Can X-rays Reveal Past Root Canal Treatments in Dental Care?
Can root canal treatment be seen on X-rays? Hello, Director Lin. About 18 years ago, I was hit in the mouth by the metal edge of a badminton racket while playing badminton, which severely injured my two upper front teeth (tooth numbers 11 and 21). One of them was treated with roo...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, an X-ray can reveal whether a root canal treatment has been performed. 2. It is advisable to let the examining dentist make the decision, taking into account factors such as occlusion, nerve vitality, anterior aesthetics, and gum health, among others![Read More] Can X-rays Reveal Past Root Canal Treatments in Dental Care?
Understanding Dental Stains: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Follow-up Inquiry #185329 Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your response and guidance in the inquiry consultation #185329. I have greatly benefited from it. I would like to ask you the following questions: Q1. Regarding your reply: "The new and old fillings cannot com...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
1. In theory, it is feasible, but in practice, if the grinding exceeds a depth of 1mm, it is impossible to maintain the integrity of the surface with polishing alone. Therefore, it is essential to confirm that the depth of the black line is within 1mm. However, clinically, it is ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Stains: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Dental Concerns: Black Lines and Tooth Discoloration Explained
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Hello. I have a concern regarding my upper left second molar. There is a "U-shaped" black line on the outer side, and when I touch it, it feels like a depression, resembling a seam. Additionally, the tooth underneath the black line ap...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Old and new fillings cannot achieve a complete seal, so if removal and replacement are necessary, it is generally recommended to remove all of the old filling material. Otherwise, the junction between the old and new materials may still become discolored or darken. 2. I...[Read More] Understanding Dental Concerns: Black Lines and Tooth Discoloration Explained
Is There Cavities Under Your Dental Filling? What You Need to Know
Is there decay under the filling? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the grayish appearance seen under a filling from years ago could indicate tooth decay? If there is only a small amount of decay, can it be detected on an X-ray? Additionally, if there is leakage around a fill...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: A re-fill usually requires the complete removal of the old filling material before placing new dental material. Otherwise, effective bonding between the old and new materials cannot be achieved, which may lead to failure! It is essential to have a dentist conduct an actual...[Read More] Is There Cavities Under Your Dental Filling? What You Need to Know
Is It Necessary to Redo Incomplete Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal filling from a previous root canal treatment is incomplete? Hello, I recently had a dental filling for a cavity at a clinic, where a full-mouth X-ray was taken. The dentist noticed something unusual with my front teeth and took an additional X-ray specifically of t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: 1. If you are concerned about the possibility of incomplete filling of the root canal leading to a root canal infection in the future, you may consider retreatment of the root canal. 2. The root canals of the anterior teeth generally have clear visibility, and it is not al...[Read More] Is It Necessary to Redo Incomplete Root Canal Treatment?
Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
The right incisor and the gums were impacted, causing slight displacement of the incisor? Last week, I was hit by a can, which caused immediate bleeding, and the edge of the can was dented. I disinfected the wound right away. Later, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed that my ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. You can initially stabilize the displaced tooth with a wire, and X-rays can be taken to confirm if there are any fractures or other conditions. Timely treatment is essential; do not delay care out of fear of inconvenien...[Read More] Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
The right incisor and the gums were impacted, causing slight displacement of the incisor? Last week, I was hit by a can, which caused a bleeding injury. The top edge of the can was also dented. I immediately disinfected the wound. Later, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed tha...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. You can initially stabilize the displaced tooth with a wire, and an X-ray can be taken to confirm if there are any fractures or other conditions. Timely treatment is essential; do not delay care out of fear of inconveni...[Read More] Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
The right incisor and the gums were impacted, causing slight displacement of the incisor? Last week, I was hit by a can, which caused immediate bleeding, and the top edge of the can was also dented. The wound was disinfected right away. Later, when I looked in the mirror, I notic...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. You can temporarily stabilize the displaced tooth with a wire, and X-rays can be taken to confirm if there are any fractures or other conditions. Immediate treatment is essential; do not delay care out of concern for inco...[Read More] Impact Injury to Front Tooth: Concerns About Displacement and Healing
Managing Post-Root Canal Inflammation: Treatment Options and Considerations
Post-endodontic treatment inflammation? Dear Doctor: In 2015, I underwent root canal treatment on my lower left premolar but did not have a crown placed for protection. The following year, I developed a small abscess, and the doctor suggested extraction, but after switching to an...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to try treatment one more time, unless it is truly not feasible to save the tooth before extraction. Before extraction, you can inquire about dental implant options, so you don't have to wait until after the extraction to find an implant clinic. Imme...[Read More] Managing Post-Root Canal Inflammation: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Gum Cysts: What to Do About a White Bump After Root Canal
Gingival cyst - A small white bump has appeared beneath a tooth that underwent root canal treatment nine years ago? Hello, Doctor. The small bump is located on the upper right first molar. This tooth underwent treatment for a cavity nine years ago, and the dentist indicated that ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to wait until you return to your home country to have an X-ray taken to confirm the true condition of the cyst. Oral anti-inflammatory medications or topical oral ointments can temporarily relieve discomfort and may prevent the cyst from worsening, but it...[Read More] Understanding Gum Cysts: What to Do About a White Bump After Root Canal
Understanding Root Canal Treatment for Deep Cavities: What You Need to Know
Severe tooth decay may require a root canal treatment? Hello, doctor. During my dental cleaning the other day, I discovered that I have a cavity. The X-ray showed that the cavity is deep, but it hasn't affected the nerve, being about 1-2 mm away. Therefore, root canal treatm...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. If the treatment you wish to pursue differs significantly from what the physician recommends, it is advisable to seek a second or third opinion. After considering various perspectives, you can then proceed with treatment, as invasive procedures cannot be reversed once i...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment for Deep Cavities: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risk of Dental Cyst Recurrence and Implant Timing
The possibility of recurrence of a radicular cyst? Hello, I underwent an apicoectomy on March 15, 2021, which later failed, leading to the extraction of the tooth on November 15, 2021. During the apicoectomy, a cyst was removed, and the report indicated it was benign. I would lik...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo a CT scan of the head and neck for confirmation, which can be done by an otolaryngologist or a family medicine physician. It is advisable to wait until after the pregnancy is completed before proceeding with extensive dental implant surgery.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Dental Cyst Recurrence and Implant Timing
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions for Painful Symptoms
Tooth sensitivity and pain? I noticed pain in my lower teeth while eating yesterday. It hurts when I drink warm water, bite into fruit, or even when I intentionally suck in air, but my gums feel fine and there are no visible abnormalities. I have not had a history of long-term se...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Simple tooth sensitivity may be caused by short-term pulp inflammation due to occlusal trauma. It is advisable to avoid chewing hard substances and to find ways to reduce nighttime bruxism. If necessary, you should seek medical attention for an actual diagnosis and examina...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions for Painful Symptoms
Understanding Tooth Decay: Do You Need a Root Canal or a Filling?
Cavities inquiry? Doctor, there is a small gap (the walls of the cavity are hard) on the edge of my canine and premolar teeth. I can insert an interdental brush, and when it touches the cavity, I feel a slight acidity but no pain; there is no spontaneous pain, and there is only a...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination, as X-rays may be necessary to determine the extent of the cavities. This will help in deciding whether a filling is needed or if root canal treatment is required. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: Do You Need a Root Canal or a Filling?
Understanding Tooth Decay: When to Worry About Nerve Involvement
Cavity Observation Hello, doctor. I have a cavity in the tooth next to my upper left wisdom tooth, which is quite deep but hasn't reached the nerve yet. The doctor filled it and advised me to monitor it for two weeks before returning for a follow-up. The doctor mentioned tha...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If conservative treatment is currently being pursued, it is recommended to take periapical X-rays every 3 to 6 months to confirm whether there is any involvement of the dental pulp. If an aggressive approach is taken, it is still advisable to extract the wisdom tooth first...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Decay: When to Worry About Nerve Involvement
Persistent Tooth Discomfort: Understanding Nerve Issues and Treatment Options
The teeth appear normal, but there is persistent discomfort? Hello, the issue began one early morning when I woke up feeling a tingling and discomfort in my right teeth. I had experienced something similar before, so I didn't think much of it and figured it would pass. Howev...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have a habit of nighttime teeth grinding, prolonged jaw clenching, or chewing betel nut, it may lead to pulp calcification. It is advisable to consult an oral surgeon at a medical center for confirmation, and you may also inquire whether further examination of the t...[Read More] Persistent Tooth Discomfort: Understanding Nerve Issues and Treatment Options
Understanding Pain on the Side of Your Teeth: Causes and Solutions
Pain on the side of the tooth? I would like to ask the doctor about a very painful area on the side of my upper teeth (the side facing my cheek) when I brush my teeth before bed tonight. I looked in the mirror and did not notice anything unusual. I'm not sure if it's th...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the pain has reached a level that prevents you from sleeping or affects your daily life, it is advisable to obtain a localized X-ray to check for any injuries to the teeth or periodontal tissues and to intervene and treat as soon as possible. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chia-Yun...[Read More] Understanding Pain on the Side of Your Teeth: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Cracks and Issues with Dental Crowns
Cracked teeth and cavities in dentures? (1) I bit down on something hard with my left molar, and now I feel pain when eating. I'm worried about a cracked tooth, so I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The dentist said, "The tooth root is intact, and there’s nothing wron...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If there is an X-ray taken of the left side and there are any structural defects or cavities in the teeth, the general practitioner has the obligation to inform the patient. After obtaining informed consent, subsequent restorative treatment can be performed. If the physici...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Cracks and Issues with Dental Crowns
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Is It a Dental or Nerve Issue?
Tooth sensitivity to pain? Earlier this year, I underwent treatment for a cavity in the second-to-last tooth on the upper left side. After the filling, I occasionally experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages (though sometimes I don't). I returned for a foll...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: For sensitive teeth, continuous X-ray imaging can be performed to monitor the condition for about six months. If there are any changes in the dental pulp, a diagnosis can be made from the X-rays, so there is no need to worry excessively. This is a response from Dr. Lin Chi...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Is It a Dental or Nerve Issue?
Late Wisdom Tooth Extraction Leads to Molars Erosion: What to Do?
Late extraction of wisdom teeth can lead to erosion of the molars? During a previous dental cleaning, the dentist discovered through X-rays that my wisdom tooth had decayed too late and caused erosion to the adjacent molar. However, the cavity is located within the gum tissue, an...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The first step is to recommend the extraction of the impacted wisdom teeth, after which we can fully address the damage to the anterior molars. Whether a crown is needed for protection will depend on the clinical situation. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry...[Read More] Late Wisdom Tooth Extraction Leads to Molars Erosion: What to Do?