Understanding TMJ Disorders: Can Surgery Help Realign Your Jaw?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder) Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). I have been suffering from TMJ arthritis for over a year. Initially, I experienced occasional difficulty opening my mouth, but later I ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is recommended to consult an oral surgeon for further examination to confirm the necessity of the surgery, the potential therapeutic outcomes post-surgery, and to assess any possible complications. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Can Surgery Help Realign Your Jaw?
Uneven Gum Thickness: Should You Be Concerned?
Gum problems The doctor would like to ask about the gums on both sides of my lower jaw, which appear to have different thicknesses—one side is thicker while the other is thinner. I do not feel any particular sensation when touching them with my tongue or a cotton swab. Is there a...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Ian: Hello, it is advisable to get checked as it may be an issue of bone hypertrophy, which is mostly benign. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.[Read More] Uneven Gum Thickness: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Root canal treatment Hello, Doctor! I had a root canal treatment on my upper right second molar a year ago. Last Saturday, after doing a rapid test, I accidentally poked my right nostril, causing some bleeding. Initially, the tooth experienced occasional sharp pain, but after tak...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe for a few months. If the pain subsides, you may consider getting a dental crown for protection. If the X-ray examination reveals any issues, then consider whether to extract the tooth.[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Oral Ulcer Healing Time: What to Expect and When to Worry
Calculation of Healing Time for Oral Ulcers Hello, Doctor! Description of my condition: About 7 days ago, I started to have an ulcer on the inner side of my lower lip (I can't recall the exact date, but I remember it started small and then grew larger). Currently, it is al...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have already been examined by two physicians who both indicated that there are no issues, it is advisable to simply observe for now. Wound healing takes time and is related to individual circumstances (such as systemic diseases, nutrition, immunity, lifestyle, etc.)...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcer Healing Time: What to Expect and When to Worry
Understanding Lingual Nerve Damage After Dental Procedures
Lingual nerve injury Hello, doctor. My lower right molar (not the wisdom tooth) had a filling that cracked due to a previous cavity. I went in for a dental filling, and when the doctor administered the first injection of anesthesia, I felt some pain at first, but then suddenly my...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that during your next dental visit, you ask the dentist not to administer anesthesia. If the lingual nerve is not directly severed, it will eventually recover over time, so there is no need to worry excessively![Read More] Understanding Lingual Nerve Damage After Dental Procedures
Understanding Rough Tooth Surfaces: Causes and Solutions
Rough surface of the teeth? After brushing my teeth, they still feel rough to the tongue, similar to the sensation when I haven't brushed. When I gently scrape them with my fingernail, they feel uneven. Even under light, they don't reflect smoothly like other teeth. The...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is possible that dental calculus is trapped in the rough areas near the tooth roots. It is recommended to consult a dentist for a thorough examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Rough Tooth Surfaces: Causes and Solutions
Understanding White Coating on the Left Side of the Tongue
White patches on the left side of the tongue? It seems that since middle school, there has been a white coating on the left side of my tongue. I haven't paid much attention to it until recently when I noticed it again. I can brush it off with a toothbrush (it requires a bit ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is likely to be tongue coating, which is primarily formed by a film of epithelial cells from the tongue, food debris, and oral bacteria adhering to the rough surface of the tongue, gradually accumulating over time. It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene, drink plenty ...[Read More] Understanding White Coating on the Left Side of the Tongue
Understanding Hard Bumps on the Upper Jaw: When to Seek Dental Care
Maxillary granules Hello doctor, last week I noticed a small lump near the center of my upper jaw. It has the same color as the surrounding area, but it feels raised and hard. It doesn't hurt or itch, but I can feel it when my tongue touches it. After a week, it hasn't ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It may be a torus palatinus, which is a normal bony growth. However, it is still recommended to seek medical attention for a physician to confirm for peace of mind![Read More] Understanding Hard Bumps on the Upper Jaw: When to Seek Dental Care
Understanding Oral Mucosa Issues: Soft Lump and Painful Ulcers Explained
Oral mucosa I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have a soft lump on the mucous membrane of my left oral cavity. This soft lump has an ulcer, and it hurts when I touch it with my tongue. There is also redness and swelling around the lump, and it is painful when I apply oral o...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is possible that there is inflammation of the salivary glands within the left oral mucosa, leading to obstruction of saliva secretion. It is recommended to consult an oral surgeon for further examination. Director Tseng Guang-Hui, Nantou Hospital Dental Department.[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa Issues: Soft Lump and Painful Ulcers Explained
Understanding the Causes of a Black Spot on Your Taste Buds
A small black spot on the taste buds of the tongue? I would like to ask what could be the reason for a small area on the tip of the tongue's taste buds turning black? This condition has been present for two to three years, and the black area has not shown any significant sig...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to gently wipe with a gauze soaked in saline solution. If it still does not come off, a simple biopsy may be necessary to confirm whether there are any malignant changes for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of a Black Spot on Your Taste Buds
Understanding Indentations on the Tongue: When to Seek Dental Advice
There is a groove along the edge of the tongue? Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed a ring that was transparent, and when I woke up in the morning, it changed to just a ring that looked different from the surrounding area. I don't feel any discomfort or pain. Should I see a do...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is recommended to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for further examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui from Nantou Hospital's Dental Department.[Read More] Understanding Indentations on the Tongue: When to Seek Dental Advice
Managing Tooth Trauma: Relief for Tongue Pain from Chewed Tooth
Dental trauma Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, I bit into a bone while eating, and a small portion of the inner side of one of my molars was chipped off. Now, the chipped area is constantly rubbing against my tongue, causing pain (but the tooth itself does not hurt). What can I do ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a dentist to smooth out the sharp edges of the teeth and to address the wounds in the tongue area.[Read More] Managing Tooth Trauma: Relief for Tongue Pain from Chewed Tooth
Managing Tooth Injury: Relief for Tongue Pain from Chewed Tooth
Dental trauma Hello, doctor: A few days ago, I bit into a bone while eating, and a small portion of the inner side of one of my molars was chipped off. Now, the chipped area is constantly rubbing against my tongue, causing pain (but the tooth itself does not hurt). Is there any w...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a dentist to smooth out the sharp edges of the teeth and to address the wounds in the tongue area.[Read More] Managing Tooth Injury: Relief for Tongue Pain from Chewed Tooth
Understanding Amoxicillin: Is Bitter Taste a Side Effect?
Oral Amoxicillin I had my wisdom teeth removed the day before yesterday, and the doctor prescribed this antibiotic to be taken four times a day. However, today my tongue has started to feel bitter (I am not taking any other medications or supplements). I would like to know if thi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
After wisdom tooth extraction, antibiotics are prescribed. Although the medication may taste bitter, it is recommended to take it to prevent infection and inflammation at the extraction site. The main side effect of antibiotics is allergic reactions, such as itching of the skin. ...[Read More] Understanding Amoxicillin: Is Bitter Taste a Side Effect?
Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Pain and Healing Issues
Post-operative issues after wisdom tooth extraction? Hello, I recently had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted, which involved sutures and the application of collagen. It has been 20 days since the surgery, and I have been experiencing intermittent soreness in the left side of m...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Since there has been some grinding of the alveolar bone, it will take at least six months or more for a complete recovery to normal. There are no significant abnormalities in appearance or on X-rays, so it is recommended to observe patiently. Recovery takes time, and patie...[Read More] Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Pain and Healing Issues
Burned Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Tips
Burned tongue? A few days ago, I burned my tongue and it seems like a blister has formed. I even scraped it with my teeth, and now the area where the burn occurred is very painful, and even my left ear is hurting (it feels like it's inside the lower jaw). Please help me, doc...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to apply oral ointment to the wound on the tongue. If you have ear pain, it is advisable to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers first. If the symptoms do not improve after three days, it is best to see a doctor for further evaluation.[Read More] Burned Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Tips
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
Mild Sensitivity After Dental Filling: What Could Be the Cause?
The area where the dental filling was placed is slightly sensitive? I had a filling done on one of my upper right molars two years ago. Recently, I've experienced slight sensitivity when drinking cold beverages, but I don't feel anything when drinking hot tea or soup. I...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to take an X-ray for more accurate confirmation![Read More] Mild Sensitivity After Dental Filling: What Could Be the Cause?
Why Did My Dental Filling Fall Out After Treatment?
The filling material behind the front tooth has come off? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I bit down on a fork, which caused a crack in my tooth and a small surface chip. Yesterday, I went to the dentist, who repaired the surface chip for me. The top of that tooth has never been c...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Before dental fillings, some tooth structure is indeed ground down, and repeated fillings can be detrimental to tooth enamel. The areas between the teeth are less likely to become dislodged.[Read More] Why Did My Dental Filling Fall Out After Treatment?
Understanding Geographic Tongue: Long-Term Management and Treatment Options
Geographic tongue cannot be cured? Hello, I have seen doctors twice before, and they both said I have geographic tongue and advised me to take B vitamins. However, I haven't noticed any improvement, and my geographic tongue has persisted for several years without getting bet...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Geographic tongue is more closely related to the overall immune status. It is recommended to consult with a rheumatologist and have blood tests to check for other autoimmune diseases. If all results are normal, then one must accept geographic tongue as a condition.[Read More] Understanding Geographic Tongue: Long-Term Management and Treatment Options