Understanding Root Canal Treatment: When Is It Necessary?
Root canal treatment Hello, doctor. I have a wisdom tooth growing in the lower left (only a corner is visible, but it doesn't hurt). For safety, I went to a dental clinic near my school. After taking an X-ray, the dentist told me that the wisdom tooth is horizontal and recom...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Confused College Student, Hello! 1. It is best to have your horizontal wisdom teeth extracted early; otherwise, the adjacent tooth may be prone to cavities or periodontal disease! 2. Should you undergo root canal treatment? If you have a large cavity, experience pain wh...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: When Is It Necessary?
Common Concerns After Dental Fillings: Pain and Treatment Options
Questions Related to Dental Fillings 1. I had a dental filling done at the beginning of January, but now I am starting to experience tooth pain when eating certain foods. The dentist mentioned that the cavity was quite deep, but it was filled. Initially, there was no pain, but af...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to observe for another six months and then take an X-ray to determine if a root canal is necessary, rather than proceeding with the procedure solely based on symptoms. 2. It has been over a month since the dental filling, and the inability to open the ...[Read More] Common Concerns After Dental Fillings: Pain and Treatment Options
Should I Extract My Tooth? Understanding Facial Swelling and Dental Infections
Facial swelling after tooth extraction? Hello, Doctor. My upper left molar has undergone root canal treatment. About three months ago, it started swelling and hurting, and a month ago, I began to notice pus. I consulted a nearby dentist who said that there is severe inflammation ...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If your treating physician, after reviewing the X-rays and considering your description, determines that there is a high likelihood of needing an extraction, it is still best to discuss this with your actual treating physician. Thank you![Read More] Should I Extract My Tooth? Understanding Facial Swelling and Dental Infections
Understanding Dental Trauma: Risks of Pulp Necrosis After Injury
Dental trauma Hello Doctor, yesterday I was playing basketball and got hit in the right incisor area by an elbow. There was slight bleeding at the time, but there were no visible abnormalities, just mild soreness. I immediately went to the dentist for an X-ray examination, and th...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The right incisor has been impacted, showing no external abnormalities, but there is mild sensitivity and bleeding. This may indicate temporary damage to the periodontal ligament due to compression. If X-rays show no root fracture or alveolar bone fracture, it is recommended to m...[Read More] Understanding Dental Trauma: Risks of Pulp Necrosis After Injury
Concerns After Root Canal: Delaying Crown Placement Explained
I am hesitant to get a crown after root canal treatment? Hello, doctor. Recently, I underwent root canal treatment on my upper left tooth (tooth #25). During the root canal procedure, I experienced persistent pain, so the dentist cleaned it several times. Eventually, when it was ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Qi, Hello! The main goal of root canal treatment is to clean the root canal thoroughly. It is common to experience pain in the posterior teeth, but it usually improves within a week. If problems persist, an X-ray should be taken to check for any periodontal disease or c...[Read More] Concerns After Root Canal: Delaying Crown Placement Explained
Understanding Ear Pain: Could It Be TMJ Disorder?
I have severe pain in my left ear? Dear Doctor, I started experiencing a sharp pain deep in my left ear about a month ago. I visited an otolaryngologist, and at that time, I had mild cold symptoms. The doctor believed that bacteria had spread to my ear, causing the pain, and pres...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Hello! The temporomandibular joint is located one centimeter in front of the external auditory canal, and a definitive diagnosis is still necessary! (Temporomandibular joint ligament injury) Essentially, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomograp...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Could It Be TMJ Disorder?
Dealing with Front Tooth Impact: Is Tooth Reduction Necessary?
Incisal impact Yesterday, I bumped my front tooth, and it still hurts the next day. I went to the dental clinic for an examination and an X-ray. The dentist said there were no cracks, but the pain was due to gum inflammation. The dentist not only applied medication but also reduc...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The front tooth was hit and is very painful. An X-ray showed no fractures, which may indicate that the periodontal ligament has been injured, causing the pain. Grinding the teeth may be a way to adjust the occlusion between the upper and lower teeth. It is advisable to avoid exce...[Read More] Dealing with Front Tooth Impact: Is Tooth Reduction Necessary?
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: When to Extract and What to Expect
Wisdom tooth-related issues? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 20 years old. The day before yesterday, I noticed that the tooth next to my lower right incisor seems to be leaning more than usual. Could this be caused by pressure from my wisdom tooth? Yesterday, I also noticed that my...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. Is it recommended to have the extraction done at a clinic or a large hospital? --> If it is an impacted wisdom tooth extraction, it is advisable to go to a large hospital or a clinic operated by an oral surgeon. 2. For those who are afraid of pain and tend to faint a...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Teeth Issues: When to Extract and What to Expect
Do You Need to Extract Impacted Wisdom Teeth Without Pain?
Wisdom teeth are impacted? A few days ago, I noticed that one side of my jaw joint is swollen and feels hard. I went to the dentist, who said that my wisdom tooth is impacted and needs to be extracted. An X-ray was taken. I would like to ask if the swollen area is not painful, is...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Ashao, Hello! Generally speaking, it is best to extract wisdom teeth if they are causing pain, to prevent more serious issues from arising. Take care! Wishing you peace and smooth sailing in everything! Sincerely, Director Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry[Read More] Do You Need to Extract Impacted Wisdom Teeth Without Pain?
Severe Tooth Pain at 36 Weeks Pregnant: Seeking Relief and Guidance
Acute tooth pain at 36 weeks of pregnancy after undergoing root canal treatment with no improvement? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a sudden severe toothache I experienced at 36 weeks of pregnancy. It was so painful that I couldn't touch it or eat anything, which ca...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. PH: Hello! Based on your description (the teeth adjacent to the affected tooth are painful even when pressed), there may be inflammation at the root apex. An X-ray is necessary for further evaluation and treatment. Take care! Wishing you all the best! Sincerely, Dr. Huan...[Read More] Severe Tooth Pain at 36 Weeks Pregnant: Seeking Relief and Guidance
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
Swallowed Orthodontic Wire: What You Need to Know and Do
Swallowing a wire from braces? I would like to ask the doctor, yesterday when I went to the clinic for my braces adjustment, the orthodontist attached a new wire and cut off the excess wire. When he was cutting the left side, he used one hand to hold the clip and the other hand t...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If a foreign object is inhaled into the trachea or enters the lungs, it can be more problematic. However, if it is only swallowed and enters the esophagus and digestive tract, it is generally safer. Typically, it will be expelled with the stool within 3-5 days. If you are ...[Read More] Swallowed Orthodontic Wire: What You Need to Know and Do
Challenges in Root Canal Treatment: When Nerves Can't Be Fully Removed
The nerve cannot be retracted during root canal treatment? Hello, Doctor. After undergoing root canal treatment at the clinic, the specialist informed me that there are three nerves. Two were successfully treated, but one was only partially cleaned, leaving a small section that c...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsien, Hello! In fact, medical technology has advanced significantly, but there are still limitations. I recommend seeking another endodontist for treatment. If that does not resolve the issue, consider the option of apicoectomy. Take care and wishing you all the best! ...[Read More] Challenges in Root Canal Treatment: When Nerves Can't Be Fully Removed
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
Is Enlarging Tooth Gaps Healthy? A Patient's Experience with a New Dentist
Is the gap between the first lower right molar, which was created by the dentist's drill (without any cavities), healthy? Last week, after a routine dental check-up and cleaning, the dentist mentioned that I needed a filling because the crown on my upper right first molar ha...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is strongly recommended to discuss this matter with the responsible physician at the clinic first.[Read More] Is Enlarging Tooth Gaps Healthy? A Patient's Experience with a New Dentist
Understanding Gum Pain and Bite Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Gum pain and occlusal pain? Hello Doctor: I had a root canal treatment on my molar 20 years ago and have a crown for protection. About two years ago, the surrounding gums started to hurt, but there was no redness or swelling. The dentist cleaned the gums, but there was no improve...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang, Hello! Based on your description, it is very likely that the tooth root has cracked. A clinical examination or a dental CT scan is necessary. Thank you! Take care and I wish you all the best! Sincerely, Dr. Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain and Bite Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Do I Really Need Root Canal Treatment for My Tooth Sensitivity?
Root canal treatment Hello Doctor: I recently visited the clinic for an examination, and the doctor mentioned that a few years ago, an X-ray showed an internal cavity in one of my upper molars. The tooth appears normal and I have no discomfort. After removing the cavity, the doct...
Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If a temporary filling has been placed, it indicates that root canal treatment has already begun. It is recommended that you promptly return to the original clinic for the subsequent procedures. Even if root canal treatment has not been performed, you should consider wheth...[Read More] Do I Really Need Root Canal Treatment for My Tooth Sensitivity?
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?
Do You Really Need to Extract Wisdom Teeth for Molars Cavities?
Is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth if there is a cavity in the molar? I have a cavity between my leftmost molar and the gum, and my wisdom tooth has not erupted yet. However, after seeing a doctor, I was told that the only option is to extract the wisdom tooth and then fill ...
Dr. Huang Tingfang Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Regarding whether a cavity in the molar area necessitates the extraction of the wisdom tooth: if the wisdom tooth is horizontally impacted, it should be removed. If not, you may consider filling it first. Take care! Wishing you all the best! Sincerely, Dr. Hu...[Read More] Do You Really Need to Extract Wisdom Teeth for Molars Cavities?