Jaw Pain Near Ears: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pain in the joints near the ears on both sides of the face? The joints near the cheeks close to the ears hurt when I open my mouth (even though I don't open it very wide), and it also hurts when I open my mouth to brush my teeth. This has been ongoing for a long time. I prev...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The actions of opening and closing the mouth, speaking, and chewing are facilitated by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located in front of the ear and the surrounding muscles responsible for jaw movement. When there is malocclusion of the teeth and prolonged occlusal str...[Read More] Jaw Pain Near Ears: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Do You Really Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth? Recovery Tips and Considerations
Wisdom teeth Do wisdom teeth always need to be extracted? If extraction is necessary, what should be taken into consideration? For example, how long after the extraction can one resume eating?
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: 1. Wisdom teeth do not always need to be extracted. The decision is primarily based on X-ray images to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and whether they are causing poor oral hygiene, which will determine if extraction is necessary. 2. When considering wisdom tooth ...[Read More] Do You Really Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth? Recovery Tips and Considerations
Understanding Dental Cysts: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Gingival cyst issue 2 Hello, I previously asked you about the tooth below my front tooth that underwent root canal treatment due to nerve necrosis. I had it treated at a small clinic! I consulted Dr. Chiu from the Endodontics Department at National Cheng Kung University. He menti...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The shadow beneath the tooth is caused by bacteria within the root canal. If the root canal treatment is performed thoroughly and the filling is dense, the previously resorbed bone will regenerate. X-rays will show the shadow gradually diminishing, but this may take about ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Cysts: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Gum Cysts: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives
Gingival cyst (swelling) Hello, doctor... Back in July, I had pain in my lower teeth (specifically under my front teeth), and it also hurt when I pressed on my chin (the skin of my lower lip). So, I went to see a doctor! An X-ray was taken, and a shadow was seen at the root of th...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The dental nerve can become necrotic and infected due to bacterial invasion from cavities. If the toxins leak from the root canal into the periapical area of the alveolar bone, inflammation and purulence may occur, which can be detected as radiolucency on X-rays. If the de...[Read More] Understanding Gum Cysts: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives
Safe Timing for Dental Procedures Before Pregnancy
When is the best time to conceive to avoid affecting the baby? Recently, I underwent root canal treatment and had a wisdom tooth extracted. During the procedures, I received anesthesia and had several dental X-rays taken. If I am planning to become pregnant soon, how long should ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: X-rays primarily affect the fetus during the first three months and the last three months of pregnancy. If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to wait at least one month for safety reasons. Dr. Wu Jin-jun, Director of Dentistry, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of He...[Read More] Safe Timing for Dental Procedures Before Pregnancy
Understanding Bone Healing After Root Canal Surgery: What to Expect
Bone healing! Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a question. It has been over four months since I had apicoectomy surgery, but I still feel pain when biting down on things. I returned to the clinic yesterday for a follow-up and had an X-ray taken. The doctor mentioned that the he...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Four months after apical surgery, signs of bone healing should be observable. If there are still symptoms (pain) or if X-rays do not show signs of bone formation, it is possible that the pathogen has not been eliminated. Please consult an endodontist. Once the pathogen is ...[Read More] Understanding Bone Healing After Root Canal Surgery: What to Expect
Cost of Orthodontic Treatment for My 12-Year-Old Child
My child is 12 years old and has some misalignment in the front teeth. I would like to know how much it would cost to get braces for teeth correction? What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Hello Amy: Misalignment of teeth can vary in severity, categorized into localized and generalized cases, and may even involve the underlying bone structure. Consequently, the difficulty of treatment, duration, and costs can vary significantly. An accurate assessment of the aesthe...[Read More] Cost of Orthodontic Treatment for My 12-Year-Old Child
Impact of Pregnancy During Dental Implant Procedures: What to Know
The effects of pregnancy during dental implant procedures? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. Since I will be getting married by the end of the year, I have been considering dental implants because my previous dentures have become deformed (three connected dentures...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: Traditional dental implants typically require about six months to a year for the entire process. Due to the treatment requirements, X-rays are necessary, and if a patient is pregnant, there are concerns about potential negative effects on the fetus, so caution is advised. ...[Read More] Impact of Pregnancy During Dental Implant Procedures: What to Know
Understanding Root Canals: Do You Need One If Your Tooth Is Intact?
What if the teeth have no cracks or cavities? Although my teeth have been hit, they are not loose or cracked, and they are very intact. If I need a root canal, how is it done? Also, what is the difference between a root canal and nerve extraction? Will the color of the tooth dark...
Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
First, an X-ray should be taken to check for any nerve issues; if there are problems, then a root canal procedure is necessary. Root canal treatment and nerve extraction refer to the same procedure. Typically, a hole is drilled into the bone to access the pulp chamber, where the ...[Read More] Understanding Root Canals: Do You Need One If Your Tooth Is Intact?
Chipped Tooth from Biting a Chopstick: What to Do Next?
I accidentally bit down on my chopsticks while eating, and now I have a chipped tooth? Hello Doctor: Today, I accidentally bit down on a metal chopstick while eating, resulting in a chip in my tooth. It doesn't hurt normally, but if I intentionally use that side to eat, it d...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: If a tooth suddenly bites down on a hard object and causes a fracture, you should immediately visit a dental clinic to assess the direction and depth of the fracture to determine if the nerve is affected, as this will require different treatments. If the nerve is not affec...[Read More] Chipped Tooth from Biting a Chopstick: What to Do Next?
Understanding Delayed Tooth Eruption in Children: A Guide for Parents
The front teeth are not erupting? Dear Dr. Yang, My son is 10 years old, and a year ago, we discovered that his left central incisor had not erupted. We visited a nearby dental clinic, where it was found that he had supernumerary teeth. An oral surgeon removed the supernumerary ...
Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
1. To determine if the teeth have fully erupted, it is necessary to examine the dental roots through X-rays, although sometimes the images may not be clear. Additionally, comparing with a second set of X-rays can help identify any positional differences. The cost of orthodontic t...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Tooth Eruption in Children: A Guide for Parents
New Tooth Growth After Dentures: Should I Keep or Extract It?
After getting dentures, new teeth have grown? Doctor, after getting my dentures, a new tooth has grown in the same spot. Since it can't grow upwards, it has emerged from the side of the gum. Recently, it seems to have developed a cavity. Should I keep it and have it filled, ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the newly erupted teeth are likely wisdom teeth (third molars). The key factors in deciding whether to keep or remove them are assessing whether there is enough space and if the teeth are oriented correctly. Please visit a dental clinic for an X-...[Read More] New Tooth Growth After Dentures: Should I Keep or Extract It?
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular joint arthritis Doctor, my mother (62 years old) experiences pain near her ear when biting down, and she also feels pain and hears a clicking sound when yawning. This has been ongoing for one to two months. She has seen a neurologist and taken medication, but th...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is primarily composed of the glenoid fossa, the mandibular condyle, and the articular disc situated between the two bones. Surrounding it are the joint capsule and the masticatory muscles that facilitate the occlusal movements. When the ar...[Read More] Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Dealing with Adult Teeth Issues: What to Do About Retained Baby Teeth?
Significant issues regarding my teeth? I am 18 years old and still have some baby teeth. What should I do? I previously visited a clinic where the doctor advised me to have them extracted, but after the extractions, some teeth only partially erupted, and others did not erupt at a...
Dr. Yang Hui Reply:
Hello Wing: There are two possible scenarios for your situation. a. The permanent teeth have erupted, pushing the primary teeth aside, and these primary teeth should be extracted. b. If the primary teeth are not loose at this time, an X-ray should be taken to check for the presen...[Read More] Dealing with Adult Teeth Issues: What to Do About Retained Baby Teeth?
Managing Dental Anxiety in Young Children: Tips for Parents
Such a child T.T My child is over 4 years old and should be able to receive dental treatment. However, that is not the case. As soon as he lies down in the treatment chair and water sprays into his mouth, he feels the urge to jump up. When taking X-rays, he feels discomfort with ...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
You can start by communicating with your child at home. If they feel discomfort, you can have them try putting a toothbrush in their mouth, or share positive dental experiences from other children. Alternatively, you can take them to the dental office, but without an actual appoi...[Read More] Managing Dental Anxiety in Young Children: Tips for Parents
Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures: What You Need to Know
Choosing between dental implants and removable dentures? Hello, my molars on both sides have been extracted for many years. After the original dental bridge was removed, I want to get dental implants, but after evaluating the X-rays, the doctor said the success rate for the impla...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the conditions are not suitable, the failure rate of dental implants will indeed increase, so it is best not to proceed forcefully; dental implants should only be attempted if the alveolar bone loss can be regenerated. 2. Removable dentures are "removable,"...[Read More] Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures: What You Need to Know
Understanding Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crown Options: A Comprehensive Guide
Root canal treatment Doctor, I have a few questions: (1) I have deep cavities in my molars. After drilling, it felt like there was some manual grinding, which was quite painful. Is this part of root canal treatment? I have gone through this process about 4.5 times. (2) I also had...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: When you visit a dental clinic, the dentist should explain the condition of your cavities and the treatment plan using X-rays. If this is not explained, you can request clarification. Your descriptions often use "it seems," but you can directly ask the dentist, &...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crown Options: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gingival polyp Hello Doctor, my tooth was previously impacted, resulting in a fracture of my upper left central incisor. I also underwent orthodontic treatment as a result. After six months of orthodontics, I had a porcelain crown placed. A year and a half after the incident, I n...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: When a front tooth is fractured, it may injure the dental nerve, leading to necrosis. If there is a bacterial infection later, an abscess may form. The polyp you discovered could possibly be an abscess. Please consult a dentist for an X-ray to clarify the situation. If the...[Read More] Understanding Gum Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Jagged Tooth Roots: Causes and Treatment Options
The tooth root exhibits a serrated appearance? Director: Hello, I recently changed my dentist, and after reviewing my dental X-rays, they diagnosed me with periodontal disease. They mentioned that the portion of my tooth roots covered by the gum tissue appears serrated, which the...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Improper brushing can lead to gum recession, and if you notice a serrated appearance at the root area, it is essential to improve your brushing technique. If there is no periodontal disease (which is defined as having a periodontal pocket depth greater than 5mm; generally,...[Read More] Understanding Jagged Tooth Roots: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Tooth Pulp Inflammation and Facial Swelling: Key Insights
Pulpitis. Blisters on the gums! After my dental appointment, I noticed swelling in my cheek! During my follow-up visit, the dentist said that the inflammation of the pulp in my front tooth is causing the swelling in my cheek. I need to undergo root canal treatment! The inflammati...
Dr. Chu Boqin Reply:
Hello Jie: You need to visit the emergency department for urgent root canal treatment, and if it's severe, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. Based on the X-ray, it has been determined that there is a bacterial infection causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. Curr...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pulp Inflammation and Facial Swelling: Key Insights