Persistent Dental Abscess: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
A dental abscess that does not resolve over a long period? Hello Dr. Liu: Last year around this time, I went to a dental clinic for a cavity, and the dentist filled the tooth for me. After returning home, I noticed that the gum around that tooth has been developing dental abscess...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it appears that the pulp (nerve) of the affected tooth has become necrotic and infected, leading to a chronic periapical abscess. The bacteria and their toxins within the root canal have caused inflammation and pus formation in the surrounding ti...[Read More] Persistent Dental Abscess: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Getting Braces: Causes and Solutions
Tooth sensitivity or toothache? Hello, I got braces a little over a month ago, and since then, my gums have been feeling sore. The dentist does not believe it is a problem with the teeth themselves, as I have 24K gold braces, which should not cause any allergic reactions or fit i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Generally, teeth that require crowns may have intrinsic enamel defects, or they may have experienced significant wear leading to symptoms of thermal sensitivity. Additionally, if a tooth has undergone root canal treatment due to pulpitis, a crown is needed to prevent fracturing o...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Getting Braces: Causes and Solutions
Addressing Misaligned Molars After Orthodontic Treatment in Teens
The upper second molar erupted tilted after orthodontic treatment? Hello Dr. Chiu, My child is 15 years old and is nearing the completion of orthodontic treatment. During a dental cleaning last year, the dentist discovered that both upper second molars are tilted (growing towar...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello Magi: It is recommended to take a panoramic X-ray to examine the positional relationship between the second molar and the third molar. If it is indeed an issue caused by the wisdom tooth pushing against it, then extraction of the wisdom tooth would suffice. As for the bucca...[Read More] Addressing Misaligned Molars After Orthodontic Treatment in Teens
Understanding Retained Tooth Roots: Implications for Dental Health
Dental root Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted, but due to the angle of the tooth roots being too close to the nerve, my dentist left the roots embedded in the gum. Will these roots continue to grow? Since they are located deep ...
Dr. Gao Zhijian Reply:
The tooth root will not continue to grow longer and will not cause cleaning difficulties in the future. In principle, if the wisdom tooth is clean and free of infection before extraction, leaving the root inside should not pose a problem. However, it is necessary to evaluate the ...[Read More] Understanding Retained Tooth Roots: Implications for Dental Health
Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?
Can the timing of root canal treatment be postponed? Hello Dr. Liu, I am currently studying in the United States. A few days ago, during a dental check-up, I discovered that my lower canine tooth has a bacterial infection. The doctor used a cold cotton swab to test it, and I felt...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: The "bacterial infection" you mentioned, is it indicated by the presence of a shadow at the apex of the tooth on the X-ray? If so, this typically suggests that the pulp (commonly referred to as the nerve) is necrotic and associated with a bacterial infection. The...[Read More] Can You Delay Root Canal Treatment Without Causing Damage?
Could Jaw Pain and Difficulty Opening Mouth Lead to Dislocation?
Can this symptom lead to a dislocated jaw? When opening your mouth, if you experience pain in the joint near your ear and find it difficult to open your mouth wide, requiring you to do so slowly, this could be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. This condition ca...
Dr. Xu Zhenglong Reply:
Based on your complaint, it seems to be an issue related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). You should go to the hospital for an X-ray to check for any abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint. It is common for individuals to experience this condition due to sudden st...[Read More] Could Jaw Pain and Difficulty Opening Mouth Lead to Dislocation?
Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Risks and Removal Options
Regarding supernumerary teeth? Hello, doctor: I have an extra tooth behind my front tooth (in the maxilla)! Previously, a dental clinic suggested that I go to a provincial hospital for extraction. Is the extraction more complicated, which is why they recommended I go to a larger ...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello, Mer maid: The extraction of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region typically requires a minor surgical procedure, and the difficulty level must be determined through clinical judgment and X-ray diagnosis. Since this is a surgical procedure, most general practitioners a...[Read More] Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Risks and Removal Options
Should I Extract My Teeth or Save Them with Root Canals?
Should I have a tooth extraction? My lower right central incisor and left lateral incisors have changed color, and I have gum inflammation. An X-ray shows that the roots of my four lower incisors are only one-third embedded in the jawbone. I also have periodontal disease, and eve...
Dr. Chen Yingfang Reply:
Hello! Depending on the condition, you have mentioned various treatment options, so three different approaches can be considered. However, the prerequisite is that you must brush your teeth very thoroughly; otherwise, periodontal disease may still occur in the future. Thank you![Read More] Should I Extract My Teeth or Save Them with Root Canals?
Understanding Dental X-rays: Do You Need Surgery Before Orthodontics?
X-ray findings reveal Over two years ago, an X-ray taken at the dentist revealed that I have one tooth on each side of my front teeth that has not erupted since childhood. The doctor mentioned that there is insufficient space in the jaw for these teeth to grow, and there are no v...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
If you want to correct your teeth, you should consult an orthodontist. First, X-rays and dental molds will be analyzed to determine whether the impacted teeth (which you mentioned are not erupting) can be utilized or if they need to be extracted. If you will need these teeth in t...[Read More] Understanding Dental X-rays: Do You Need Surgery Before Orthodontics?
Is Working in Dentistry Safe for Pregnant Women? Understanding X-Ray Risks
Will dental X-rays affect AP personnel? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a dental assistant. I am considering getting pregnant soon, but I am unsure if the dental work environment is safe. We need to take many X-rays for the dentists, including numerous small films for endodontics and period...
Dr. Chen Yingfang Reply:
As long as there are proper isolation and protective measures in place, it should be safe. You can check with the Atomic Energy Council for more information.[Read More] Is Working in Dentistry Safe for Pregnant Women? Understanding X-Ray Risks
Can I Get Fillings for Cavities Without Pain? Dental FAQs Answered
Can I get a dental filling for this? Hello Dr. Liu, I have a few questions to ask: 1. The second molar on the lower right side has a "V"-shaped cavity with the opening facing outward. It no longer hurts. Can this be filled? If a tooth is not painful or sensitive, does...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, a cavity can be filled. However, if it is mentioned that "it no longer hurts," does that imply it has hurt before? If so, it may have affected the nerve. A proper diagnosis requires the use of X-rays; if the nerve is necrotic, then root canal trea...[Read More] Can I Get Fillings for Cavities Without Pain? Dental FAQs Answered
Understanding Tooth Pain and Its Connection to Headaches and Sinus Issues
Toothache causing temple pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I am experiencing the following symptoms: 1. My upper left second molar underwent root canal treatment three to four years ago, and in mid-August of this year, I started a retreatment (due to frequent floss snagging, an X-ray revea...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: It is normal to experience mild pain during root canal treatment, but if the pain persists for 1-2 months, you may consider consulting an endodontist. The apices of the maxillary premolars are often located close to the maxillary sinus, and infections in these teeth can ea...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Its Connection to Headaches and Sinus Issues
Overcoming Dental Decay: Options for Implants and Costs Explained
My teeth are almost completely decayed? Because I loved eating candy when I was in elementary school, and I didn't go to the dentist at that time, my teeth are now almost completely decayed. I also lack the courage to see a dentist. If I had gone to the dentist back then, I ...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Cavities should be treated as early as possible; the longer you wait, the harder they are to treat. If you have a fear of dentists, it may lead to significant decay. However, dental treatments today have many compassionate approaches that greatly improve the discomfort ass...[Read More] Overcoming Dental Decay: Options for Implants and Costs Explained
Managing Dental Pain During Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant, and unfortunately, my teeth have decided to act up at this time. Last year, I mustered the courage to start treating my decayed teeth. An X-ray showed that one problematic tooth had begun ...
Dr. Chu Boqin Reply:
Pain is something that everyone fears, so avoiding sweets, brushing teeth regularly (after every meal), and having regular dental check-ups are the three key strategies to prevent cavities. As a loving parent, I want to inform you that the only solution is to address cavities ear...[Read More] Managing Dental Pain During Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Cleaning: Causes and Solutions
Tooth sensitivity? Dear Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. Since I live abroad, I had a dental cleaning at a local dental clinic in April this year. Since then, whenever I eat slightly cold food, I experience a discomforting sensitivity in the inner surfaces of my upper...
Dr. Wu Chunzhen Reply:
Hello Vicky: Some people experience soreness after teeth cleaning, but most do not. The soreness usually subsides after some time. If it does not go away, please visit a hospital for an examination. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Cleaning: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gum Swelling and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Gum swelling and pain? Hello, I have recently experienced swelling and pain in the gums on the outer side of my second molar on the right side, extending to the surrounding gum tissue. The swelling has affected the entire area around the molar, and even my lymph nodes feel slight...
Dr. Yuan Ziming Reply:
Ms. Junjun: Based on your description, it seems to be related to the lower jaw teeth. Given your age, the likelihood of periodontal disease is low. It is likely that a hidden third molar is causing the issue, so it would be advisable to take an X-ray to confirm this. Additionally...[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Should You Extract a Loose Tooth After an Injury? Expert Advice
Tooth extraction Hello, I had an injury to my upper left incisor near the canine due to a car accident ten years ago, and it has been slightly loose. Recently, I visited a dental clinic, and one dentist said that if the tooth doesn't hurt, I don't need to worry about it...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: After dental trauma, there are various possible phenomena, including crown fracture, pulp necrosis, root resorption, root fracture, tooth displacement, and alveolar bone fracture. Your description is insufficient for making a diagnosis; if you could provide X-rays, it woul...[Read More] Should You Extract a Loose Tooth After an Injury? Expert Advice
Should I Worry About a Loose Tooth That Doesn't Hurt?
Minor issue? Hello, doctor. Sometimes when I clench my teeth together, I feel like one of my teeth is loose. When I try to move it with my hand, I can't feel any mobility, and that tooth doesn't hurt. Should I consider having it extracted?
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
When the upper and lower teeth come together while biting, one tooth may feel loose, but it does not seem to move when touched. This could be due to external stimuli affecting the periodontal ligaments surrounding the tooth, leading to inflammation of the periodontal ligaments, w...[Read More] Should I Worry About a Loose Tooth That Doesn't Hurt?
Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Endo In the case where two teeth require root canal treatment and both are experiencing severe pain, a dentist can address both teeth in a single appointment, depending on the complexity of the cases and the dentist's judgment. However, it may also be advisable to treat them...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: Root canal treatment is a meticulous and time-consuming procedure. If the dentist's schedule permits, it is possible to treat two teeth in one session. Typically, a one-week interval is advisable between two root canal treatments. The primary cause of alveolar bone re...[Read More] Can Two Root Canals Be Done in One Visit? Understanding Dental Pain and Bone Loss
Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management
Gum surgery I recently had an X-ray and discovered a dark shadow approximately 0.8 cm in size above the gum line of my front tooth. The doctor mentioned that I would need surgical treatment or possibly the removal of the prosthetic tooth to undergo root canal therapy again. Howev...
Dr. Liu Tiancai Reply:
Hello: According to your statement, it appears that there is a bacterial infection in the root canal of the front tooth, with bacteria and their endotoxins leaking out of the apex of the root canal, causing inflammation and resorption of the alveolar bone. This can be detected as...[Read More] Understanding Gum Surgery: What to Expect and Pain Management