Dealing with Tooth Decay: When to Consider Extraction or Dentures
Cavity issues? Hello, doctor! A few years ago, I had a dentist remove half of the nerve from one of my upper teeth due to decay, so that tooth is only half remaining. In recent years, it has started to fracture and has developed decay issues. Recently, I noticed that tooth has tu...
Dr. Cui Chongji Reply:
This issue involves endodontics, dental preservation, and restorative dentistry. It requires X-ray evidence; therefore, it is recommended that the user visit a medical center to consult with an endodontist for an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Dealing with Tooth Decay: When to Consider Extraction or Dentures
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities? Understanding Tooth Decay Risks
Can braces cause cavities? Hello Doctor: My lower right last molar has undergone root canal treatment and has a crown. Five months ago, I noticed that the crown seemed to suddenly develop a cavity, which gradually got larger... Last week, I visited a small clinic, and they confir...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear online friend, Based on your description, it appears that you have undergone root canal treatment and received a porcelain crown, yet you are still experiencing cavities. It is indeed possible for teeth with crowns to develop caries. Common reasons for this include inadequ...[Read More] Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities? Understanding Tooth Decay Risks
Overcoming Fear of Pain When Facing Tooth Extraction
Fear of pain during tooth extraction? Hello, Dr. Tseng. My tooth decay is too severe and I need to have a tooth extraction, but I am very afraid of pain. What should I do?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: Before tooth extraction, local anesthesia is required to temporarily eliminate pain sensation, so the extraction process will not be uncomfortable. If there is fear of the injection, you may consider applying a topical anesthetic cream first to numb the surface mucosa, mak...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Pain When Facing Tooth Extraction
Can Regular Dental Care Prevent Tooth Loss in Old Age?
Tooth loss and dental prosthetics? Brushing your teeth twice a day and having regular dental check-ups every six months can significantly contribute to maintaining oral health as you age. However, it is important to note that while these practices can help prevent tooth decay and...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello, your habits are generally acceptable, but they reflect common misconceptions about dental hygiene. It is generally recommended to brush your teeth after every meal, and it is essential to use the correct brushing technique; otherwise, the effectiveness will be compromised....[Read More] Can Regular Dental Care Prevent Tooth Loss in Old Age?
Addressing Bottle Tooth Decay in Toddlers: Treatment Options Explained
Bottle tooth decay Hello, Dr. Chiu! My child is currently two and a half years old and has noticeable bottle caries on the four front teeth. Among them, the left and right teeth are almost completely decayed. Recently, I noticed dark spots indicating cavities in the gaps of the u...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello Ms. Ling: You can have dentures made, please visit the dental clinic for an examination. However, this part is out-of-pocket, as some of it is not covered by health insurance.[Read More] Addressing Bottle Tooth Decay in Toddlers: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Painless Cavities: Do They Exist and What to Expect?
Cavity issues Hello Dr. Chang: Greetings! I am Mingzhu from Kaohsiung City, and I would like to ask you a question. Is it possible for a healthy person to have cavities without feeling any pain, and without visible holes in the teeth? Does tooth decay affect the nerves? Will it...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear online user, in response to your question, here are the answers: (1) Not all cavities cause pain. If the cavity is superficial, it may not cause any pain or symptoms. Therefore, it is generally recommended to have regular dental check-ups to detect and treat issues early. (2...[Read More] Understanding Painless Cavities: Do They Exist and What to Expect?
Understanding Cavities: Should You Treat Hidden Tooth Decay Now?
Cavity issues If a full mouth X-ray shows a small dark shadow between the second molar and the first molar, the dentist mentioned it could be due to overlapping teeth or possibly a cavity. Since it's located in the interproximal space and is not visible externally, should it...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The panoramic X-ray shows a small dark shadow between the second molar and the first molar, which may be caused by overlapping teeth or could indicate a cavity. To confirm whether it is indeed a cavity, a smaller X-ray could be considered, as it would provide a clearer ...[Read More] Understanding Cavities: Should You Treat Hidden Tooth Decay Now?
How to Manage Cavities in Children Before Dental Treatment
Cavities Hello, doctor. I have a 6-year-old child with a cavity, and one of the molars has lost about 1/4 of its structure. Due to certain circumstances, we may need 1-2 months before we can go to the hospital for treatment. What methods can we use to slow down the progression of...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello Jon: To delay tooth decay, you can use toothpaste containing fluoride, minimize the intake of sweets and sugary drinks, and rinse your mouth or clean your teeth after each meal. However, it is crucial to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible to assess whether it is the ...[Read More] How to Manage Cavities in Children Before Dental Treatment
Understanding Tooth Decay: Is Root Canal Treatment Worth It?
Molar I have had my left second molar repaired multiple times. During my last visit to the dentist, the doctor warned me that the cavity was close to the nerve. Recently, I have started experiencing occasional sharp pain at night. When I returned to the previous clinic for treatm...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello: Root canal treatment for the second molar can be quite challenging, but it is not always necessary to go to a large hospital or use a microscope, unless you have other issues such as difficulty opening your mouth or other factors that may affect the treatment. I recommend ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: Is Root Canal Treatment Worth It?
Understanding Gum Pain: Is It a Sign of Nerve Damage or Periodontal Disease?
Gum pain Hello Dr. Yang, I have a question regarding my lower right second molar. It hurts when I lightly push on the gum, and it also hurts when I brush my teeth. There doesn't seem to be much swelling, and there isn't much bleeding either, but this has been going on...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: Tooth pain and gum pain are different. Tooth decay typically presents as a dull or sharp pain, while gum pain is characterized by a throbbing sensation. If blowing on the tooth causes sensitivity, it indicates that the tooth has a nerve, and a pulp vitality test can be use...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain: Is It a Sign of Nerve Damage or Periodontal Disease?
Managing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Kiwi's Dental Journey and Anesthesia Concerns
Toothache Little Kiwi is currently five years old and developed bottle rot due to sucking on a bottle while sleeping as a baby. As a result, the condition of his oral cavity is poor, with most of the upper teeth severely decayed, while the lower teeth are in better shape; however...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello, An Mommy: Based on the described situation, it seems that your child has some difficulties with dental cooperation. Generally, general anesthesia is required to address the issues. Moreover, general anesthesia can resolve all dental problems in one session, which is benefi...[Read More] Managing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Kiwi's Dental Journey and Anesthesia Concerns
Understanding Dental Issues in Children: When to Consider Root Canals and Crowns
Primary tooth issues A 4-year-old child experiencing recurrent gum abscesses does not necessarily mean that each occurrence requires a root canal treatment and the placement of a crown. The presence of an abscess could indicate an underlying dental issue, such as tooth decay or i...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: There are two types of abscesses. One is caused by the accumulation of residual materials in the periodontal area, leading to a bacterial infection that results in an abscess. The other occurs when nerve necrosis reaches the apex of the tooth, causing an abscess. If there ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues in Children: When to Consider Root Canals and Crowns
Dealing with Loose Teeth After a Jaw Injury: Recovery and Treatment Options
Tooth injury!! Hello Dr. Tseng: Recently, I was in a car accident and injured my jaw. Now, the four lower teeth are loose, and I cannot eat hard foods. Recently, when using dental floss, I noticed that the last tooth on the upper left side has a sensitivity and discomfort. Is thi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: Due to the car accident that impacted your chin, the four lower teeth are loose. You should seek immediate dental care to examine the loose teeth and check if the ja...[Read More] Dealing with Loose Teeth After a Jaw Injury: Recovery and Treatment Options
Addressing Tooth Decay in Young Children: Common Concerns and Solutions
What are the issues related to cavities in children? 1. Is there a regulation in the National Health Insurance that limits the number of teeth that can be treated to a maximum of two? 2. Since the fillings do not last long, should we continue to treat the cavities, or should we ...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
1. The number of dental fillings covered by health insurance varies by region. For example, in Taitung, a maximum of three teeth can be filled at one time. I'm not sure about other regions, but there are more factors to consider for children. Some children may have difficult...[Read More] Addressing Tooth Decay in Young Children: Common Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Decay: Treatment Duration and Expectations
The issue of dental caries? Hello, doctors! I would like to ask about a tooth that I previously had filled, which I recently discovered has a cavity. The cavity is located in the interproximal area between my upper canine and premolar, and the size is not large. I visited a diffe...
Dr. Gao Zhijian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the tooth requires root canal treatment. The number of treatment sessions is related to the condition of the tooth infection, so it is best to consult the attending physician. (Root canal treatment is commonly referred to as "nerve extractio...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: Treatment Duration and Expectations
Understanding Dental Implants: Common Concerns and Questions Answered
Dentures..? Hello Doctor: The second tooth from the back on the right side of my upper jaw (I’m not sure what it’s called... it should be a molar) was treated when I was in the second year of junior high school. It seemed to have severe decay, so the dentist performed a root cana...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
If Miss Linlin's tooth has already undergone nerve necrosis and has received root canal treatment, it is best to place a crown on it for protection to prevent fracture. If no further treatment is done, severe fractures may occur, potentially requiring extraction. Therefore, ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Implants: Common Concerns and Questions Answered
Understanding Tooth Decay and Gum Issues: What You Need to Know
Between the teeth and gums? Hello, doctor. I have been in the habit of getting my teeth cleaned and checked every six months for the past fifteen years. The dentists I saw in the last two years said my dental condition was very good, with some small cavities that didn't need...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Miss LuLu's mild dental demineralization can be reversed through improved oral hygiene practices. However, it is evident that your brushing technique may be incorrect and the tools you are using may not be appropriate, leading to cavities and wear at the cervical areas of th...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay and Gum Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Root Canal Pain: Myths and Facts About Dental Nerves
Questions about nerve extraction? Hello doctor, I came across some information stating that a certain doctor mentioned that the dental nerve is not dead; it does not just wait for bacteria to invade it. Instead, it will continuously retreat and form a self-protective membrane. Th...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Our body's tissues, including the dental pulp, have a certain level of resistance to external pathogens (immune system). In the case of dental pulp, when it is invaded by carious bacteria, it triggers an inflammatory response. Additionally, a layer of mineralized protective ...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Pain: Myths and Facts About Dental Nerves
Severe Bottle Tooth Decay in Children: Treatment Options and Concerns
Severe bottle tooth decay? My son is 3 years old and has severe bottle caries. All four of his front teeth are completely decayed, and one of them had a rotten root that was partially emerging from the gums, causing inflammation, and it has already been extracted. Recently, the u...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In general, if younger children have poor oral health, such as severe bottle caries that make restoration difficult and potentially lead to pulpitis, the treatment becomes more complex and requires more outpatient time. If the child is also uncooperative, it becomes challenging t...[Read More] Severe Bottle Tooth Decay in Children: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Cavities: Should You Treat Hidden Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay Hello Doctor: My teeth are very unhealthy, and I already have many dentures. I've noticed that among my healthy teeth, specifically my front teeth, there are about three or four that appear normal on the surface, but when I lift the gums, I can see that they are ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, cavities usually do not heal on their own; they tend to worsen over time, especially in areas where bacteria accumulate and are difficult to clean. Therefore, you should see a dentist immediately for an evaluation of how to address the situation. Do not delay any further![Read More] Understanding Cavities: Should You Treat Hidden Tooth Decay?