Understanding the Impact of Jaw Surgery: Is It Necessary for Functionality?
Director's mailbox forwarding Dear Director Liu, I once had a jaw joint surgery scheduled, but after an evaluation at the hospital, the cost was estimated at 300,000 TWD, which is not a small amount for me. Upon hearing the cost, I asked the doctor if not undergoing the sur...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Whether the National Health Insurance can provide coverage should depend on whether the diagnosis and treatment align with the covered medical services. It is difficult to make a judgment based solely on Mr. You's statement; a comprehensive dental panoramic radiograph and te...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Jaw Surgery: Is It Necessary for Functionality?
Understanding Periodontal Inflammation: Is Bone Grafting Effective?
Frequent dental inflammation? Hello Dr. Yang, In the past year, I have been experiencing frequent inflammation in my upper right back tooth. When it flares up, I am unable to chew food, and there is pain when I bite down. A dental clinic in Miaoli mentioned that my periodontal c...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: First, look at the periodontal pocket and periapical X-ray of this tooth. If there is vertical periodontal bone loss, bone grafting can be effective; however, if there is horizontal periodontal bone loss, the effect is limited. If the tooth has significant mobility, it ind...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Inflammation: Is Bone Grafting Effective?
Should I Remove My Impacted Wisdom Tooth Causing Pain?
Is the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth a molar? Hello: My upper right wisdom tooth has not erupted yet (completely encased in gum tissue). Recently, I visited the dentist due to pain in the adjacent tooth, and an X-ray revealed that the unerupted wisdom tooth is angled and is ...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: For impacted wisdom teeth like these, the capabilities of general clinic dentists are often limited. It is recommended to have them extracted at a larger hospital. Dr. Yang Zhiren, the head of the dental department at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Should I Remove My Impacted Wisdom Tooth Causing Pain?
Do You Have to Extract an Infected Tooth Root at 18?
Is it necessary to extract a tooth if there is an abscess due to root inflammation? My brother is 18 years old and has an infection and pus at the root of his upper right incisor. Does he definitely need to have the tooth extracted? I'm really worried about him having to los...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
In cases of inflammation and pus formation in the root of the right central incisor, it is necessary to use X-rays for auxiliary diagnosis to determine whether extraction is required. Tooth extraction should not be considered lightly unless absolutely necessary.[Read More] Do You Have to Extract an Infected Tooth Root at 18?
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?
Will My Tooth Collapse After Removing a Cracked Portion?
Will it collapse? During middle school, I had a cavity that resulted in most of my molar being reduced to just a few remnants of the tooth. I didn't seek any treatment and left it that way until now. Recently, the remaining part of the tooth cracked and started to hurt. The ...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello: Molars that have undergone nerve necrosis due to cavities are very prone to fracturing. After removing the fractured portion, the remaining tooth structure will determine the next steps. If the dentist finds that the root is intact upon examining the X-ray, root canal trea...[Read More] Will My Tooth Collapse After Removing a Cracked Portion?
Understanding Tooth Pain After Dental Procedures: Causes and Solutions
Tooth pain when biting down? Hello Doctor: I have had root canal treatment, a post placement, and a crown on my molar. Recently, after chewing on something hard, the tooth started to feel strange, and I experience pain when biting with that tooth. Does this mean my tooth is infla...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: Based on your statement, it is possible that the root canal treatment was not completed properly, and there may be lesions at the apex or cracks in the tooth itself that could cause this situation. Taking a periapical X-ray can help determine what the issue is. Dr. Yang Zh...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain After Dental Procedures: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Inflammation: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Dental inflammation The second to last tooth on the lower jaw underwent a dental procedure as advised by the dentist. During the filling process, a sudden movement by the dentist caused severe pain. In the following days, the adjacent tooth began to ache gradually. After about a ...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Due to the lack of your clinical data and X-rays for assessment, it is not possible to determine the exact cause of your condition. If the pain cannot be alleviated, I recommend seeking a second opinion from another dentist. Different practitioners may have varying interpretation...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Inflammation: When to Seek a Second Opinion
What to Do If You Accidentally Swallow a Tooth While Eating?
Accidentally swallowed a tooth? If you accidentally swallow a tooth while eating, there is generally no need to panic. The tooth will likely pass through your digestive system without causing any harm. However, it is important to monitor for any unusual symptoms such as abdominal...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Please go to the hospital for an abdominal X-ray to check if the tooth has been expelled from the body or if it is lodged in the intestines.[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Swallow a Tooth While Eating?
Understanding Gum Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Finding the Right Dentist
There are large gaps between the teeth? Five years ago, one morning, while brushing my teeth, I bit down on something and discovered it was a piece of tartar that had fallen off. From that moment on, I started to regularly visit the dentist every six months. However, both dentist...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your periodontal disease has likely progressed to a moderate stage. The signs of periodontal disease initially include bleeding and swollen gums when brushing, which can progress to more severe symptoms such as pus formation and even tooth mobili...[Read More] Understanding Gum Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Finding the Right Dentist
Can I Get Implants for Teeth with Root and Gum Separation?
Separation of the tooth root from the gum? Hello Doctor: The X-ray shows that there is a tooth in the middle of the lower front teeth, with the root separated from the gum but not yet fallen out. The adjacent teeth have tilted towards the center (currently, there is a tendency fo...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hill: What you described is likely periodontal disease. In this situation, immediate dental implants may not be feasible, and a careful evaluation of the bone condition is necessary before determining the most appropriate treatment approach.[Read More] Can I Get Implants for Teeth with Root and Gum Separation?
Can I Sue My Dentist for Extracting a Tooth Without Anesthesia?
Extraction of the wrong tooth? If a dentist extracted your tooth without anesthesia when you were supposed to receive a filling for a cavity, you may have grounds to file a complaint or pursue legal action against the dentist for malpractice. It is important to consult with a leg...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: This situation usually occurs when the extracted tooth already had severe periodontal disease and was itself loose (meaning it could have fallen out on its own). I am not aware of the circumstances at that time, and your description is not very clear. If an X-ray of that a...[Read More] Can I Sue My Dentist for Extracting a Tooth Without Anesthesia?
Understanding Costs and Insurance for Subgingival Calculus Removal
Subgingival calculus removal? Hello, I visited a periodontal specialist at a dental clinic, and the doctor recommended a full mouth X-ray. After that, I will need to undergo localized anesthesia for subgingival scaling in four quadrants. The clinic does not cover the full mouth X...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: Our hospital provides periodontal disease treatment, which is covered by health insurance. If you have any further questions, please contact 03-5326151 and dial extension 3151 to reach Dr. Yang Zhiren at the Dental Department of Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Costs and Insurance for Subgingival Calculus Removal
Understanding Tooth Pain and Dental Concerns: Your Questions Answered
Dental issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing soreness in my right cheek when I open my mouth, but I don't have any cavities. What could be the reason for this? I have five teeth that were filled with silver amalgam, which have turned very dark, and occasion...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: 1. It may be soreness in the muscles of the right cheek; applying a warm compress can help alleviate it. 2. Based on your description, if you are experiencing flaking silver powder, please seek prompt re-treatment. 3. Some people's wisdom teeth are impacted within the...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Dental Concerns: Your Questions Answered
What Causes Small Teeth to Grow in the Upper Left Jaw?
excuse me? I would like to ask about a small tooth that has suddenly grown on the upper left side of my mouth, specifically the furthest back tooth. What could be the reason for this? It doesn't hurt; what should I do about it?
Dr. Yuan Ziming Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following advice: Given your age, it is very likely that a third molar, commonly known as a wisdom tooth, is erupting, which may be mistaken for a small tooth. I recommend consulting a d...[Read More] What Causes Small Teeth to Grow in the Upper Left Jaw?
To Extract or Not: Navigating Conflicting Dental Advice on Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth I consulted a dentist about my upper right and upper left wisdom teeth. The dentist at one clinic said that the X-ray showed decay between the upper right wisdom tooth and the second molar, and there was also some decay in the gap of the upper left wisdom tooth, alth...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
I apologize for the delayed response due to my vacation. Since the two dentists have differing opinions and I have not seen the site or the X-rays, I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. If you feel uncertain, I recommend seeking assistance from a specialist at a dental center.[Read More] To Extract or Not: Navigating Conflicting Dental Advice on Wisdom Teeth
Facing Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns and Expert Advice
Help needed for difficult wisdom tooth extraction? Hello Dr. Chuang, today I went to the dental clinic to prepare for the extraction of my upper and lower left wisdom teeth. After an X-ray, it was found that the lower left wisdom tooth is horizontally impacted and has decayed at ...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Paily: Hello, the facial nerve, retinal suturing, mitral valve prolapse, and wisdom teeth are not directly related. If the wisdom teeth are horizontally impacted, it is still recommended to have them extracted to avoid potential complications. If you have concerns, you can visit ...[Read More] Facing Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Concerns and Expert Advice
Dealing with Tooth Loss: Options and Consequences for Your Dental Health
Tooth loss Hello, I would like to ask about my current dental situation. I had a prosthetic tooth on the upper fifth tooth, but it was removed due to inflammation and pain, leaving me with a gap. I was initially planning to get three prosthetic teeth, but I sometimes feel discomf...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
Hello Taco: The tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is still uncomfortable, indicating that the infection persists and requires re-treatment. It is not necessary to go to a large hospital; a good dental clinic will suffice. If a missing tooth is not replaced, it can lea...[Read More] Dealing with Tooth Loss: Options and Consequences for Your Dental Health
Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Risks and Recovery Explained
The area where the wisdom tooth was extracted was not cleaned properly..? First of all, is it possible for tooth extraction to injure the brain? I apologize for the lengthy description. In mid-February of this year (after the Lunar New Year), I had my lower left wisdom tooth extr...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
Your description is insufficient for a diagnosis. Dental issues require an in-person examination to provide you with advice. As for the effects on the nerves or brain, a thorough understanding of the actual situation is necessary before making any comments.[Read More] Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Risks and Recovery Explained
Understanding Dental X-Rays: Safety, Concerns, and Necessity
Regarding the X-rays used by dentists? Hello, Doctor: I visited the dentist the other day, and he asked me to get an X-ray. I was a bit scared and hesitantly went into the machine, biting down on a T-shaped rod for about 10 seconds while watching the machine rotate in front of me...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: Generally speaking, when an X-ray machine rotates once, the resulting X-ray film is called a panoramic radiograph. Its primary purpose is to examine the hard tissue...[Read More] Understanding Dental X-Rays: Safety, Concerns, and Necessity