NetWellness Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Weird Noises

David Hall DDS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:11:00 EST

Question: Hello. I just got my wisdom teeth removed yesterday. Three of them, all three types that I know of. 1 simple pull, 1 hooked and impacted, and one still in the bone.

The side that had the one in the bone is swollen and hurts when I move obviously. I am healing great. But last night when I was as . . .

Answer:

The sounds are probably normal (swallowing and/or jaw joint movements). As long as your bite is OK (your teeth fit together normally), give it a couple more weeks to heal. If the problems persist after healing, consult the dentist who removed the teeth.

Ask an Expert: David Hall DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Tooth Cavity

D. Sharples DDS — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:11:00 EST

Question: I went to a private dentist. He took X-ray of the concerned tooth. He showed me the X-ray result which showed a cavity going inside through the tooth but clearly away from the nerve and clearly not touching it. He told me I need a root-canal treatment. I dont have any pain/swelling from hot/cold/pre . . .

Answer: Not all teeth that need a root canal treatment are symptomatic. If you do not trust this doctor's opinion, get a copy of the x-ray and get a second opinion. Ask a friend or family member that has a dentist they trust to recommend someone to you. You can also contact the local dental society who can . . .

Ask an Expert: D. Sharples DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Tongue Bites

Daniel Reed DDS — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:11:00 EST

Question: My fiance bit his tongue when he was about 11 years old, he required about 12 stitches inside and out because he happened to have a broken front tooth which severed it badly. He is now 49 and a few days ago he bit it again while chewing and it would not stop bleeding. It bled for four hours, the blo . . .

Answer: Generally speaking, there are three reasons for repeated tongue bites.

The first is poor tongue control that can occur with some disabilities. The second is that the shape of the tongue has changed due to scarring, tumor or benign swelling. The third is that his teeth are not in the prop . . .

Ask an Expert: Daniel Reed DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Bad Root Canal

Daniel Reed DDS — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST

Question: I had a root canal done recently but only got the infection taken out but never got it filled. Now i have a pain in the tooth next to the one that was the problem and its leading down into the top of my chin. Its causing some discomfort, im leaving the country shortly and hard pressed for time for a . . .

Answer: To answer your question, maybe. The antibiotics will reduce the amount of infection in the area, which should decrease the pain. However, this is short-term and if you are taking a flight out of the country, (most likely) the changes in cabin pressure can make this much worse. Depending on the count . . .

Ask an Expert: Daniel Reed DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Instant Beeding Mouth Blisters

Carl Allen DDS, MSD — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:11:00 EST

Question: Hi After reading a response in connection to instant bleeding mouth blisters, I have had this for 10 years , I now am being sent to see an oral surgeon for biopsy, allergy testing, and a bowel scan in relation to Chrons diease. I was also told by my dentist that it could also be a hormone inbalance . . .

Answer: From your description, it would be unlikely that this condition is related to Crohn's disease, allergy or hormonal imbalance. Ideally, you should be evaluated by an oral pathologist in order to get a better idea of what is going on. The oral pathologist may request that an oral surgeon perform a bio . . .

Ask an Expert: Carl Allen DDS, MSD, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Painful Swelling in Roof of Mouth

David Hall DDS — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:11:00 EST

Question: I need to know what to do about pain and swelling in the roof of my mouth. It started yesterday and the swelling and pain is much worse. I`m getting a headache and my front teeth are throbbing along with it.

Answer: See your local dentist ASAP.

Ask an Expert: David Hall DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Numb & Burnt Tongue after Root Canal

Daniel Reed DDS — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:10:00 EST

Question: I had a root canal 12 days ago. Afterward, I noticed that my tongue is still numb on that side. The endo looked at it and said he probably hit the nerve.

In addition, there are a couple of red spots on my tongue that are sore and the taste buds seemed to be flat. I had some hot soup that day. I . . .

Answer: Let's start with the numb tongue. It is reasonably common when numbing the lower jaw to hit the nerve with the needle. Depending on the type of anesthetic, residual numbness can last for a few days to weeks. Generally speaking, it will return to full sensation. Yes, that does mean that there is a ch . . .

Ask an Expert: Daniel Reed DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Pain and Sensitivity in Teeth, Jaw and Ear

Daniel Reed DDS — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST

Question: I went to the dentist for some minor sensitivity in 2 places on the left side of my jaw---one upper, one lower and the exam revealed a broken 2 sided filling. During the several minute exam on all the teeth, he routinely asked questions and made comments---usually to his assistant taking notes. He d . . .

Answer: There are actually several things that can be contributing to your problems right now. I do have to state that a nightguard may be beneficial, but it may not be all of the problem.

If your tooth hurts when you just tap your teeth together, the filling may be high. If it contacts first, i . . .

Ask an Expert: Daniel Reed DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Irritated Surface of the Tongue

Richard Jurevic DDS, PhD — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:10:00 EST

Question: I am having a lot of sensitivity in the top or surface of the tongue. It seems like I had small cuts but I don`t have them. The sensation is now all the time and when I eat something it will bothers me a lot, especially if it`s acidic, spicy, sour, or salty. I have this sensitivity for at least two . . .

Answer:

Your concern is very interesting and may be the result of the treatment for your gastrointestinal problems (H. pylori infection). I do not know what the causes of the "little cuts" are on your tongue, as the . . .

Ask an Expert: Richard Jurevic DDS, PhD, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Loose Teeth

David Hall DDS — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:10:00 EST

Question: I was hit in the mouth and my two front teeth are a kinda shakey, I`m having trouble chewing, they do not seem to be strong enough to bite on anything. Is there anything I can do without going to the dentist. I have no dental insurance and cannot afford the visit.

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. You might try purchasing an athletic mouth guard or try:
Free or Low Cost Health Coverage

Best wishes.

Ask an Expert: David Hall DDS, Dental and Oral Health (Adults)