Is Bridge Implantation a Viable Option for Multiple Missing Teeth?
Is "bridge-type dental implants" (implant + natural teeth for bridge construction) a viable option for patients with multiple missing teeth? I am missing two molars on the right side of my posterior teeth. Currently, I am relying on my wisdom tooth and the adjacent prem...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the treating physician has examined your oral condition and believes that using dental implants as abutments is not appropriate, it is advisable not to consider this option further. You should carefully use the currently well-functioning dental bridge for now, and if it...[Read More] Is Bridge Implantation a Viable Option for Multiple Missing Teeth?
Persistent Bad Breath: When It's Not Just Oral Hygiene Issues
There is bad breath, but it doesn't seem to be an oral issue? Hello, Doctor: I have had a problem with bad breath since my student days. In recent years, I have been very diligent about dental hygiene due to treatment for periodontal disease, and I have received recognition ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have been taking medications for chronic conditions for a long time, it is advisable to take out the medication leaflet and read it carefully, as many medications can cause taste abnormalities or lead to unusual odors as side effects. Additionally, you may consider ...[Read More] Persistent Bad Breath: When It's Not Just Oral Hygiene Issues
Concerns About Nerve Damage When Extracting Wisdom Teeth
There is a concern that extracting wisdom teeth may permanently damage the nerves? Hello Dr. Lin, I am 20 years old and recently had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted for orthodontic treatment (it had not yet erupted). Before the extraction, the doctor reviewed my full mouth X...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with the oral surgery department at a medical center to have your lower right wisdom tooth extracted. Once the extraction is completed and confirmed to be without complications, you can return to your original clinic for o...[Read More] Concerns About Nerve Damage When Extracting Wisdom Teeth
Understanding Oral Cavity Tumors: Insights on Upper Jaw Issues
Oral tumors, maxillary issues? The patient is inquiring about a swelling in the oral maxilla, described as follows: 1. On January 26, due to exhaustion, the patient fell asleep without brushing their teeth. In the middle of the night, they noticed a swelling in the right upper m...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: You have already been evaluated at a major hospital's oral surgery department, and a treatment plan and direction (observation or direct excision) have been established. If you still have concerns, you may seek a second opinion by consulting the oral surgery departmen...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cavity Tumors: Insights on Upper Jaw Issues
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental Cone Beam CT Scans
What could be the radiation dose from a dental computed tomography (CT) scan in my case? Hello Dr. Lin, I am currently evaluating orthodontic treatment (the doctor mentioned that it will involve imaging of the temporomandibular joint), but I need to undergo a dental cone beam com...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If there is a need to perform orthognathic surgery in conjunction with oral surgery, or to undergo a procedure that involves the advancement of the maxilla, a comprehensive computed tomography (CT) scan will be required. If there are significant concerns regarding radiatio...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental Cone Beam CT Scans
Post-Car Accident Dental Issues: TMJ Pain and Tooth Repair Options
Symptoms after a car accident? Hello, Doctor. 1. I would like to ask about the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue caused by a car accident. Sometimes when I open my mouth, I hear a clicking sound on the right side, and there is pain when I massage the area between my ear and t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the pain between the joint and the temple persists, it is recommended to consult a neurologist or an oral surgeon and undergo a CT scan for confirmation. If there are no abnormalities, it is advisable to relax. For the small fracture of the front tooth, it is suggested ...[Read More] Post-Car Accident Dental Issues: TMJ Pain and Tooth Repair Options
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: The Role of 3D Imaging in Nerve Safety
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Computed Tomography (CT) Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have a wisdom tooth that is growing at a significant angle (approximately 45 to 60 degrees towards the front teeth), and my doctor has recommended that I have it extracted. However, I have heard from people ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheng, 1. Conventional X-rays can only determine the distance between the wisdom teeth and the mandibular canal, but they cannot predict the buccolingual relationship between the wisdom teeth and the mandibular canal. A 3D computed tomography (CT) scan is necessary to a...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: The Role of 3D Imaging in Nerve Safety
Understanding Gum Pain After Dental Cleaning: Is It Normal?
Dental cleaning and gum recession? A few days ago, I went to the dentist due to tooth pain. The doctor informed me that I had gingivitis and performed a cleaning. After the cleaning, I noticed that my gums were quite sore, and they still hurt. Is this normal? How many days will i...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Sensitivity and discomfort after teeth cleaning usually resolve within a week. If it persists, it is advisable to return for an examination to check for any other irreversible issues. To assess changes in tooth length or gum recession, X-rays or intraoral photographs taken...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain After Dental Cleaning: Is It Normal?
Understanding Gum Issues: Red Spots and Bleeding While Brushing
Issues between the teeth and the gums? Hello, Doctor. Tonight while brushing my teeth, I noticed two spots that look a bit red between my teeth and gums, and there seems to be some bleeding, but I don't taste any blood. I would like to ask if this could be periodontal diseas...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Mei: Based on the description above, it seems more like chronic gingivitis, where brushing can easily cause bleeding, but there is no significant discomfort. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late, ensure proper oral hygiene, and have...[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: Red Spots and Bleeding While Brushing
Understanding Jaw Displacement: Causes and Treatment Options
Perceived jaw displacement? Hello Dr. Lin, my wife has recently been experiencing pain when she sleeps with her head tilted to the left, as she feels her jaw shifts to the left and causes pain that wakes her up. Could this indicate a problem with her temporomandibular joint (TMJ)...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to clarify the timing of the pain (how long has it been occurring? Is the pain constant or intermittent?), and the cause (have there been any accidents, falls, etc.? Or have you recently undergone dental treatment?). Is Zhongshan Hospital a dental facility?...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Displacement: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Wisdom Teeth: To Extract or Not to Extract?
Wisdom tooth issues? Hello, Doctor. I went for a dental cleaning the day before yesterday and had a full-mouth X-ray taken. The dentist said that there is decay below the junction of my lower left wisdom tooth and the adjacent molar, which I usually can't reach while brushin...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Considering your age, the healing of the extraction site may be more challenging, and since you do not have a strong desire to proceed with the extraction, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with the oral surgery department at a medical center. Please have the ph...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Teeth: To Extract or Not to Extract?
Understanding Tongue Blood Blisters: Causes and Treatment Options
Small blisters on the tongue? Hello, doctor. I woke up on January 1st and noticed a sore in my left oral cavity (which should heal in two to three days). However, I also developed a small blister near the left side of my tongue, close to my wisdom tooth. I found on Google that so...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Miss Huang Xiaoxin: There is a small blister on the left side of your tongue. If it does not heal on its own, it is recommended to consult a dentist or an otolaryngologist. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Blood Blisters: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Mouth Ulcers Heal with Oral Ointment? Dental Insights
The inner gums of the mouth are injured (the surface of the wound has a sharp object)? I visited a major hospital and saw a dentist who said that the bones on the inner sides of my jaw are more prominent. He advised me to apply an oral ointment. Will this condition improve?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: If the sharpness of the jawbone is causing the gums or mucosa in the upper jaw to easily tear, you can apply an oral paste. However, if the tearing occurs repeatedly, it is recommended to undergo jawbone contouring surgery to smooth out the sharp edges of the jawbo...[Read More] Can Mouth Ulcers Heal with Oral Ointment? Dental Insights
Impact of Severe Overbite on Oral Health and Lip Projection
Excessive maxillomandibular discrepancy? Hello, doctor. I have protruding upper teeth, and my maxilla is also longer, which causes my upper lip to protrude significantly. However, I don't have any other dental issues, my pronunciation is more standard than average, and my ch...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: "There are no other issues with the teeth, the pronunciation is even more standard than that of the average person, and the chewing function is not affected." If there are concerns about aesthetics, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist to assess the severit...[Read More] Impact of Severe Overbite on Oral Health and Lip Projection
Persistent White Mark on Gum After Injury: Is It Normal?
After the gums were cut by food at the lower inner area, there has been a persistent white mark? Hello, 11 days ago, I injured the lower part of my gum on the inside while eating a fried dough stick (I'm sorry, I don't know what that area is called). The injury is marke...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Guo: 1. The scar tissue that may be repaired will gradually return to normal in about 3 to 6 months. 2. It is recommended that if you suspect vitiligo, you should consult a dentist for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Persistent White Mark on Gum After Injury: Is It Normal?
Understanding Antibiotic Use After Dental Procedures: Key Questions Answered
Not completing the prescribed course of antibiotics? Hello Doctor, on January 9th, I visited the dentist due to swollen and painful gums, and I was diagnosed with gingivitis caused by an erupting wisdom tooth. The doctor asked the pharmacist to prescribe medication for me, but ne...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, Miss Kang: 1. General gum swelling and pain are caused by oral bacterial infections, so the prescribed antibiotics should be taken until completed. 2. Antibiotic resistance typically develops only with long-term use of antibiotics. 3. Taking antibiotics before wisdom toot...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Use After Dental Procedures: Key Questions Answered
Can Orthodontics Improve Sleep Apnea Caused by Narrow Oral Space?
Narrow oral cavity? Hello, doctor. I have sleep apnea, and the doctor mentioned that I have insufficient oral space. Could you please tell me if orthodontic treatment can help improve my sleep apnea?
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It may still be necessary to identify the actual causes of your sleep apnea. In addition to factors like mandibular retrognathia and tongue collapse, there are many potential causes. Relying solely on corrective measures may have limited effectiveness.[Read More] Can Orthodontics Improve Sleep Apnea Caused by Narrow Oral Space?
Understanding Prolonged Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions
I would like to inquire about tooth pain that has persisted for 2-3 months? I'm sorry to ask! Previously, I had a large cavity in my upper right tooth that took a long time to fill. After a while (and while I was still getting other teeth treated), I suddenly started experie...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If it is a systemic issue, it is advisable to consult a family medicine or general internal medicine specialist. Blood tests can be conducted to check for any immune-related problems or side effects from medications related to other systemic diseases. Additionally, you may...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Treatment Options
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold? Sudden pain near the front teeth when exposed to hot or cold stimuli can be concerning. I visited the first clinic, where they stated there were no cavities after a brief examination. However, an X-ray revealed inflammation at the root apex, and...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Q: Generally, sensitivity to hot and cold pain indicates inflammation of the dental nerve. If the symptoms of sensitivity to hot and cold do not improve, the inflammation of the dental nerve may progress to an irreversible stage. As the inflammation worsens, it can lead...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Discomfort and Foreign Body Sensation After Salivary Gland Cyst Removal
Post-operative foreign body sensation after salivary gland cyst surgery? On December 22, a report was made following a salivary gland cyst surgery: Oral cavity, gingiva, lower left, excision, (1) mucocele (2) chronic sialadenitis. At that time, the oral surgeon performed the exci...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Mei: It is likely scar tissue from the wound healing process after the excision. I recommend monitoring it. If the white, hard lump does not disappear after a few months, it is advisable to return for a check-up. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hosp...[Read More] Post-Surgery Discomfort and Foreign Body Sensation After Salivary Gland Cyst Removal