Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Solutions for Ear Issues
Hearing a popping or crackling sound in the ear throughout the day? In February of this year, I started wearing foam earplugs every night for over a month due to noise sensitivity. One night, I forgot to wear them and heard a clicking sound (only in the right ear, on the side wit...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If it is confirmed that the issue is related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and malocclusion, it is recommended that you consult an oral surgeon at a medical center for a solution. Mild interventions may include joint irrigation, PRP injections, or Michigan occlusa...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Solutions for Ear Issues
Managing Persistent Headaches After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Know
Persistent migraine after extraction of the upper right wisdom tooth? I would like to ask about my experience after having my upper right wisdom tooth extracted on April 27. Everything was normal except for some mild discomfort at the extraction site. On April 29, I returned for ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Could the tension headache be due to the wound not being fully healed? Ans: It's possible. 2. Or could it be due to an infection? However, there are no other symptoms except for this headache... Ans: Infections typically present with other noticeable symptoms, incl...[Read More] Managing Persistent Headaches After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Know
Understanding Post-Extraction Headaches: Causes and Concerns
Migraine after tooth extraction? The upper right second molar, which I had root canal treatment on 20 years ago in Taiwan due to decay, had one root removed, leaving it with only two roots and a metal crown. A week ago, I experienced some dull pain, but in Belgium, appointments a...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, it is possible that your migraine was triggered by anxiety before and during the tooth extraction procedure. It is recommended that you consult your physician for muscle relaxants (if you are already taking Alzheimer's medication, these sh...[Read More] Understanding Post-Extraction Headaches: Causes and Concerns
Dealing with Pain from Lower Left Molars Scraping Tongue: Solutions and Insights
If the inner edge of the lower left molar is scraping against the base of the tongue and causing pain, what should be done? Hello Dr. Lin, I appreciate your help. I have been experiencing pain for the past two months due to the inner edges of my lower left first and second molars...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, the edges can become sharp due to wear from years of chewing. 2. Yes, cavities are multifactorial and are not caused "solely" by grinding teeth. 3. Physically, one can use an occlusal splint or a silicone night guard to prevent teeth grinding, while chemi...[Read More] Dealing with Pain from Lower Left Molars Scraping Tongue: Solutions and Insights
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Burning Sensation After Dental Work
Tooth sensitivity and burning sensation in the cheek after dental filling? Initially, I felt an unusual sensation around the gums of my lower front teeth, specifically 3 to 4 teeth. Biting into things would elicit a strange feeling that wasn't exactly painful but was bothers...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. After dental cleaning, if there was a significant buildup of tartar, the teeth may exhibit sensitivity symptoms once the cleaning is completed. 2. If sensitivity occurs after dental cleaning and subsequent filling of cavities, an X-ray should be taken to assess whether the ori...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Burning Sensation After Dental Work
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care: Managing Pain and Infection Risks
Post-operative issues after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, last Friday (Day 1) I had my impacted wisdom tooth extracted in the morning. Since the bleeding didn't seem excessive, the doctor did not place any stitches. The doctor prescribed a five-day course of Amoxicillin. A...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Daniel, Hello! If the wound is not sutured, the opening will be larger, and it is normal for blood clots to dislodge easily. Therefore, please pay attention to oral hygiene—brush your teeth normally but avoid brushing the wound. You can use mouthwash or saline solution....[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care: Managing Pain and Infection Risks
How to Properly Clean Your Occlusal Splint: Tips and Guidelines
Cleaning issues with occlusal splints? I have researched a lot and asked the doctor during my follow-up visit, but I'm still unclear about how to clean my occlusal splint. I now know that I shouldn't use toothpaste because it can wear down the splint. I need to use a so...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Li Qiuchiu: Theoretically, using denture cleaning tablets to soak dentures or occlusal splints daily can achieve a cleaning effect, but it may incur higher costs for the cleaning tablets. Therefore, if you regularly remove your dentures and occlusal splints after meals to c...[Read More] How to Properly Clean Your Occlusal Splint: Tips and Guidelines
Understanding Dental Equipment Sterilization: What Patients Need to Know
Instrument sterilization 1. Regarding the X-ray equipment commonly used at the dentist's office, such as the XCP ring, crocodile clips, and bite blocks: a. Are these three items disposable? b. If they are not disposable, what method is used for disinfection and steriliza...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Chih-Hung, 1. The plastic ring used in the X-ray is not disposable; however, it is sent for EO (ethylene oxide) sterilization after each patient's use. This is because plastic products are not resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. If the pl...[Read More] Understanding Dental Equipment Sterilization: What Patients Need to Know
Understanding Dental Issues: Genetics, Gum Recession, and Treatment Options
Dental issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask three questions. 1. Are there teeth that are more prone to cavities and others that are less so? Is there a genetic factor involved? My father has excellent teeth and has never had a cavity even in his 50s, while my mother is mor...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Ms. Chung, 1. If the teeth are well mineralized, they are less likely to develop cavities; however, this is contingent upon maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque accumulation on the tooth surface. Otherwise, even well-mineralized teeth can still develop cavities...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: Genetics, Gum Recession, and Treatment Options
Overcoming Speech Clarity Issues: When to See an Oral Surgeon
Dysarthria and speech impairment? Hello Doctor, I have a problem with unclear speech. I feel that I speak quite clearly, but others have difficulty understanding me. For example, when I pronounce the sound "sh," people hear it as "x," and when I say "zh,&...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: I still recommend that you first visit a medical center to seek advice from a speech therapist. While dental braces or surgical procedures can indeed change the alignment or appearance of your teeth, the fundamental aspect of speech is controlled by the brain, and improvem...[Read More] Overcoming Speech Clarity Issues: When to See an Oral Surgeon
Understanding Impacted Teeth: When to Seek Dental Treatment
Approximately 14 adult teeth have not been replaced? Hello, doctor. As mentioned in the subject, in addition to my original complete set of 28 teeth, I have many crooked teeth growing below the roots or deeper, with 14 of them palpable but completely encased in gum tissue. They a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. FENG: It is recommended to consult a dentist for a detailed dental examination, including X-rays to confirm whether there are any supernumerary or impacted teeth affecting the occlusion. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Impacted Teeth: When to Seek Dental Treatment
Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Causes of Pain and Treatment Options
How long are the teeth beneath the permanent teeth? Hello Dr. Huang, In 2013, I experienced pain in the upper right back tooth, and a CT scan confirmed the presence of a supernumerary tooth located beneath the second molar (this supernumerary tooth is not a wisdom tooth, as my ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, Hello! Pain is fundamentally the most important indicator and is subjective in nature. From a physician's perspective, a thorough examination is necessary, including visual inspection, percussion, electrical testing, X-rays, and other objective assessments. ...[Read More] Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Causes of Pain and Treatment Options
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Persistent Bleeding Issues
Bleeding from the extraction site of a horizontal wisdom tooth can occur two to three days after the stitches are removed? On May 7, I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted. It has been over a month since the stitches were removed, but the wound tends to bleed every three days...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Wendy, Hello! It has been a month since your wisdom tooth extraction, and you are still experiencing bleeding. I recommend that you go to the hospital for a thorough examination. Please maintain good oral hygiene! Take care of yourself! Wishing you all the best and a s...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Persistent Bleeding Issues
Bitter and Medicinal Taste After New Dental Crown: What to Do?
Saliva has a bitter or medicinal taste? Hello, Doctor. I recently had a new dental crown made, but during the later stages of wearing the temporary crown, I experienced an intermittent bitter and medicinal taste in my mouth. After trying on the new permanent crown (all-ceramic cr...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Temporary adhesives usually have an odor, and if there is leakage or food accumulation due to ill-fitting dental braces, it can indeed cause an unpleasant smell. 2. Ill-fitting braces are not recommended for permanent fixation. 3. The fit must be assessed by a dentist t...[Read More] Bitter and Medicinal Taste After New Dental Crown: What to Do?
Understanding 3D Dental Sculpting vs. Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
3D Dental Restoration and All-Ceramic Crowns After Root Canal Treatment Hello Dr. Huang, thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I have three main questions I would like to ask you: 1. After visiting the clinic for treatment of a cavity, I was infor...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Fan, Hello! After completing root canal treatment, it is necessary to place a crown to prevent fracture. On the other hand, a dental filling refers to a tooth that has not undergone root canal treatment but has extensive decay that makes it difficult to restore, thus re...[Read More] Understanding 3D Dental Sculpting vs. Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
Dealing with Dental Trauma: Can Your Front Tooth Heal After an Injury?
Incisal tooth injury Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident a while ago, and one of my upper front teeth is a bit loose and painful. I went to see a doctor the same day, and after an X-ray, the doctor advised me to monitor the situation. About a month later, the condition of the ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Chang: You were involved in a car accident that affected your upper front tooth, which was loose at the time. After a month, it feels more stable, but you are experiencing some weakness while eating. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up examination to check...[Read More] Dealing with Dental Trauma: Can Your Front Tooth Heal After an Injury?
Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth? Understanding Dental Concerns
Should wisdom teeth be extracted? Hello, Doctor. I've been quite troubled lately. Every day when I wake up, it feels like my upper and lower front teeth (the six in the front) are slightly protruding. Since my sophomore year in high school, it seems like my teeth have been g...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a clinic or hospital to get an X-ray to confirm the position of your wisdom teeth and to estimate whether they will erupt normally. If you are concerned about alignment issues that may require orthodontic treatment, most cases will suggest ...[Read More] Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth? Understanding Dental Concerns
Exploring Denture Options for Severe Tooth Loss and Budget Constraints
Denture issues Due to an accident in childhood, I have lost most of my upper teeth, leaving only two teeth on the upper right. On the lower jaw, I am missing the left first molar and the adjacent tooth, while the others are still present. However, I have severe periodontal diseas...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Erica, Hello! As mentioned, there are only two teeth left in the upper jaw, so only removable dentures can be made. Before making the dentures, periodontal disease must be properly treated in order to proceed with a dental bridge. Take care! Wishing you all the best and...[Read More] Exploring Denture Options for Severe Tooth Loss and Budget Constraints
Understanding Yellow Stains on Teeth: Causes, Treatment, and Health Impact
Teeth with yellow spots? Hello Dr. Lin, I visited the dentist today for a teeth cleaning. After returning home and checking my teeth in the mirror, I noticed some yellow spots on the last tooth (second molar) on both sides of my upper jaw. There are also some on my lower teeth, ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The yellow spots on your teeth could be due to various conditions such as dental calculus, food staining, enamel demineralization or hypoplasia, cavities, dental fluorosis, or tetracycline staining, among others. Each cause has a different treatment approach. It is advisab...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Stains on Teeth: Causes, Treatment, and Health Impact
How to Properly Clean Dentures: Expert Tips for Seniors
Cleaning issues with removable dentures? Grandpa has received full dentures. What should he do to clean them on a daily basis? I found some articles online suggesting using denture cleaning tablets to soak them, while others say soaking them in plain water is sufficient. Which me...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
When wearing complete dentures, they should be removed every night before sleep. Prepare a container with clean water to soak the dentures. If necessary, consider using denture cleaning tablets for soaking once a week. However, before re-inserting the dentures in the morning, rin...[Read More] How to Properly Clean Dentures: Expert Tips for Seniors