expert type icon EXPERT

Michael Wu

Dentist

Dr. Michael Wu is a Dentist practicing in Fort Frances, ON. Dr. Wu specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Michael Wu
  • Fort Frances, ON
  • University of Toronto
  • Accepting new patients

Is teething delay in children normal?

Some children/infants experience tooth eruption a couple months later than the average. Conversely, some may see teeth sooner. I would not be too concerned about it. However, if READ MORE
Some children/infants experience tooth eruption a couple months later than the average. Conversely, some may see teeth sooner. I would not be too concerned about it. However, if after a few more months you are still unsure or have yet to see any teeth erupt, it would be advisable to seek a dentist to use radiographs (x-rays) to assess the presence of teeth and
staging of eruption.

Hope that helps.

Are OTC products recommended for teeth whitening?

Yes just follow the directions of the manufacturer.

I had a root canal and the same tooth is hurting again. What should I do?

Going to see your dentist who did the root canal is the best solution.

My front tooth got chipped at the bottom. What can be done about it?

It all depends on how badly you chipped it, mobility, and if there is pain associated with the tooth. Best is to seek a dentist to examine the tooth and determine what needs to READ MORE
It all depends on how badly you chipped it, mobility, and if there is pain associated with the tooth. Best is to seek a dentist to examine the tooth and determine what needs to be done. In some cases, it might just be a simple touch up, and in drastic cases, it may require extraction. Without a professional examination and X-rays, it's very difficult to determine the outcome of trauma.

I had a root canal and the area still hurts. Is something wrong?

While it is not uncommon for recently root canal treated teeth to experience some post-operative sensitivity, especially to biting, it is definitely a good idea to go back to the READ MORE
While it is not uncommon for recently root canal treated teeth to experience some post-operative sensitivity, especially to biting, it is definitely a good idea to go back to the dentist and check.

How long does it take for permanent teeth to come after his primary teeth fall?

That all depends on the individual. Some kids lose their teeth as soon as they are erupting, some it may take a month or so. On average, kids lose their first set of teeth around READ MORE
That all depends on the individual. Some kids lose their teeth as soon as they are erupting, some it may take a month or so. On average, kids lose their first set of teeth around 6-7, so I don't think it will be too long since the baby teeth fell out on their own I'm assuming. Usually, that is a sign the adult teeth are coming. For a better answer, visit your dentist to get an X-ray to see how far along the adult teeth are or to get an idea if there is anything preventing eruption. It would not be a bad idea to visit your dentist if the adult teeth don't show up after a month. Nothing to lose sleep over, though.

How effective is clove oil to reduce tooth pain?

Yes it is true. In fact, many medicated temporary fillings used to reduce tooth sensitivity contain elements derived from clove oil. You can apply clove oil to the tooth but READ MORE
Yes it is true. In fact, many medicated temporary fillings used to reduce tooth sensitivity contain elements derived from clove oil.

You can apply clove oil to the tooth but this is may be a temporary solution. Please consult your dentist should symptoms persist.

Do root canals happen more often as you age?

Tricky question. It depends on the context. Short answer is no, if you don't have too many fillings or past decay issues with your teeth. However, over time due to wear and READ MORE
Tricky question. It depends on the context. Short answer is no, if you don't have too many fillings or past decay issues with your teeth. However, over time due to wear and tear, your teeth will be more susceptible.

Does switching toothpaste matter?

In most cases, that would be a No. However...it depends on what you mean by good. The old adage if it isn't broken don't fix it applies here. If you don't want to try the newest READ MORE

In most cases, that would be a No. However...it depends on what you mean by good. The old adage if it isn't broken don't fix it applies here. If you don't want to try the newest toothpaste and you are content with the one you're using and not having problems then stick with the one you're using. Hope that helps.

Can novocaine be used during cleanings?

Yes. But that is up to the dentist. For some patients who experience great sensitivity or have issues with gum disease I personally administer local anaesthesia to those patients. READ MORE
Yes. But that is up to the dentist. For some patients who experience great sensitivity or have issues with gum disease I personally administer local anaesthesia to those patients.

Do I have to be numb?

It is standard procedure to have dental anesthesia for fillings. However, everyone's pain tolerance is different and some shallow fillings may not require it. It is up to the READ MORE
It is standard procedure to have dental anesthesia for fillings. However, everyone's pain tolerance is different and some shallow fillings may not require it. It is up to the discretion of the patient and dentist.

How can I close the gap between my frontal teeth?

Hi, there are alternatives. Cosmetic Dental Bonding, veeners or crowns.

Food getting stuck behind wisdom teeth

If the gums are grown over the tooth or constantly irritated as a result of being unable to properly clean the area it's time to get your wisdom tooth out.

Is it bad if a piece of an old filling falls out?

No it is not OK, especially if it becomes sensitive. You need to replace the filling before the tooth further decays. Delays in treatment could result in greater decay, possible READ MORE
No it is not OK, especially if it becomes sensitive. You need to replace the filling before the tooth further decays. Delays in treatment could result in greater decay, possible infection and even loss of tooth.

Did my dental x-rays harm my baby? (first trimester)

Typically except in emergencies x rays are avoided in the first trimester but that is done only to avoid any risk whatsoever. However, since they can be used for emergencies so READ MORE
Typically except in emergencies x rays are avoided in the first trimester
but that is done only to avoid any risk whatsoever. However, since they
can be used for emergencies so long as it is not excessive, one or two
radiographs taken are not likely to have any adverse effects.

What is a dry socket?

Hi there, a dry socket is a painful condition that occurs after an extraction due to improper formation of a healing blood clot in the socket or it has been compromised or dislodged. READ MORE
Hi there, a dry socket is a painful condition that occurs after an extraction due to improper formation of a healing blood clot in the socket or it has been compromised or dislodged. (hence the term "dry socket") It is treated with a medicated dressing that a dentist places in the extraction site and symptoms can be relieved with analgesics.

Skin is shedding on the inside of my mouth (my cheeks). Is this normal?

I do not believe it is the toothpaste. Without having a look at the area, I cannot provide a definitive answer of what it is. I do suspect it is due to friction from the teeth READ MORE
I do not believe it is the toothpaste. Without having a look at the area, I cannot provide a definitive answer of what it is. I do suspect it is due to friction from the teeth from possible movement of the face i.e. teeth against the cheek while you sleep. When did you notice this happening and is this the first occurrence? Has it happened before? How many times has it happened?

Most likely however, it is nothing to worry about and as long as it resolves could be an incidental situation. For peace of mind and accuracy, it is best to see a dentist for visual confirmation.