Understanding Black Lines on Teeth and the Need for Root Canal Treatment
Black lines on teeth and root canal treatment? Dear Dr. Lin, About ten years ago, I had a large cavity filled between my upper left first and second premolars. At that time, the dentist mentioned that the cavity was quite deep and was unsure if it had reached the nerve. They sug...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. The dark line may be secondary caries or simply food staining, and it could also be necrotic dentin intentionally left during the initial treatment. 2. The source of infection for the abscess is mostly due to pulp necrosis, but it can also originate from bacteria in the...[Read More] Understanding Black Lines on Teeth and the Need for Root Canal Treatment
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Issues: Extraction, Pain, and Treatment Options
Periodontal disease issues? Hello, my wisdom tooth is growing in an improper position, and an X-ray has shown that there is already bone loss underneath, indicating periodontal disease. Does this mean that the tooth can be extracted? The gum around the wisdom tooth is constantly ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. If the physician treating you has already recommended extraction, based on what you have described, I also suggest that it is best to remove the wisdom teeth. 2. The pain in your shoulder may also be related to other issues; I recommend monitoring the pain after the wis...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Teeth Issues: Extraction, Pain, and Treatment Options
Understanding Periodontal Ligament Inflammation: Common Questions Answered
Periodontal ligament inflammation After reading the report on periodontal ligament inflammation, I have a few questions: 1. Is periodontal membrane inflammation the same as periodontal ligament inflammation? 2. If there is no mobility in the teeth, does that mean there is no pe...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Yao, Hello! Regarding periodontal ligament inflammation, it is mostly caused by external forces, such as trauma, leading to inflammation and swelling of the periodontal membrane. Occlusal forces (like bruxism) can also contribute to this condition. Adjusting the occlusi...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Ligament Inflammation: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and Concerns for Your Dental Health
Gum issues Hello, Doctor. Yesterday morning after brushing my teeth, I noticed that the gum between my upper right canine and the first molar has recessed. When I lick it, I can taste blood, but it doesn't hurt much. This morning, I observed that when I lift my lip, I can se...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The right lower gum is recessed, which may indicate gum recession. Although there is no pain currently, in the future, the teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold stimuli. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: Causes and Concerns for Your Dental Health
Should I Get an X-Ray for My Tooth Injury After Basketball?
Basketball was hit by a crutch? Today, while playing basketball, a classmate accidentally hit my teeth, causing pain but no fractures. I went to see a doctor who mentioned that there is inflammation in one area, but he did not take an X-ray. Should I go to another hospital to get...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, if your tooth has experienced external force and is not fractured but feels painful, it may be due to injury to the periodontal ligament. It is advisable to consult a dentist for an X-ray examination. Thank you.[Read More] Should I Get an X-Ray for My Tooth Injury After Basketball?
Can Loose Teeth from Periodontal Disease Be Saved with Surgery?
Tooth mobility caused by periodontal disease? If tooth mobility is caused by periodontal disease, can the tooth be saved by surgically opening the gums and thoroughly removing the calculus from the root? If this procedure is not performed, what will happen to the tooth? How long ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. So: After periodontal surgery, the infection in the teeth decreases, and the teeth will be more stable; however, it still depends on the extent of the damage! The wound will generally stabilize in about 2 weeks! Sometimes, teeth need to be stabilized to increase bite for...[Read More] Can Loose Teeth from Periodontal Disease Be Saved with Surgery?
Understanding Dental Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Dental cyst (abscess) Hello Doctor, I often develop a pus-filled bump on the gums of my lower left molar. Sometimes it appears after eating, and it usually resolves on its own after a day or two. I visited a clinic where the doctor confirmed the issue and took X-rays, but no abno...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh, the recurrent formation of pus-filled lesions on your gums may indicate that there is possible bone resorption around the teeth, and even the development of periodontal pockets. This can lead to the accumulation of oral bacteria within the pockets, causing an inf...[Read More] Understanding Dental Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tooth Mobility: Causes, Concerns, and Care
Loose teeth Hello, doctor! For the past two months, I've been feeling that my teeth are loose. Sometimes when I eat or press my lips together, my upper and lower incisors and canines feel like they are rocking back and forth when I touch them with my tongue, similar to the l...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Regardless of whether there are issues with the teeth, it is strongly advised not to bite hard objects with the front teeth. The primary function of the incisors is to cut food, not to grind it![Read More] Understanding Tooth Mobility: Causes, Concerns, and Care
Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gingival abscess Dear Dr. Tseng, A few days ago while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white pus-filled bump on the outer gum between my lower left wisdom tooth and the second molar a few hours after I carefully brushed those teeth. There is no pain when biting down, but pressing ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
A pus-filled abscess between the wisdom tooth and the second molar may be caused by a bacterial infection leading to gum swelling and inflammation. It is advisable to return to the clinic for further examination by a dentist. If the wisdom tooth is horizontally impacted, it is re...[Read More] Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Supernumerary Teeth and Staining: Dental Concerns Explained
Dental issues Hello, doctor! I have two questions to ask you. I previously had an X-ray taken, and there is a supernumerary tooth in the gum between my two upper front teeth. Although I have not experienced any discomfort or issues so far, I would like to know if I can continue t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. The presence of an impacted supernumerary tooth between the two incisors can affect the cleanliness between them, leading to a higher risk of periodontal disease or cavities due to the accumulation of bacteria or food debris over time. It is still recommended to extract the re...[Read More] Understanding Supernumerary Teeth and Staining: Dental Concerns Explained
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain: Is It Normal?
Wisdom tooth extraction site pain? It has been five days since I had my wisdom teeth removed, and I experience severe pain whenever food touches the wound (even if I'm not biting on that side). This includes eating porridge; as long as there is no food in my mouth, the inten...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Hello! Regarding the pain from your wisdom tooth, it is indeed quite special. It is very likely that the adjacent tooth (the second molar) has a large cavity or is suffering from severe periodontal disease. Please have your dentist conduct a further examination an...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain: Is It Normal?
Understanding Periodontal Disease Treatment Options and Concerns
Periodontal disease treatment I'm sorry to ask, but I would like to inquire about my situation. Previously, I had significant swelling in my lower gums, which led me to see a dentist. The doctor performed a gingival scaling procedure on my lower gums in early May. However, n...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Hello! Based on what you mentioned, the periodontal disease appears to be moderate to severe. A periodontal flap surgery is necessary, and the use of laser treatment will depend on the physician's preference. It is recommended to consult a periodontist for ma...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease Treatment Options and Concerns
Is Ongoing Gum Pain After Dental Anesthesia Normal?
Injection of anesthetic for gum pain? Hello Doctor: My mother received treatment for periodontal disease at a clinic a week ago, during which she was given anesthesia. It has been a week, and she reports that the gums at the injection site are still experiencing persistent pain. ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Periodontal treatment often involves root planing, so it is common for teeth and gums to experience short-term sensitivity and discomfort after the procedure. However, it is still recommended to return to the original clinic for follow-up care. Thank you![Read More] Is Ongoing Gum Pain After Dental Anesthesia Normal?
What Causes White Bumps on Gums and How to Treat Them?
The presence of numerous white pimples on the gums that spread and erode the gum tissue could be indicative of a condition known as oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Another possibility could be a type of periodontal disease or a specific oral infect...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lan, Hello! The most severe oral condition is oral cancer. However, the risk is significantly higher among those who consume betel nut, smoke, and drink alcohol. I recommend that you visit a medical center for evaluation. Take care and best wishes for your health! Sinc...[Read More] What Causes White Bumps on Gums and How to Treat Them?
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Oral Hygiene Tips
Periodontal disease-related issues? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I experienced swelling in the gums of my lower left tooth, along with biting pain and the development of an abscess. Due to the difficulty in making an appointment with the dentist, I delayed seeking treatment for some ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Hello! (Swelling of the lower left gum and pain upon biting) Based on your description, it appears to be quite severe periodontal disease! Thorough treatment is necessary, and cleaning is even more important! Bacteria are ubiquitous! You should brush your teeth af...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Oral Hygiene Tips
Understanding Cavities Between Teeth: Causes and Treatment Options
Interproximal caries Using dental floss picks can lead to cavities between teeth? Because I think I have one... Will treatment for cavities between teeth be very painful? 😅😅
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Ni, Hello! Dental floss picks are primarily used to clean between teeth, remove plaque, and help prevent cavities and periodontal disease! If a cavity between the teeth is too deep, it may be difficult to fill, and a root canal may be necessary, which requires anesthes...[Read More] Understanding Cavities Between Teeth: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Tooth Length Changes: Causes and Solutions
Teeth elongate as they grow downward? Hello doctor, I have noticed that my upper front teeth seem to have grown downwards. It feels like my teeth have become longer; when I smile, my teeth show more than before. They almost touch my lower lip, and I can also see a bit of gum. Add...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Hello! Based on what you described, there could be two possible conditions: 1. Periodontal disease, which can cause gum recession and expose the tooth roots, making the teeth feel longer. 2. You may have a deep bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not make con...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Length Changes: Causes and Solutions
How to Effectively Diagnose Gum Issues and Bone Changes?
Gum issues Hello Dr. Tseng, I previously inquired about a matter (#145959) and appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have another question I would like to ask you. How can I clearly check for any growths or lesions in the gums and alveolar bone? Can this be determined fr...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The gums around the upper left second molar are red, indicating gingival inflammation. If touched, it may be uncomfortable, and there is a sensation of significant discomfort in the periodontal area, suggesting that the inflammation has already affected the periodontal tissues. I...[Read More] How to Effectively Diagnose Gum Issues and Bone Changes?
Should You Replace Missing Second Molars? Key Considerations for Dental Health
Should the second molar with a unidirectional missing tooth be restored? The lower left wisdom tooth has already been extracted, and the second molar has been missing for a year; the upper left wisdom tooth has also been removed, and the second molar has just completed root canal...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Gigi, Hello! Regarding the missing second molar, should it be restored? In fact, before the development of dental implants, when a second molar was extracted, it was often not replaced with a prosthetic. Dental implants can maintain the integrity of the dental arch and ...[Read More] Should You Replace Missing Second Molars? Key Considerations for Dental Health
Is There Hope for Treating Severe Periodontal Disease in Diabetic Patients?
Is there still room for treatment in severe periodontal disease? Hello, my father is a patient with diabetes and kidney disease. His symptoms are not severe, but we want to prevent any deterioration. I read online that chronic inflammation from periodontal disease could exacerbat...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In such situations, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene for the remaining teeth, including correct brushing techniques and the use of dental floss. Regular dental cleanings should be scheduled every six months, and blood sugar control for diabetes should be managed ef...[Read More] Is There Hope for Treating Severe Periodontal Disease in Diabetic Patients?