Category
Dental Q&A
Short, clear answers to questions that come up in the clinic
Does Morning Jaw Stiffness Suggest Bruxism or Clenching?
Morning stiffness in the jaw or temples can be a sign worth suspecting bruxism or clenching, but it's difficult to confirm from symptoms alone. This explains why dentists ask about sleep and daytime habits and evaluate the jaw joint and masticatory muscles together.
3 min read
If a Tooth Root Shortens During Orthodontic Treatment, Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
When a tooth root shortens during orthodontic treatment, the appropriate response depends on whether it is pressure resorption caused by orthodontic force or resorption caused by infection or inflammation of the nerve or gums. This explains the tests and criteria used to tell the two apart.
3 min read
If My 5-Year-Old's Gums Near an Erupting Molar Look Like They Have Pus, Should We Go to the Dentist Right Away?
Explains that swollen, sore gums where a molar is erupting are a common reaction during eruption, but that only a dentist can tell whether a pus-like area is a normal part of eruption or a sign of infection.
3 min read
Why Are Bitewing Radiographs Used to Check for Cavities Between Teeth?
Cavities beneath the contact point between teeth are hard to find by sight or with a probe, so bitewing radiographs are used to check for them. This explains how the exam detects interproximal caries and secondary caries, and why it is repeated periodically.
4 min read
Can Yellow or Stained Teeth Be Whitened With Brushing or Teeth Whitening?
This article discusses whether yellow or stained teeth can be whitened through brushing or whitening treatments. It distinguishes surface staining from intrinsic discoloration and explains whitening suitability by cause, along with alternatives such as microabrasion and veneers.
4 min read
Can a Permanent Tooth Keep Part of Its Pulp Instead of Removing the Nerve Entirely?
Pulpotomy (removing only the coronal pulp while preserving the radicular pulp) can also be applied to permanent teeth. This article explains the criteria for choosing this treatment and what to check afterward.
4 min read
Can Even Small Cavity Treatment Hurt? When Is Anesthesia Needed?
Explains why local anesthesia is used to control pain during restorative treatment that removes and fills a cavity, and how the anesthesia technique differs depending on the location of the tooth.
3 min read
Can a Broken Front Tooth Fragment Be Reattached?
Whether a broken fragment from a front tooth can be reattached depends on how well the fragment was preserved, how precisely the fractured surfaces fit together, and whether the pulp is exposed. This article explains the conditions under which reattachment is possible and the treatment needed before bonding.
3 min read
Can a Tooth Extracted for Gum Infection Still Get a Same-Day Implant?
A tooth extracted because of gum infection can still be a candidate for a same-day implant if enough alveolar bone remains to achieve initial stability. This article also explains when delayed placement, such as with socket preservation, is chosen instead depending on infection risk and bone volume.
3 min read
Direct Resin vs. Resin Inlay: Which Is Less Likely to Crack?
Direct resin and resin inlays are fabricated in different ways. This explains the principle behind reducing shrinkage, along with how the thickness of the remaining tooth, bite force, and bonding quality affect the durability of the restoration.
4 min read
Can Rinsing With Mouthwash After Snacks Replace Brushing?
Rinsing and brushing serve different roles. This article looks at plaque removal, the supplementary effect of fluoride, and snack frequency to explain what's needed to prevent cavities.
2 min read
Why Do My Teeth Hurt With Cold Water Even Without a Visible Cavity?
When a tooth is sensitive to cold water, the cause may be more than exposed dentin: it can also be a cavity, pulp inflammation, a crack, or irritation after a filling. Learn what to check and how treatment differs depending on the pattern of pain.
4 min read
Do I Really Need a Crown on a Front Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?
How a root-canal-treated front tooth is finished depends on how much tooth structure remains. This article looks in turn at when a resin filling is enough, when a crown is considered, and why a post may be needed.
3 min read