Understanding Jaw and Tooth Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Cheek pain and dental occlusion pain? On Wednesday night, I suddenly experienced pain on the inside of my left oral cavity before going to bed, but it wasn't clear which tooth was hurting. The pain was severe enough that I took a strong dose of acetaminophen. When I woke up ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to follow the instructions of the physician at Veterans General Hospital, to return for a crown placement, and to observe for any tooth fractures. Additionally, please have the physician re-evaluate the condition of the temporomandibular joint and the tri...[Read More] Understanding Jaw and Tooth Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Wider Gaps Between Teeth: Causes and Concerns
Widening of the interdental spaces? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed that the gap between my upper right third molar and the adjacent tooth seems to have increased while using dental floss (the gum between the two teeth also appears to be higher, but I'm not sure). However, ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: As we age, it is indeed common to experience alveolar bone loss, gum recession, and widening of the spaces between teeth. However, if there are systemic diseases (such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases), there is a possibility of localized juvenile periodontitis in the ar...[Read More] Understanding Wider Gaps Between Teeth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Toothache Hello, doctor. I previously had some pain in my upper left second molar. Initially, it was manageable, but the pain worsened over the next day. The following day, the pain was less intense, so I decided to see a dentist for safety. The dentist took an X-ray and found no...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. If a filled tooth has decayed deeply, even though it has been restored, the filling may be very close to the dental pulp. Sometimes, exposure to hot or cold stimuli or biting down on hard objects can irritate the dental nerve, potentially leading to pulpitis and pain. 2. In ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Is Microsurgery the Only Option for Incomplete Root Canals?
If the root canal treatment does not reach the apex, is it necessary to perform a microscopic root canal procedure? After experiencing tooth decay in my molars in 2019, I underwent root canal treatment and received a crown at a certain clinic. After the crown was placed, I still ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you return to the original clinic (the one where you had the root canal and dentures done) and have the original dentist address your concerns until you are satisfied with the outcome. If the clinic is unable to resolve the issue, please request a re...[Read More] Is Microsurgery the Only Option for Incomplete Root Canals?
Impact After Root Canal Surgery: Risks and Recovery Time
Post-apical surgery trauma? Ten months ago, I underwent a root surgery for my incisors. Aside from some normal reactions as explained by the doctor, there haven't been any major issues. However, a few days ago, I accidentally bumped the gum area of the surgical site hard whi...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. If there is looseness or tenderness in the dental crown or root after an impact, it is advisable to return for an examination immediately. 2. If there is indeed a crack or related issue, the gums may continue to have abscesses, and X-rays may sometimes reveal a fracture in the...[Read More] Impact After Root Canal Surgery: Risks and Recovery Time
When to Seek a Second Opinion on Root Canal Treatment for Your Child
When to evaluate the need for nerve block? Hello Doctor: My son visited the dentist last week due to a toothache. The dentist suggested placing medication and observing for a week before deciding whether to simply fill the cavity or perform a root canal. Today, during the follow-...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the X-ray shows a significant lesion indicating pulp necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, it is advisable to perform a root canal treatment. If there are any doubts, it is recommended to consult 2-3 more dentists for a second opinion. The nerves of primary teeth and perma...[Read More] When to Seek a Second Opinion on Root Canal Treatment for Your Child
Can Braces Correct Insufficient Tooth Exposure When Smiling?
Insufficient tooth exposure correction Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if orthodontic treatment with braces is effective for insufficient tooth exposure. I am a bit troubled because I cannot fully show my upper teeth when I smile. If braces cannot correct this issue, are there...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If the issue is solely related to tooth alignment, general orthodontic treatment can achieve the desired results. However, if you expect a significant change in facial appearance, it may be necessary to combine orthodontics with oral surgery to address the bone structure. ...[Read More] Can Braces Correct Insufficient Tooth Exposure When Smiling?
How Long Can You Wear Temporary Dental Crowns Safely?
How long can a temporary dental crown be worn? I have had root canal treatment on all four of my upper front teeth (two on the left and two on the right) for over 20 years and have not worn braces due to significant discoloration and some small pits from the extensive fillings. A...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you experience localized symptoms such as gum inflammation, redness, and pain, it is advisable to return for an examination as soon as possible. Generally, temporary dental crowns are made of acrylic resin and should not be used for more than six months. Sincerely, Lin ...[Read More] How Long Can You Wear Temporary Dental Crowns Safely?
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: When Dental Fillings Cause Pain
Root canal treatment Recently, I've been experiencing a dull, tight pain in my upper right molar (which has been filled with silver amalgam) at night. After seeing a dentist and getting an X-ray, the doctor explained that the pain is due to the metal material from the amalga...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the cavity is extensive and close to the nerve, sometimes even after filling, there may still be symptoms of soreness and sensitivity. If these symptoms persist, root canal treatment may need to be considered. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: When Dental Fillings Cause Pain
Swelling in Cheek After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
Swelling in the cheek? Hello, doctor. I had a horizontal wisdom tooth extraction on May 25. Later, on June 3, my family noticed that my cheeks were uneven in size. At that time, I didn't think much of it since it was shortly after the extraction. However, by early July, I re...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: You can first visit the original dental clinic where the tooth was extracted to take a panoramic X-ray to check for any issues with the maxilla or mandible. If there are no abnormalities in the hard tissue, you may then go to the family medicine department or the otolaryng...[Read More] Swelling in Cheek After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?
Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity After Filling: Causes and Solutions
After filling a tooth gap, there is a sensation of nerve pain when using dental floss or similar tools? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I had a filling done for a cavity in my front tooth. Since then, I occasionally feel a sharp pain in the tooth gap when drinking water or inhaling,...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe for 3 to 6 months. If it is indeed neuroinflammation, X-rays may provide some clues. At that time, root canal treatment can be performed without delay. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and...[Read More] Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity After Filling: Causes and Solutions
Can Invisalign Help Fill the Gap for Missing Teeth?
Can Invisalign be used to replace missing teeth? Hello, doctor. I previously had a dental examination where X-rays showed that my upper left canine is still a baby tooth and has a deep cavity. Although it was treated before, the inside is black. Additionally, I have an impacted t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If it involves moving an impacted tooth over a longer distance, it may be quite difficult to achieve the desired results solely with Invisalign. It is recommended to confirm with an orthodontist before making a decision. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, T...[Read More] Can Invisalign Help Fill the Gap for Missing Teeth?
Understanding Tooth Pain: When to Seek Dental Care for Your Symptoms
I would like to know if it is very serious..? Hello Doctor, recently whenever I drink water (at room temperature), I feel pain when the water passes through the gaps between the second and third teeth in the upper right corner. When I'm not drinking water, I also feel a slig...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more likely that the condition is gingivitis accompanied by root sensitivity due to food accumulation between the two teeth. It is recommended to visit a medical facility to obtain an X-ray to confirm whether there are any interproximal ...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: When to Seek Dental Care for Your Symptoms
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Pain When Biting Hard Foods
Experiencing mild pain when biting down on slightly hard foods? Hello, doctor. About a week ago, I noticed slight pain in the space between my left second premolar and first molar when biting into hard foods (such as king oyster mushrooms and meat). There is no pain when biting s...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is possible that there is inflammation in the gum tissue between the second premolar and the first molar. If the symptoms of cold and hot sensitivity persist, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with a dentist for a thorough examination. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Pain When Biting Hard Foods
Understanding Tooth Pain: Is It Wisdom Teeth or Something Else?
Unclear symptoms? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my upper and lower right teeth when biting down on harder foods. Today, I visited the dentist, who took X-rays and suggested that it might be due to an emerging wisdom tooth or a previous filling that ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Given your age and the described condition, a common cause is significant stress from studying and exams, leading to teeth clenching or even nighttime bruxism, which can result in excessive force on the teeth and subsequent pulpitis. Typically, using a bite guard in conjun...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain: Is It Wisdom Teeth or Something Else?
Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Concerns
Gum issues Hello, doctor. I am currently in the first year of junior high school. On July 6, 2021, I noticed that there is gum tissue between the outer surfaces of my lower right first and second teeth. I'm not sure if the gum tissue is swollen or if it has grown out. The ni...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If there is accompanying bleeding, swelling, or a foul odor, it may not simply be a case of teething. It is advisable to see a doctor in person and have an X-ray for proper diagnosis. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding Gum Issues: When to See a Dentist for Concerns
Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Wisdom tooth issues Hello, Doctor: I have a hard, pointed growth on the gum of my upper left last tooth that has been present for at least six months to a year. It doesn't hurt, but sometimes I feel a slight foreign body sensation. It doesn't significantly affect my dai...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It may be a bacterial infection at the root apex of the tooth, leading to chronic inflammation. As for horizontal wisdom teeth, if they are extracted, the appearance of the gum may sometimes look normal, but there can be occasional discomfort or pain. It is recommended to consult...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Dental Bridge Issues: Pain, X-rays, and Solutions
Dental bridge cavity examination? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my dental bridge, which has been in place for almost 10 years. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional swelling and dull pain. After visiting the clinic, the dentist informed me that the X-ray showed...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the X-ray examination of the dental bridge shows no issues, it indicates that the integration of the crown margins and the root portion are intact. However, due to the material of the crown obscuring the view, it is not possible to determine whether there is any corrosion or d...[Read More] Understanding Dental Bridge Issues: Pain, X-rays, and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Permanent Fillings: Causes and Solutions
Tooth sensitivity after permanent filling? On April 15 at Clinic A, the doctor indicated that the second-to-last molars on both the left and right sides had deep cavities that required temporary fillings for observation over a month. During this period, the teeth were very sensit...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe the situation for now and to conduct long-term follow-up on the right side. If the X-ray does indicate pulpitis, root canal treatment can be performed. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Permanent Fillings: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Wearing a Temporary Dental Crown for 10 Years
Wearing a temporary dental crown for an extended period? Hello, doctor. I suspect that I have had a temporary crown on my upper right second premolar for the past 10 years. My dental condition is poor; I have been visiting the dentist frequently since childhood, and almost every ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you have already noticed a significant gap, it is advisable to switch to a permanent dental crown for safety. If you can return to the original hospital, it would be ideal to compare the new and old X-rays, but since it has been over 10 years, it is also acceptable to s...[Read More] Concerns About Wearing a Temporary Dental Crown for 10 Years