I have recently started experiencing sensitivity to cold beverages? Hello, doctor. Earlier this year, I had a single ceramic inlay placed. Due to the extensive area of the silver filling,...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. The placement of an inlay (or crown) is considered complete, as these types of local restorations are rarely secured with temporary adhesives for observation. Therefore, if it has been confirmed that it was cemented after three months, it is regarded as the completion o...[Read More] Sensitivity After Ceramic Inlay: Questions About Dental Care and Maintenance
Understanding Dental Fillings: Materials, Options, and Expert Advice
Dental fillings, cavities, and filling materials? I have been searching for a long time and spent half a day trying to find information about dental filling materials. How can I find relevant information or contact organizations that specialize in this area? (It is difficult to a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. If the extent of the cavity is small, composite resin can be used for filling. If the cavity is larger, options to consider in sequence include inlays, porcelain veneers, and crowns. If the cavity is too extensive to be filled, a dental crown should be placed for protection. ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Fillings: Materials, Options, and Expert Advice
Dealing with Stuck Dental Floss: Tips for Tooth Pain and Care
Dental floss is stuck between the teeth and cannot be removed? Hello Dr. Lin, last month while flossing, I found that the dental floss gets stuck between my upper left second molar (which was filled with silver amalgam about five years ago) and I couldn't pull it out. After ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first take an X-ray to confirm if there are secondary caries or other ongoing cavities. During the process of removing the amalgam, the dentist should use a rubber dam and a more powerful suction device to remove the amalgam debris. If re-restoration i...[Read More] Dealing with Stuck Dental Floss: Tips for Tooth Pain and Care
How to Alleviate Food Trapping and Gum Recession in Molars
Food impaction between teeth? Dear Doctor: How can I improve the symptoms of food impaction and gingival papilla recession in my first and second molars? In the past, I had cavities in the spaces between my molars, and after treatment, I frequently experience food getting stuck i...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: A large gap at the tooth contact point can easily trap food, which is indeed uncomfortable. It is recommended to first consult a dentist for a refill (using materials such as amalgam or composite resin covered by health insurance). If the results are still not satisfactory...[Read More] How to Alleviate Food Trapping and Gum Recession in Molars
Can Lithium Disilicate Crowns Be Used for Molars? A Dental Inquiry
Regarding the materials used for inlays/onlays? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a root canal on my upper first premolar. The dentist informed me that there is still a good amount of tooth structure remaining, and I could consider an inlay or 3D dental sculpture instead of a crown. ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing excessive biting force or nighttime bruxism and wish to switch to zirconia material, please contact the clinic as soon as possible before the dentures are installed to express your desire to change the material. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department ...[Read More] Can Lithium Disilicate Crowns Be Used for Molars? A Dental Inquiry
Effective Solutions for Tooth Wear: Protecting Your Molars
Tooth wear Hello, doctor. My molars are worn down in the middle, and the outer edges are sharp. If I don't use sensitivity toothpaste, I feel uncomfortable, and biting down on hard food causes pain. I'm worried about further wear and the potential high costs involved. I...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have a habit of nighttime teeth grinding or clenching due to stress, it is recommended to start using an occlusal splint along with muscle relaxants to alleviate physiological tooth wear. If you frequently consume acidic foods or have gastroesophageal reflux, it is ...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Tooth Wear: Protecting Your Molars
Should Inlays or Onlays Replace Crowns for Root-Canaled Teeth?
The issue of inlays/onlays as alternatives to crowns? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a root canal-treated upper premolar. The dentist mentioned that there is still a significant amount of remaining tooth structure, so an inlay/onlay could be used instead of a crown. Another clinic also as...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The greatest advantage of inlays is that their margins are located above the gum line, making them easy to clean and clearly visible. However, the downside is that they require a high level of skill from the dentist or technician; if not done properly, they are prone to fa...[Read More] Should Inlays or Onlays Replace Crowns for Root-Canaled Teeth?
Addressing Uneven Dental Fillings in Upper Molars: Concerns and Solutions
Filling the interproximal space of a premolar? Hello Doctor, I have a cavity on the side of my upper left premolar, specifically in the interproximal area, which extends into the gum tissue above. The size of the cavity is classified as medium to large. After receiving a composit...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, I will answer your three questions as follows. Cavities below the gums are indeed quite challenging to fill with composite resin, as controlling the shape of the margins is particularly difficult (because resin is very moisture-sensitive before it hardens). Therefore, if...[Read More] Addressing Uneven Dental Fillings in Upper Molars: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Periodontal Treatment: Addressing Pain and Confusion After Dental Procedures
Periodontal disease treatment Hello, Dr. Tseng. I had an inlay/onlay/overlay placed a week ago, and during my follow-up visit today, I mentioned that the gums around my lower right first molar hurt when touched by my fingertip (accidentally while using dental floss). However, the...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The initial treatment for periodontal disease begins with X-ray examinations to assess the condition of the alveolar bone around the teeth. If periodontal disease or gingivitis is diagnosed, the first step is to perform scaling and provide oral hygiene education. After a period o...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Treatment: Addressing Pain and Confusion After Dental Procedures
Managing Post-Filling Bite Pain: Solutions and Insights
Post-operative occlusal pain after dental filling? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about solutions for occlusal pain after dental fillings. On January 18, I had a filling done for the last tooth on the lower left side after the filling material fell out. After the filling, I ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you experience "pain" after a dental filling, it may indicate that the dental pulp is injured. If the pain persists for more than a month, root canal treatment is one of the options to consider. If you feel "sensitivity" or "tingling," it c...[Read More] Managing Post-Filling Bite Pain: Solutions and Insights
Dealing with a Fallen Dental Filling: What to Do Next?
The dental filling came out because I used dental floss? Hello Doctor, Dental Condition: The tooth in question is the lower left first molar. This tooth had a filling done in 2016 due to a chip (natural fracture) between it and the second molar. The filling done in 2016 was a st...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Miss SHU: Hello! Actually, you take great care of your teeth! It's impressive that you were able to put the fallen resin back in! Basically, you should get it refilled as soon as possible; otherwise, the cavity will get bigger and affect the nerves. Take care! Wishing y...[Read More] Dealing with a Fallen Dental Filling: What to Do Next?
Uneven Dental Filling: Risks and Solutions for Your Oral Health
The filling is uneven? Hello, Doctor. Previously, I had a cavity on the proximal surface of my molar near the gum line, and after visiting the clinic for a filling, I still feel that the surface is uneven (with a sharp area located on the inner side of the tooth junction near the...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the tooth is not suitable for filling, it may indeed result in poor restoration after a hard filling. Repeated filling and reshaping may cause even greater damage to the tooth. It may be worth considering an inlay/onlay or even a crown to restore the tooth properly. I r...[Read More] Uneven Dental Filling: Risks and Solutions for Your Oral Health
Understanding Costs and Material Choices for Dental Crowns and Inlays
The cost issues related to inlays and crowns, as well as material selection? Hello, Doctor. About a month or two ago, the filling on my last lower right tooth fell out. After evaluation, the doctor determined that it was not suitable to refill, but there was no need for a root ca...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Anonymous Miss: Hello! Whether to perform a root canal treatment is determined by the physician, mainly due to symptoms such as pain when drinking hot water, sensitivity to touch, and continuous pain lasting over an hour. For the posterior teeth, you can choose a metal crown...[Read More] Understanding Costs and Material Choices for Dental Crowns and Inlays
Understanding Ceramic Inlays for Large Cavities: Cost and Options
Ceramic inlay Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about a large cavity in my lower right molar that is close to the nerve. The dentist at the clinic mentioned that I can temporarily avoid root canal treatment and suggested using a ceramic inlay for restoration, as resin might not ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have financial considerations, it is advisable to discuss with your treating physician whether it is possible to use resin for the restoration. Additionally, the price of ceramic inlays can vary depending on the material, and the price range you mentioned is indeed ...[Read More] Understanding Ceramic Inlays for Large Cavities: Cost and Options
Can Cavities Only Be Treated with Crowns? Exploring Dental Options
If a cavity cannot be treated with an inlay, is a crown the only option? Hello, I have a concern regarding my lower left molar. In September, I had a small cavity filled with resin on the inner side near the gum. However, a few days after the filling, I felt discomfort and inflam...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. The dark area needs to be evaluated for potential decay reaching the dental pulp or root, as the extent of the caries will influence the treatment plan options. 2. The choice between inlays or crowns should be based on the "material," "remaining tooth str...[Read More] Can Cavities Only Be Treated with Crowns? Exploring Dental Options