Ask your dentist

Swelling above the tooth

I have significant problems with my teeth. I had a procedure on the upper second and third molars about two years ago. In the last few months, I have been experiencing pain around the second molar. There seems to be a recurring pimple-like bump that bursts and reappears. When I touch it with my finger from the outside near the nose, it hurts upon contact. Additionally, a large swelling has developed on the inner side around the broken fourth molar, which is solid and painful to touch.

01.02.2024.

Based on what you have described, it is most likely that there is an infection in the bone around those teeth. It is necessary to have an examination and X-ray of the teeth to determine whether it is possible to treat them or if extraction is necessary.

Best regards!

Tooth extraction

I am kindly requesting a response. I had a tooth extracted two days ago, and the process was quite challenging, especially for a premolar. After how many days can I take an X-ray to check if there are any remaining fragments?

Thank you very much.

Respectfully.

 

01.02.2024.

If you wish to check whether the tooth was completely extracted, you can do so immediately.

Best regards.

Sensations After Root Canal Treatment

Dear, tooth number five has been devitalized, filled with a post, and sealed with a filling three weeks ago. The tooth does not hurt either spontaneously or when bitten, but there is a sensation when tapping on the tooth from below, which is not pain. Is it necessary to contact the dentist again, or is this normal for some time after this procedure?

01.02.2024.

It is normal to experience sensations for a few weeks after nerve extraction. What is important is that over time, these sensations should diminish and eventually cease entirely.

Bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction

Five days ago, I had my wisdom tooth extracted because the X-ray showed it was growing incorrectly, hitting the seventh tooth and pushing other teeth. The surgery went well, and even though it was hitting the seventh tooth, it didn’t cause any damage.

However, after the surgery, the surgeon and specialist did not use gauze, only stitches to close the wound. They said gauze was not necessary. However, for the next hour, I experienced constant bleeding, less than initially but still quite a bit. I called them, and they advised me to buy several pieces of gauze and use them periodically. It wasn’t until after four pieces of gauze, keeping my head elevated, and several hours that the bleeding stopped.

My questions are as follows:

I am generally a young athlete, but due to this, I took a break for 10 days. I noticed that after this surgery, my resting heart rate is slightly elevated by 10 to 12 beats while sitting. I monitor it with a quality oximeter. Is this normal? Because I surely lost a considerable amount of blood, and I also think I received a lot of anesthesia. My oxygen levels are satisfactory.

Second, after the operation, a third specialist gave me an injection in the shoulder, saying it was to prevent significant swelling. Do you happen to know what this injection might be?

I would be very grateful for your response.

11.01.2024.

When the wound is stitched, it is not necessary to use gauze. The appearance of small bleeding after surgery is a common occurrence, and in this way, you cannot lose a significant amount of blood.

Serious bleeding is considered when your mouth is filled with blood, and the bleeding cannot stop on its own or with the help of gauze.

Your heart rate may be elevated because you underwent a stressful situation, but now you have no reason to worry.

In your shoulder, you likely received dexamethasone, also part of the standard procedure to prevent swelling.

Colour change of the ceramic crowns

First, let me wish you a Happy New Year, full of happiness, health, and success in 2024.

I wanted to ask for your advice. I’m unsure which toothbrush is best to use for my teeth. I have zirconium bleached crowns, and I would like them to always stay as white as they are. Is it sufficient to use a regular toothbrush, or would it be better to switch to an electric, sonic, ultrasonic brush?

I see that there is a wide selection of these brushes, with prices ranging from 2000 dinars to even 35,000 dinars. I have considered getting a more affordable electric toothbrush, but I’m not sure. What is your suggestion regarding how good these brushes are for zirconium crowns? I notice they have different rotation speeds, and now I’m afraid I might feel discomfort with the crowns and that they might lose their whiteness.

I kindly ask for your advice.

Thank you very much in advance.

11.01.2024.

All the best to you too!

Zirconium crowns, as well as ceramic crowns, cannot change color over time. It is best to maintain oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush to ensure the gums are well cared for. If you choose an electric toothbrush, it should also have soft bristles.

Most importantly, it’s recommended to visit the dentist for teeth cleaning a few times a year to properly maintain your gums over the years.

Best regards!

Toothache during the movement of the head

Hello. I have a toothache when I move my head or bend down. I don’t know if it’s a wisdom tooth or a molar growing. What could it be? The pain is only when I move my head. Greetings!

11.01.2024.

If you have recently had a cold or have sinus issues, that could be the cause of your troubles.

You should first eliminate the possibility that the pain is coming from a tooth by getting a dental X-ray and visiting a dentist for an examination.

Best regards.

Root canal retreatment

Two years ago, I had a root canal procedure on my lower premolar, followed by canal filling. Subsequently, the tooth was closed with only temporary filling, which occasionally fell out, and I would replace it as needed. The tooth remained open, covered only with gauze. Now, I wish to have a crown placed on that tooth, so my question is whether it is necessary to undergo a retreatment of root canal before the crown, considering the tooth was open, possibly allowing bacteria to penetrate. Is the retreatment of the filling a treatment that is often successful? I’ve heard about situations where it’s impossible to penetrate the tooth filling. Why does this happen, and what is the solution? Thank you in advance for your response and patience with all my questions.

12.12.2023.

It is necessary to have an X-ray taken to assess the condition of the root after two years. If the tooth has remained open, it is recommended to undergo a retreatment first. Revision can usually be performed in most cases, except when a filling material, such as cement, has been used, which cannot be completely removed.

Pain after tooth extraction

Hello. Six days ago, I had a tooth extracted. Is it normal for the wound to still ache a bit or pulse? And when will the wound stop being white and turn pink? Thank you, all the best.

28.11.2023.

If you don’t have severe pain and swelling, there’s no need to worry. The pain will go away over time, and the wound may remain white for a few weeks after the extraction before the mucous membrane fully heals.

Gums recession and changes in tooth color

Yesterday, I noticed a problem with two teeth on my lower jaw. Near the bottom of the teeth, there is a darker color; they are not decayed, but they feel fragile, and there is a slight pain upon touch. It seems like the gum may have receded in that area. I’m unsure if it could be dangerous; I’ve been brushing my teeth a bit more vigorously. Is there any way I can address this issue on my own? Thank you in advance.

28.11.2023.

It’s likely that damage to the enamel has occurred due to vigorous tooth brushing, combined with gum recession. You cannot repair this type of damage on your own. It’s necessary to place a filling on that part of the tooth to prevent further enamel erosion.

What you can do is use a soft toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing to prevent further damage.

Broken decayed tooth

Dear, good evening. I have a problem with my upper left tooth number 4. It has been decayed for some time. Today, while eating, I bit down on that tooth, and a significant portion came off. Now, on the outer side or left side of the tooth, there is nothing, while on the inner side, there is a healthy portion that remains. Is it necessary to extract the tooth? Regards and thank you.

13.11.2023.

Hi, to determine whether the tooth needs to be extracted or can be treated, it is necessary to undergo an examination and X-ray imaging. The further fate of this tooth depends on the level of the fracture and the extent of decay.