expert type icon EXPERT

Kingstone Chichung Shih, DDS

Endodontist

Dr. Kingstone Chichung Shih DDS is a top Endodontist in Menlo Park, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Kingstone Chichung Shih DDS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Kingstone Chichung Shih DDS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Kingstone Chichung Shih DDS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Menlo Park, CA, Dr. Kingstone Chichung Shih DDS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
30 years Experience
Kingstone Chichung Shih, DDS
  • Mountain View, CA
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • Accepting new patients

Can a loose tooth tighten back up?

Yes, it is possible for a loose tooth to tighten back up, but it depends on many factors, such as the degree of looseness, and how much damage has already been done to the gums READ MORE
Yes, it is possible for a loose tooth to tighten back up, but it depends on many factors, such as the degree of looseness, and how much damage has already been done to the gums and bone around the loose tooth. If too much damage has already been done, it is possible that the tooth won't be able to tighten back up.

Can a root cavity be filled?

You have not provided enough information for me to give you a definite answer. It depends on the exact location on the root, and also the size. It is possible that it may be READ MORE
You have not provided enough information for me to give you a definite answer. It depends on the exact location on the root, and also the size. It is possible that it may be able to be filled if it is not too deep, but if it is deep, it may need a root canal, and if even deeper, the tooth may not be able to be saved and need to be extracted.

Will my root canal be canceled next month?

It depends on the policy of the office where you are scheduled. Most offices are closed for general non-essential treatment for an indeterminate amount of time. In my office READ MORE
It depends on the policy of the office where you are scheduled. Most offices are closed for general non-essential treatment for an indeterminate amount of time. In my office in Mountain View, CA, we are only seeing patients who need root canal treatment on an emergency basis, meaning they are in pain and/or have an active infection. I have treated a handful of patients this week which fall into this category. We have rescheduled all patients who have non-essential endodontic needs until mid-May, or when the current shelter at home provision has been lifted. You should contact your dentist to see what their current policy is, it is different for every office and every location.

Is a surgical root canal painful?

The procedure itself should be painless if you are anesthetized properly. Once the anesthesia wears off, the area around the tooth, gums and bone may be sore for a few days, but READ MORE
The procedure itself should be painless if you are anesthetized properly. Once the anesthesia wears off, the area around the tooth, gums and bone may be sore for a few days, but should be able to be controlled with over the counter or prescription strength pain medication.

How does a root canal affect your gums?

The root canal does not directly affect the gum, although it may be a little sore if you dentist needs to give a shot of local anesthetic into that area. If the gum is infected, READ MORE
The root canal does not directly affect the gum, although it may be a little sore if you dentist needs to give a shot of local anesthetic into that area. If the gum is infected, swollen or discolored, you may need to see a periodontist.

What hurts more tooth extraction or root canal?

It is possible and is not unusual to experience discomfort with either a tooth extraction or a root canal. This pain can usually be controlled with pain medication and should READ MORE
It is possible and is not unusual to experience discomfort with either a tooth extraction or a root canal. This pain can usually be controlled with pain medication and should go away with time. There are many factors that determine the type and amount of pain you may experience with either of these procedures, and you did not provide enough information to give you an specific answer.

How long is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction could take anywhere from 5-30 minutes depending in the complexity of the case.

What happens to teeth after a root canal?

It depends on how your tooth was sealed after the root canal. If you have a temporary filling, you need to have a permanent restoration placed. If your tooth needs a crown, you READ MORE
It depends on how your tooth was sealed after the root canal. If you have a temporary filling, you need to have a permanent restoration placed. If your tooth needs a crown, you should return to your dentist to have it done after the root canal. If the tooth already has a crown in good shape, usually nothing more needs to be done.

Can you get teeth implants after a root canal?

Yes, it is possible to get dental implants after a root canal, but there are many factors that need to be considered. You should set up an appointment for a consultation to determine READ MORE
Yes, it is possible to get dental implants after a root canal, but there are many factors that need to be considered. You should set up an appointment for a consultation to determine if the implant has a good prognosis.

How long after a root canal can I get braces?

You can get braces any time a root canal if the tooth already has a crown. If the tooth needs a crown after getting the root canal, you should wait until after you get the crown READ MORE
You can get braces any time a root canal if the tooth already has a crown. If the tooth needs a crown after getting the root canal, you should wait until after you get the crown to start braces.

Do you need antibiotics after a root canal?

It depends. If there is infection in the root or bone of your tooth, then yes, you should take antibiotics after the root canal, but if there is no infection, then antibiotics READ MORE
It depends. If there is infection in the root or bone of your tooth, then yes, you should take antibiotics after the root canal, but if there is no infection, then antibiotics usually are not necessary.

How do you clean your mouth after a root canal?

Your oral hygiene technique after the root canal is the same as before. The only caveat would be if you have a temporary crown on the tooth. If there is a temporary crown, you READ MORE
Your oral hygiene technique after the root canal is the same as before. The only caveat would be if you have a temporary crown on the tooth. If there is a temporary crown, you should not lift up through the contact with dental floss,otherwise the crown could fall off. Instead, pull it out through the side.

How to take care of your mouth after a root canal?

The most important way to take care of your mouth after a root canal is to keep it as clean as possible in terms of your daily hygiene regimen, and to avoid chewing anything hard READ MORE
The most important way to take care of your mouth after a root canal is to keep it as clean as possible in terms of your daily hygiene regimen, and to avoid chewing anything hard on the tooth that had the root canal until it has been restored permanently.

What can I eat 3 days after a tooth extraction?

Yes, you can eat 3 days after a tooth extraction, but I recommend to avoid the area of the extraction and also to rinse out with warm salt water after eating to keep it clean. READ MORE
Yes, you can eat 3 days after a tooth extraction, but I recommend to avoid the area of the extraction and also to rinse out with warm salt water after eating to keep it clean. Once a membrane forms over the extraction socket, you can eat in that area.

How long does it take for amoxicillin to work for a tooth infection?

It can take between 24-28 hours before the effect of an antibiotic kicks in.

Why do you rinse with salt water after a root canal?

It is not mandatory to rinse out with salt water after a root canal, but it helps to soothe the gums, as they might be a little sore from the injection and the placement of the READ MORE
It is not mandatory to rinse out with salt water after a root canal, but it helps to soothe the gums, as they might be a little sore from the injection and the placement of the rubber dam clamp.

What type of anesthesia is used for a root canal?

Any number of local anesthetics could be used, depending on your medical health history, the particular tooth in question, and your dentist's personal preference. Citanest plain, READ MORE
Any number of local anesthetics could be used, depending on your medical health history, the particular tooth in question, and your dentist's personal preference. Citanest plain, Lidocaine, Septocaine, Mepivicaine, and Marcaine are all examples that might be used. You can ask your dentist which one he plans to use.

How long does it take for gums to heal after implants?

The amount time depends on many factors and is different for every patient and every case, so you should set up an appointment for a consultation and ask the doctor who will be READ MORE
The amount time depends on many factors and is different for every patient and every case, so you should set up an appointment for a consultation and ask the doctor who will be placing the implant. A typical time range would be one to four weeks. 

What is the best treatment for a gap between teeth?

It depends on how wide the gap is. If the gap is not too wide, you can visit your dentist and inquire if a crown or veneer to close the space. If the gap is too wide, you may READ MORE
It depends on how wide the gap is. If the gap is not too wide, you can visit your dentist and inquire if a crown or veneer to close the space. If the gap is too wide, you may need a bridge or implant.

How many times can a filling be replaced?

General rule of thumb, the larger and deeper a filling, the fewer times it can be replaced.