Is Your Tooth Dead? Understanding Signs of Tooth Decay and Damage
Is the tooth necrotic? A few days ago, I went to the dentist for an examination and filling. There are a total of three teeth that need treatment (a cavity on the surface of the upper left incisor, a cavity on the surface of the upper right canine, and possible decay inside the u...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Determining whether the dental pulp is necrotic cannot be based solely on color; it is recommended to also consider long-term X-rays and laboratory test data for a more accurate assessment![Read More] Is Your Tooth Dead? Understanding Signs of Tooth Decay and Damage
How Soon Can You Eat Normally After Teeth Cleaning?
Diet After Teeth Cleaning I would like to ask how long after a dental cleaning can I resume normal eating? I saw online that some people say it's okay to drink tea after 3 to 4 days, while others say it takes 1 to 2 weeks. I just want to know what is the typical recovery tim...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone teeth whitening, it is recommended to use a straw when consuming dark beverages such as tea and coffee. However, if you have only had a dental cleaning to remove tartar, there are no specific restrictions.[Read More] How Soon Can You Eat Normally After Teeth Cleaning?
Navigating Conflicting Dental Treatment Recommendations: What to Do?
What should I do when there are different treatment recommendations? Hello. In mid-November, I felt discomfort around the root of my first premolar and went to Clinic A for an examination. The dentist performed a teeth cleaning (during the process, the dentist mentioned that my b...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: According to what you mentioned, Clinic A did not provide you with a follow-up treatment plan. Clinic B suggested that you undergo further periodontal treatment. The attending physician at Hospital C stated that you can choose to proceed or not. In other words, it is optio...[Read More] Navigating Conflicting Dental Treatment Recommendations: What to Do?
Understanding Post-Root Canal Sensations: Is It Normal?
Root canal treated tooth It has been over a week since the root canal filling, and the area below the root canal tooth should be the alveolar bone or just beneath it. If I apply pressure while using skincare products on my chin, I notice that the tooth that underwent root canal t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Since the treatment was completed only about a week ago, it is not possible to determine success or failure based on subjective feelings. It is recommended to have follow-up visits once a month and to take X-rays. A definitive conclusion regarding the need for re-treatment...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Sensations: Is It Normal?
Is It Difficult to Remove an Old Dental Bridge? Expert Insights
Is it difficult to remove an old dental bridge? Hello Doctor: Due to my age, the supporting teeth of the dental bridge I had installed previously have experienced gum recession, exposing the roots and causing them to decay, resulting in looseness. The doctor has determined that e...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It may be considered to cut the dental bridge between the two supporting teeth, removing the non-salvageable supporting tooth along with the severed portion of the bridge, while preserving the remaining salvageable supporting tooth. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, N...[Read More] Is It Difficult to Remove an Old Dental Bridge? Expert Insights
Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Dental Resin Fillings
Maintenance of Dental Composite Restorations Thank you for your response, doctor. I would like to ask how to carefully use resin dental fillings. What daily maintenance, cleaning, and care can I do to prevent discoloration of the resin filling? The area I had filled is on my fron...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have concerns about resin, you may consider using more permanent restorations, including ceramic veneers or all-ceramic crowns, among others. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to dietary habits, chew slowly and thoroughly, and be aware of any advers...[Read More] Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Dental Resin Fillings
Should I Extract My Impacted Tooth? Risks and Considerations
Dental issues Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have a tooth that has grown behind my normal teeth. I'm not sure if it has grown there because of a lack of space or if it was supposed to be in the normal alignment but ended up behind due to the small gap (this is what the ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If there are areas that are difficult to clean, which can trap food debris, it is advisable to consider the extraction of impacted teeth. However, the specific situation should be assessed by the treating dentist.[Read More] Should I Extract My Impacted Tooth? Risks and Considerations
Understanding Ameloblastoma: Disability Assessment and Tumor Classification
Ameloblastoma and issues related to the assessment of physical and mental disabilities? I was diagnosed with an odontogenic ameloblastoma of the mandible last year. After surgery, I had my mandible and all of my lower teeth removed. I would like to know if this qualifies as a dis...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. Ameloblastoma is a tumor that lies between benign and malignant, showing no malignant changes in tissue sections, but it has a tendency to spread and invade surrounding tissues, with a high rate of recurrence. It is recommended that after surgical resection, regular follow-up ...[Read More] Understanding Ameloblastoma: Disability Assessment and Tumor Classification
Can X-rays Reveal Past Root Canal Treatments in Dental Care?
Can root canal treatment be seen on X-rays? Hello, Director Lin. About 18 years ago, I was hit in the mouth by the metal edge of a badminton racket while playing badminton, which severely injured my two upper front teeth (tooth numbers 11 and 21). One of them was treated with roo...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, an X-ray can reveal whether a root canal treatment has been performed. 2. It is advisable to let the examining dentist make the decision, taking into account factors such as occlusion, nerve vitality, anterior aesthetics, and gum health, among others![Read More] Can X-rays Reveal Past Root Canal Treatments in Dental Care?
Do You Need Treatment for Nighttime Teeth Grinding?
Is special treatment needed for frequent nighttime teeth grinding? Hello, doctor. I have had a habit of teeth grinding since childhood, but it hasn't caused any oral issues, and my joints are normal. My regular dentist doesn't believe my grinding habit has caused any pr...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first try wearing a soft dental guard to prevent damage to the tooth structure caused by grinding, and it can also reduce the noise during bruxism. Additionally, you may consider taking some muscle relaxants to alleviate the symptoms of teeth grinding....[Read More] Do You Need Treatment for Nighttime Teeth Grinding?
Understanding Jaw Clicking and Tension: When to Seek Dental Care
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is experiencing sounds and tension? Hello Dr. Lin, I have recently been practicing using dental floss and have been using it three times a day, but I'm not doing it well. I keep opening my mouth forcefully, and I've been experiencing in...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the oral surgery department of a hospital as soon as possible. There are many ways to alleviate symptoms, including occlusal splints, muscle relaxants, infrared heat therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, or Botox injections, among other...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Clicking and Tension: When to Seek Dental Care
Persistent Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do Next?
Persistent discomfort one year after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, Doctor. I had my lower left and right wisdom teeth extracted in April 2021 at different clinics, and both procedures involved incisions. I returned to a nearby dental clinic for follow-up, and both sites were co...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult an oral surgeon. Additionally, it is important to fully inform the treating physician about any systemic diseases and any long-term medications being taken. If the X-ray appears normal and there are no abnormalities, it may be necessary to inve...[Read More] Persistent Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do Next?
Understanding and Treating Hairy Tongue: Causes and Solutions
Tongue issues? I noticed a long time ago that the back of my tongue is white. At first, I thought it was just tongue coating, and I have a habit of brushing my tongue regularly. However, I found that it doesn't come off, and upon closer inspection, I realized it is covered w...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo a biopsy at the hospital to confirm whether there are any other lesions. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding and Treating Hairy Tongue: Causes and Solutions
How to Remove Black Lines from Porcelain Crowns: Cost and Solutions
The all-ceramic crown has a black line? Four years ago, I had a full porcelain crown placed on my front tooth. A year later, a black line appeared on the crown, and in recent years, many people have asked me if there is something stuck in my teeth, which has been quite bothersome...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the original clinic first to see if there is a way to repair it; otherwise, the entire tooth may need to be replaced! Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] How to Remove Black Lines from Porcelain Crowns: Cost and Solutions
How to Discuss Cosmetic Solutions for Dark Front Tooth Cavities with Your Dentist
The front tooth cavity appears black? Several years ago, I had cavities in my front teeth, and they don't look good; no matter how they are filled, they always appear dark. I would like to ask how I can communicate with my dentist to address the aesthetic issues. I have felt...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you wish to restore aesthetics using veneers or all-ceramic crowns, it is necessary to first have a dentist assess the condition of the pulp and periodontal health! If you want to straighten your teeth with orthodontics, an evaluation of the alveolar bone to calculate s...[Read More] How to Discuss Cosmetic Solutions for Dark Front Tooth Cavities with Your Dentist
Understanding Tooth Decay: Insights on Root Canal Treatment for Molars
Cavity in the upper left third molar? Hello, Doctor: I regularly visit the dentist for cleanings and have had issues with cavities for many years, with the upper left third molar being the most severe. Last year, the dentist suggested a root canal, but I refused because I have ne...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the third molar has extensive decay, and there was a previous filling that has chipped off slightly, resulting in occasional sensitivity or pain, it is advisable to consult a dentist for an examination. An X-ray can be taken to assess the depth of the decay and determine wheth...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: Insights on Root Canal Treatment for Molars
Concerns About Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Risks, Costs, and Anesthesia Options
The lower right wisdom tooth appears to have a cavity, and it has not fully erupted yet. I also have questions regarding general anesthesia for tooth extraction and related concerns? Excuse me, doctor. My wisdom teeth have mostly come in. Previously, I observed that my lower righ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, you have a strong fear of dental visits. I strongly recommend that you go to the oral surgery department of a medical center for tooth extraction under general anesthesia, and express your desire to be hospitalized for observation post-surgery....[Read More] Concerns About Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Risks, Costs, and Anesthesia Options
White Spot on Gums Above Front Tooth: Causes and Solutions
White spots appearing on the gums above the front teeth? In January, I visited the dentist to have a resin filling for the gap in my front tooth. The dentist may have done a very tight job, as I felt a sense of tension in my tooth after the procedure, which I thought was just a m...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a larger medical facility to have a biopsy performed to remove the white spots on the gums and send the tissue for examination to check for oral cancer or other infections/lesions. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospi...[Read More] White Spot on Gums Above Front Tooth: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Root Resorption: Risks and Treatment Options for Your Teeth
Root resorption Hello, doctor. My tooth previously had a hyperplastic tooth in the gum, which caused the root to be resorbed and become quite short. The tooth also slightly wobbles when pushed, but it doesn't affect its function at the moment. I would like to ask what risks ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If root resorption is confirmed and the tooth is already mobile, it is likely that 90% of the time it will need to be extracted. It is recommended to continue monitoring the situation, and after the tooth is extracted, we can consider whether to replace it with an extra to...[Read More] Understanding Root Resorption: Risks and Treatment Options for Your Teeth
Understanding Cavities, Gum Recession, and Fluoride Treatment Options
Tooth decay, gum recession, and fluoride application? Hello, I am currently in my twenties. A few months ago, I had my semi-annual dental check-up and cleaning. A few days after the appointment, I noticed that the second tooth from the canine on the upper row, near the gum line, ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, I also believe that the best treatment option at this time should be the application of high-concentration fluoride, which not only helps in caries prevention but also provides sensitivity relief. Given your age, you may consider visiting a lar...[Read More] Understanding Cavities, Gum Recession, and Fluoride Treatment Options