Do You Really Need Deep Cleaning? Understanding Dental Care Decisions
Deep cleaning dental procedure After my recent dental cleaning, the dentist suddenly informed me that I needed a deep cleaning, but did not use a periodontal probe to confirm this. I usually do not experience any tooth or gum pain, and the only issue is occasional gum bleeding wh...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, if you experience bleeding while brushing your teeth, it indicates that plaque or tartar is still attached to the neck of the teeth or the surface of the roots, and there may even be periodontal pockets forming. The calculus attached to the root surface must be thoroughly ...[Read More] Do You Really Need Deep Cleaning? Understanding Dental Care Decisions
Do Hard Foods Strengthen Teeth and Prevent Tooth Loss?
Does chewing hard foods help strengthen teeth? There is a common belief that chewing hard foods can help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth loss in older age. Is there any evidence to support this?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Exercising normal chewing function can help train the teeth, but it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene. For elderly individuals, as the periodontal tissues gradually degenerate, it is not recommended for them to consume overly hard foods. - Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Depa...[Read More] Do Hard Foods Strengthen Teeth and Prevent Tooth Loss?
Understanding Post-Extraction Healing: Cysts and Complications in Dental Surgery
Dental cyst surgery: Issues with wound healing after tooth extraction? Hello, the upper left fourth incisor underwent a microscopic root canal treatment, which resulted in the formation of an abscess. Subsequently, an apicoectomy was performed, but after the surgery, the sutures ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Hello, based on the current description you provided, we cannot accurately determine the status of the wound healing. We recommend that you continue to follow up with your physician for observation. The clinician will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on your medical histo...[Read More] Understanding Post-Extraction Healing: Cysts and Complications in Dental Surgery
Understanding Tooth Fractures: When to Consider Root Canals
Tooth fracture issues? Hello Doctor: On January 12, I lost four teeth due to a car accident. I have already undergone root canal treatment and am planning to get all-ceramic crowns. However, there is an adjacent tooth that, while not fractured, still has some sensitivity. It does...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The tooth is not fractured but feels a bit sensitive; this is generally due to inflammation of the periodontal ligament caused by compression. If the tooth is not mobile, maintaining good oral hygiene will allow it to gradually recover on its own. However, it is also possible tha...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Fractures: When to Consider Root Canals
How to Clean Cracks in Fixed Dentures Covered by Gums?
If there are cracks at the gum line of a fixed dental prosthesis, how should it be cleaned? Hello Doctor: My four front teeth are connected as a fixed bridge, and there is a small crack in the gum-covered area of the outermost tooth, which makes it easy for bacteria to accumulate...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you actively clean your teeth using a water flosser, and additionally, you should have X-rays taken at least every six months to check for any periodontal issues. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of H...[Read More] How to Clean Cracks in Fixed Dentures Covered by Gums?
Can Clear Retainers Close Gaps After Braces? Key Insights for Post-Treatment Care
Retainer issues 1. If you start wearing your clear retainer diligently from now on, it may help to close the small gap that has formed between your teeth, but the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual case and the extent of the gap. 2. Clear retainers can sometimes ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. In most cases, it is impossible. 2. It depends on the material of the wire. 3. Yes. Yes. 4. According to the literature, it should be at least two years. 5. No, Invisalign needs to be redone continuously and replaced with new aligners; however, retainers serve the funct...[Read More] Can Clear Retainers Close Gaps After Braces? Key Insights for Post-Treatment Care
Understanding Tooth Pain and Abscess: Causes and Treatment Options
Toothache with the presence of an abscess? Hello Doctor, (1) I had my second molar replanted last June, but recently a pus-filled bump has appeared near my cheek. I went to a major hospital for an examination, and the doctor there diagnosed it as a necrotic nerve. I completed t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello MOLO: 1. The presence of a pus-filled blister around the second molar indicates that the periodontal tissue is still in an inflammatory state, or that the replanted tooth's pulp has not yet undergone root canal treatment. If the blister persists, it is recommended to...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Abscess: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Biting Food After Root Canal Treatment: What to Know
Observation of the tooth undergoing root canal treatment? During the observation period of my root canal treatment, I accidentally bit down on bread a couple of times with the affected tooth. I have been very careful not to use the tooth that hasn't been covered with a crown...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Although the tooth undergoing root canal treatment does not have pulp nerves, it still has periodontal blood vessels and nerves. Therefore, if the affected tooth has cracks or other inflammatory infections, you may still experience sensation, so there is no need to worry t...[Read More] Concerns About Biting Food After Root Canal Treatment: What to Know
Tooth Loss Consequences: Should You Consider Dental Implants?
Tooth loss without replacement? Seven or eight years ago, I had a cavity in my lower left horizontal wisdom tooth, which led to the erosion of my lower left second molar, causing it to fracture. At that time, the dentist said that it was not possible to place a crown, so I left i...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. The upper left second molar is expected to grow downward, but the chance of it fully erupting is low unless there is a severe periodontal issue. 2. No, if there is already insufficient space, the approach is to first perform root canal treatment on the upper left second...[Read More] Tooth Loss Consequences: Should You Consider Dental Implants?
Understanding Dentures: Concerns About Payment and Treatment Options
Removable dentures Hello Doctor: My mother has periodontal disease and after treatment, she had several teeth extracted. Therefore, her previous removable dentures can no longer be used, and the dentist made a complete set of removable dentures for her. Since my mother has a cros...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Neil: The upper removable denture has caused the anterior teeth to protrude due to the bite relationship, possibly resulting in the incisal edges of the upper and lower teeth meeting. It may feel unfamiliar at first when biting down. It is recommended to have regular fol...[Read More] Understanding Dentures: Concerns About Payment and Treatment Options
Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and When to Extract Teeth
Gum swelling Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my tooth decay, which has progressed very deep, and now my gums are swollen. I have seen a dentist who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but the swelling did not go down. I went to the emergency department of a large ho...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Liang: Hello! I have two questions! 1. Is the cavity too deep, having eroded to the nerve, causing the nerve to become necrotic and infected, resulting in swelling? 2. Does this tooth have periodontal disease, leading to severe infection and swelling? Treatment is possib...[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and When to Extract Teeth
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect the Height or Alignment of Other Teeth?
Will extracting wisdom teeth affect other teeth? About a week ago, I had my horizontal wisdom tooth extracted at the clinic. During the extraction, the crown of my second molar came off and was kept by the doctor. After seven days, I had my stitches removed, and the crown was rea...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Chuang, Hello! It appears that the original dentures are about to fall out, and they have become ill-fitting just one week after placement, which is uncommon. There is slight movement of the teeth. Is there a possibility of periodontal disease? I plan to conduct a more ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect the Height or Alignment of Other Teeth?
Understanding TMJ Disorders: Treatment Options Before Orthodontics
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) Hello Doctor, I have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder with audible sounds, and I can only fit three fingers in my mouth. This has been an issue for over ten years, starting after a cold during college. I have a need for orth...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang, Hello! Essentially, any movement during an X-ray can affect the clarity of the image, which in turn can impact the diagnosis. It is important to ensure the stability of the temporomandibular joint before proceeding with any corrections. Wishing you all the best! ...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Treatment Options Before Orthodontics
Urgent Dental Issues: Understanding Gum Pain and Tooth Decay
Urgent - Gum Issues Hello, doctor. I have two cavities in the back of my upper teeth that are down to just a little bit left. My current symptoms are as follows: 1. The gums around the affected teeth are swollen and painful, and this has lasted for over two days. I feel like the ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Mei: 1. It may be due to severe cavities causing periodontal inflammation. 2. It is recommended to see a dentist immediately to prevent the residual root infection from progressing to cellulitis. 3. Extraction of the severely decayed tooth may be necessary to eliminate ...[Read More] Urgent Dental Issues: Understanding Gum Pain and Tooth Decay
Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures: A Patient's Dilemma
Dental issues consultation? Hello Doctor: Before I turned 20, I had my lower left molars (possibly wisdom teeth) extracted due to deep cavities. On the right side, I also had one upper and one lower molar extracted because the cavities were too deep to save. Around the age of 20,...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, Dr. Kuo Chao-Ju: To maintain periodontal health, the most important factors are patient and thorough brushing, as well as the use of interdental brushes or dental floss. If there are sensitivity issues with teeth that have exposed roots, it is advisable to return for an ev...[Read More] Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures: A Patient's Dilemma
Is It Normal for Dental Floss to Reach Deep into Gum Pockets?
Dental floss can be inserted deep into the gingival sulcus? Hello, Doctor. I just used dental floss while looking in the mirror and accidentally discovered that I can insert the floss quite deeply between my teeth (if viewed from the front, the gums form a flat U-shape, and the f...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsu: The ability to place dental floss deeper into the gingival sulcus may indicate the presence of periodontal pockets. It is recommended to consult a dentist for examination and necessary treatment. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Is It Normal for Dental Floss to Reach Deep into Gum Pockets?
Tooth Sensitivity: Why Brushing Causes Pain and What to Do
Toothache while brushing teeth? I have periodontal disease and have been using a whitening sensitivity toothpaste. However, after using it for a while, I suddenly experienced pain in my upper left tooth when it came into contact with the toothpaste. Rinsing my mouth alleviated th...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Miss Xiaoyue, Hello! There may be two possibilities: 1. The periodontal pockets have deepened, indicating a more severe dental condition. 2. The wear of the teeth has increased, meaning the damage is more pronounced. It is essential to consult a dentist for a proper dia...[Read More] Tooth Sensitivity: Why Brushing Causes Pain and What to Do
Dealing with Pain from Lower Dental Splint: What to Do Next?
Wearing an occlusal splint can cause pain in the lower anterior teeth? I have never worn an occlusal splint before because I had root canal treatment on my upper four front teeth twenty years ago and did not get fixed braces. Therefore, my dentist made the splint for my lower tee...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Miss Li Qiuchiu, The discomfort caused by the occlusal splint may be due to issues with the periodontal tissues or the nerves of the teeth themselves. It is recommended that you return for a detailed examination and treatment. Sincerely, Director Zeng Guanghui, Departm...[Read More] Dealing with Pain from Lower Dental Splint: What to Do Next?
Assessing Your Dental Health: A Guide for Patients Facing Challenges
How to assess the overall condition of the teeth? Hello Dr. Huang, I had orthodontic treatment when I was younger, but due to inadequate maintenance and various factors, my dentures have deteriorated, and my upper teeth can hardly occlude. Recently, I visited a hospital for a c...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Chuang, Hello! Welcome to our hospital. Based on your description, it may be severe periodontal disease. Please make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly! Take care! Wishing you peace and smooth recovery! Sincerely, Dr. Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry[Read More] Assessing Your Dental Health: A Guide for Patients Facing Challenges
Can You Correct Teeth with Periodontal Disease? Expert Insights
Periodontal disease correction Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask if it is possible to undergo orthodontic treatment with periodontal disease? If treatment is done first and then orthodontics is pursued later in life, will it have any impact as I age? Additionally, I have missi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Amber: (1) If periodontal disease is not treated, it is not suitable to undergo orthodontic treatment. After the treatment of periodontal disease is completed, the main issue for adults receiving orthodontic treatment is that they must wear retainers for an extended period ...[Read More] Can You Correct Teeth with Periodontal Disease? Expert Insights