Understanding Dark Shadows at Tooth Apex: Is Root Canal Necessary?
There is a shadow at the apex, but the tooth is still vital? Hello, I recently had a periapical X-ray taken of my teeth. The dentist mentioned that there is a shadow at the apex of my right incisor (which has no cavities and is not painful). It is suspected to be inflammation or ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a medical center for a cone beam CT scan of the maxilla. This will help confirm whether there is a pulp disease that requires root canal treatment. Additionally, if there is an apical cyst, it can be monitored over time to assess any improv...[Read More] Understanding Dark Shadows at Tooth Apex: Is Root Canal Necessary?
Hidden Dental Issues: X-Ray Reveals Cavities Without Symptoms
Teeth appear normal on the surface with no cavities, but X-rays reveal underlying issues? Hello Doctor, I have no discomfort in my teeth, but during a routine check-up and X-ray, it was discovered that my lower right first molar has a cavity-like space (not at the root) that rese...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to proceed cautiously (since there are currently no discomforts, after invasive or irreversible treatments, the subjective comparison before and after may be lacking, leading to overtreatment). 2. After excavation, consideration should be given to rest...[Read More] Hidden Dental Issues: X-Ray Reveals Cavities Without Symptoms
Understanding Loose Titanium Dental Crowns: Causes and Solutions
Loose titanium alloy crown? The tooth is not painful, but the dentist recommended root canal treatment. After the treatment, I was advised to get a dental crown. However, just one to two days after the crown was placed, I felt slight movement when eating, which makes me anxious a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Teeth may have discolored or the nerves may be necrotic, so even if there is no pain, root canal treatment is still recommended. After the root canal treatment, a crown should be placed. If you feel slight movement in the crown, you should return to the dentist to check if it is ...[Read More] Understanding Loose Titanium Dental Crowns: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Managing Tooth Breakage and Other Issues
Root canal treatment for fractured teeth and other dental issues? Hello, Doctor: My upper tooth next to the wisdom tooth had a root canal treatment (commonly known as nerve extraction) two years ago due to decay reaching the nerve. Not long after the root canal treatment, within ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Since the actual condition of the oral cavity has not been observed, it is recommended to follow the advice of the treating physician. If it has been indicated that filling the tooth is not possible, then crowns are not recommended. If it has been indicated that it will af...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Managing Tooth Breakage and Other Issues
Understanding Post-Extraction Pain: When to Seek Further Dental Care
Tooth extraction or pain that is not related to extraction? Hello, doctor. I had a tooth extraction about three weeks ago (lower left molar). One side of the tooth root was damaged, so the dentist decided to cut the tooth and only remove the damaged half, then sutured the wound. ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you are concerned about potential injuries to other areas, it is recommended to perform a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the head and neck. This will not only confirm the healing status of the tooth extraction site but also assess the condition of the teet...[Read More] Understanding Post-Extraction Pain: When to Seek Further Dental Care
Understanding Root Canal Treatment Wait Times and Dental Care Tips
Appointment time for root canal treatment? Hello Director Lin, I experienced a sudden toothache during the Spring Festival last week. After visiting the dental clinic this week, the dentist informed me that I need to undergo root canal treatment, but the earliest appointment ava...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Inflammation of the nerves inside the tooth can indeed be very painful; however, since it is confined to the hard tissues (tooth/alveolar bone), there is no need to worry excessively about it spreading throughout the body. Symptom relief can typically be managed with over-...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment Wait Times and Dental Care Tips
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
Dealing with Gum Recession: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Gum recession? I have been experiencing sensitivity in my teeth even when I'm not eating. Drinking cold water, beverages, or eating food causes pain. I consulted a dentist who suggested it might be due to gum recession, but it’s not severe. They mentioned it could be related...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity. In addition to applying fluoride and using fluoride toothpaste, it is advisable to avoid hot and cold foods or beverages. If persistent soreness and sensitivity occur, it is important to consult a dentist to evaluate the need for root ...[Read More] Dealing with Gum Recession: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
From Simple Filling to Root Canal: Understanding Dental Treatment Evolution
How a simple dental filling evolves into root canal treatment? Hello Doctor, I previously had some discomfort in my left back tooth after biting into something, but it was only mild pain that lasted briefly. During my dental visit, I asked the dentist to check it out, and he su...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If a cavity is reopened and filled again, and there is persistent sensitivity to hot and cold, it may indicate that the extent of the decay is significant and the filling material is close to the nerve. If sensitivity continues after a period of observation, root canal treatment ...[Read More] From Simple Filling to Root Canal: Understanding Dental Treatment Evolution
Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes and Diagnosis of Lower Left Molar Discomfort
Pain in the occlusion of the lower left molar? Dear Dr. Lin, About a year ago, I experienced a dull pain in the area of my lower left molars (the pain point is near the first or second molar, and I do not have wisdom teeth as they have been extracted). At that time, I visited a ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Because teeth have a three-dimensional structure and the orientation of microscopic cracks can vary greatly, both periapical and panoramic radiographs are flat images, so I cannot guarantee that there are no cracks. 2. In most cases, it should be possible, but it will l...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes and Diagnosis of Lower Left Molar Discomfort
Understanding Gum Pain After Dental Filling: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the gums around the central incisors? After getting a filling for a cavity in my front tooth, I initially didn't feel much discomfort. However, when the dentist tapped on the tooth with considerable force, I started to experience intermittent pain. Over the past few ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is possible that the original cavity was very deep and close to the dental pulp, so after the filling, the material is near the pulp, which may cause irritation or even inflammation of the dental nerve. It is recommended that if the pain persists, you should return to the dent...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain After Dental Filling: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the temples after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, doctor. A week ago, I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted. I have been taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain relievers on schedule. A few days ago, while the extraction site was still healing, I e...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the headache persists and is unbearable, it is recommended to go to a larger medical facility for a CT scan to assess the condition of the neurovascular structures. The area around the wisdom tooth extraction site usually involves some damage to the alveolar bone, and i...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Managing Bleeding Gums and Toothbrush Safety: Expert Dental Advice
Bleeding gums Hello, Doctor. It seems that I have a wisdom tooth at the back of my lower left side, and I don't know why food keeps getting stuck there. Whenever I try to push the food out with my tongue, it starts to bleed. This happens quite often. How should I handle this...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. If you frequently experience bleeding and pain, it indicates that inflammation is present. It is advisable to visit a medical facility to investigate the cause of the inflammation and receive appropriate treatment. 2. Yes, as long as it is not expired, it can still be u...[Read More] Managing Bleeding Gums and Toothbrush Safety: Expert Dental Advice
Understanding Flossing After Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know
Flossing after root canal treatment? The normal depth of the gingival sulcus ranges from 1 to 3 mm. When using dental floss, there may be a sensation of the gums blocking at the very back. I have a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and has a crown. Cleaning between th...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If dental floss can reach deep into the gingival sulcus, it indicates that there has been bone resorption around the teeth. Once the bone surrounding the teeth is resorbed, the bottom of the gums will also recede. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination to de...[Read More] Understanding Flossing After Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know
Persistent Pain in Lower Teeth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Lower tooth pain? I have pain in my lower teeth (from the front teeth to the back on the right side). I visited a dentist for the first time (at a clinic near my school), and the doctor said I had gum inflammation and performed a dental cleaning. On my second visit (to a clinic n...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is recommended that if dental issues are ruled out, one should consider whether there are problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), facial nerve, or trigeminal nerve. It may be advisable to consult an oral surgeon for further evaluation. Director Tseng Guang-Hui, Depart...[Read More] Persistent Pain in Lower Teeth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Oral blisters Hello, I would like to inquire about a white blister-like growth on the roof of my mouth. If it is ruptured, it becomes red and appears to bleed, and it is slightly painful. What could this condition be? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Generally, blisters on the oral mucosa are caused by repeated friction. Most of the time, they will rupture on their own, and the bleeding will stop and heal without intervention. However, if they occur repeatedly, it is advisable to consult a dentist to check for any sharp denta...[Read More] Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Root Canal Re-treatment: Pain, Cracks, and Recovery Time
Questions about retreatment of root canal? The presence of a gum abscess without tooth pain can be concerning. During the retreatment of a root canal, if a file is placed deeply and there is a sensation of pain similar to being pricked, this could indicate an unusual situation. T...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, discomfort during the treatment process does not necessarily indicate that the treatment will fail or that there will be a tooth fracture. It is advisable to relax and complete the treatment, then observe for about six months before discussing whether there is indeed a fra...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Re-treatment: Pain, Cracks, and Recovery Time
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Treatment: Causes and Solutions
I have a constant sensation of a tooth being present? Hello Doctor, I have a second lower molar on the right side that was filled when I was a child. About four years ago, I noticed a black line, but after several visits to the dentist, they all said it was fine. Last year, I sta...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, everything seems to be proceeding normally at the moment. The doctor is very attentive and has considered many issues. The rubber dam is indeed more likely to be used during root canal treatment. It is advisable to follow the doctor's current instructions. You may als...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Managing Gum Swelling and Ulcers During Orthodontic Treatment
Swelling and ulceration of the upper gums? Hello, doctor. I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, and I suddenly have swelling in my upper gums. (Is it common for gums to become weak during orthodontic treatment?) My gums have some ulcerations (there are a few small hole...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello, please use the oral ointment in moderation and do not apply too much! Additionally, pay attention to whether there are widespread blisters or ulcerations on the lips and hard palate, as this may indicate a possible herpes virus opportunistic infection (especially in cases ...[Read More] Managing Gum Swelling and Ulcers During Orthodontic Treatment
Why Food Gets Stuck After Root Canal and Crown Treatment
After root canal treatment, food particles are likely to get stuck between the teeth? Hello Doctor, I am a patient of #177426. I apologize for not explaining clearly at that time. Currently, the condition of my teeth is as follows: there is a wisdom tooth in the lower right that ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Because the crowns of the two molars are installed separately (at different times), there is a gap between the two crowns. However, if you maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent plaque accumulation in the interproximal area, inflammation and bleeding in that area should not occ...[Read More] Why Food Gets Stuck After Root Canal and Crown Treatment