expert type icon EXPERT

Tristan Cheung

Dentist

Dr. Tristan Cheung seeks to ensure his patients have the smile they have always wanted and the confidence that comes with it. He provides compassionate care, desiring to make a difference in the community, and bring dental care to those who desperately need it. His greatest joy comes from improving his patients’ quality of life and contributing to their well-being.
Dr. Tristan possesses extensive experience in many advanced dental techniques, including dental emergency, dental implants, cosmetic treatments, root canal therapy, complex extraction, full-mouth rehabilitation, and more. He continually participates in continuing education courses to keep his knowledge up-to-date, and he is fluent in both English and Chinese
8 years Experience
Tristan Cheung
  • Dripping Springs, TX
  • UNLV School of Dental Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Can baking soda whiten bonded teeth?

Unfortunately, baking soda does not whiten bonded teeth (composite filling). Please see your dentist to replace the old filling if the shade/color does not match your cosmetic READ MORE
Unfortunately, baking soda does not whiten bonded teeth (composite filling). Please see your dentist to replace the old filling if the shade/color does not match your cosmetic need/expectation.

What happens if you don't fix chipped teeth?

Depends on how much tooth structure was being chipped. A small chip can potentially causing damages on other oral tissues (ex: lips, opposing teeth, etc...) or discomfort or even READ MORE
Depends on how much tooth structure was being chipped. A small chip can potentially causing damages on other oral tissues (ex: lips, opposing teeth, etc...) or discomfort or even phonetic, and a large chip can potentially causing secondary infection (ex: cavity get into dentin space or even nerve space). The best way to find out the condition of your chipped tooth is to visit your local dentist. Remember, it is easier and cheaper to fix the "chip" tooth early on (or while it is still a small chip). Good luck

How long until gums stop hurting from flossing?

Flossing shouldn't hurt at all if you do it gently. Gum usually heals in 1-3 days. If discomfort or pain continues, please see your local dentist for a comprehensive exam.

What should you not do before a tooth extraction?

1. No alcohol intake as it can affect the effectiveness of the numbing solution (anesthetic). 2. No recreational drugs usage (ex: marijuanas) as it can affect the effectiveness READ MORE
1. No alcohol intake as it can affect the effectiveness of the numbing solution (anesthetic).
2. No recreational drugs usage (ex: marijuanas) as it can affect the effectiveness of the anesthetic.
3. Keep your mouth keep (except before the surgery/extraction).
4. Get your pain medication ready. Be ahead of the pain/game.
Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.

Should I take pain medication before a root canal?

It is optional for you to take any pain medication before any dental procedures. It doesn't hurt to be proactive to control the pain. Good luck!

How do you manage pain while waiting for a root canal?

The most important thing to do while waiting for a root canal is to keep your teeth clean at ALL time. Brush, floss, and mouthwash are a-MUST. Better yet, please have your dentist READ MORE
The most important thing to do while waiting for a root canal is to keep your teeth clean at ALL time. Brush, floss, and mouthwash are a-MUST. Better yet, please have your dentist prescribe you the proper pain management before and after the root canal treatment. Good luck!

How do you relieve tooth pain after an implant is placed?

Always keep the area clean after any dental procedures. However, please VERY gentle when you are cleaning the implant site as you don't want to tear the suture or the gum apart. READ MORE
Always keep the area clean after any dental procedures. However, please VERY gentle when you are cleaning the implant site as you don't want to tear the suture or the gum apart. Please have your dentist prescribe you the proper pain management/medication as it would help with the pain and the inflammation as well. Good luck!

Will I feel anything during dental anesthesia?

In short, you will not feel anything AFTER the dental anesthesia (the shot). However, you will feel a "poke" and possibly some pressure (the anesthetic fluid) that is being pushed READ MORE
In short, you will not feel anything AFTER the dental anesthesia (the shot). However, you will feel a "poke" and possibly some pressure (the anesthetic fluid) that is being pushed into your gums. Deep breath always help! Good luck!

What is the solution for root canal infection?

Root canal treatment is the proper solution for root canal infection by removing and cleaning the infection inside the root canal/nerve space.

What are the symptoms of a bad root canal?

It is usual to experience discomfort after root canal procedures. Multiple clinical research indicate that patients could experience post op discomfort/pain up 6 months. Please READ MORE
It is usual to experience discomfort after root canal procedures. Multiple clinical research indicate that patients could experience post op discomfort/pain up 6 months. Please follow up with your dentist 2 weeks after the root canal procedure, referral to an endodontist for a second opinion if needed. Good luck!

Do you need Invisalign to fix one tooth?

I assume the one tooth that needs to be fixed is due to orthodontic reason (ex: rotation, malocclusion, or impaction, etc...) instead of fracture or infection. If that one tooth READ MORE
I assume the one tooth that needs to be fixed is due to orthodontic reason (ex: rotation, malocclusion, or impaction, etc...) instead of fracture or infection. If that one tooth is currently not at its desirable position that needs to be corrected by any orthodontic means, then Invisalign or traditional braces would be a good option. Unfortunately, moving one tooth without moving the adjacent teeth is quite difficult (I mean, where does the constant external force come from when pushing the tooth to the right position?). A better example will be walking. You are able to walk forward because your feet push backward against the ground (opposite force). In order to achieve a perfect alignment of your teeth (even for one tooth), the whole (upper and lower trays) Invisalign treatment would be needed.

Can you sleep with your dentures on?

You should never sleep with your denture on. Potential fungal infection is the most common complication in patients who sleep with their denture. Please discuss this with your READ MORE
You should never sleep with your denture on. Potential fungal infection is the most common complication in patients who sleep with their denture. Please discuss this with your local dentist for any reasons you would want to wear it at night, he/she might be able to help you by placing a Implant bridge.

How often should I change my dentures?

There is not a set up time frame that you have to change/re-make your dentures. If they fit well, structurally sound (no cracks), and allow you to speak and eat properly, then READ MORE
There is not a set up time frame that you have to change/re-make your dentures. If they fit well, structurally sound (no cracks), and allow you to speak and eat properly, then you do not need a new set of denture. However, you do need to "change"/or clean your dentures at least once a day, preferably at night since wearing denture at night is not recommended due to potential fungal infection.

Do teeth gap bands really work?

They work, but they are not safe to use. If teeth move too fast, then root resorption can occur (irreversible). Yes, you would be able to pull the crown portion of the teeth together READ MORE
They work, but they are not safe to use. If teeth move too fast, then root resorption can occur (irreversible). Yes, you would be able to pull the crown portion of the teeth together to close the gap/space, but what about the root portion of the teeth? What if the roots were curved? The risk of exposing root structure would be significantly increased. Please avoid using DIY appliance without consulting with your local dentist for proper orthodontic work.

Can I put rubber bands on my teeth?

You can, but you should not. No one can predict how much force the rubber band exactly produce. If teeth move too fast, then root resorption can occur (irreversible). Yes, you READ MORE
You can, but you should not. No one can predict how much force the rubber band exactly produce. If teeth move too fast, then root resorption can occur (irreversible). Yes, you would be able to pull the crown portion of the teeth together to close the gap/space, but what about the root portion of the teeth? What if the roots were curved? The risk of exposing root structure would be significantly increased. Corrective dental procedures for tooth/bone loss due to failed DIY "braces" would cause severe financial burden. Therefore, get it right the first time. Please avoid using DIY appliance without consulting with your local dentist for proper orthodontic work.

How many stages of braces are there?

2 types: 1 stage braces, and 2 stage braces (putting braces twice at different age). The later one is for children who suffer arch insufficiency and severe malocclusion. Adults READ MORE
2 types: 1 stage braces, and 2 stage braces (putting braces twice at different age). The later one is for children who suffer arch insufficiency and severe malocclusion. Adults usually need 1 stage.

How often should I change my elastics for braces?

The frequency of elastic brand replacement is based on the treatment plan that your dentist came up with. It varies between persons. Please consult with your local dentist to find READ MORE
The frequency of elastic brand replacement is based on the treatment plan that your dentist came up with. It varies between persons. Please consult with your local dentist to find out how often does your elastic band need to be replaced.

Does wearing more rubber bands on braces help?

No, it does not. Excessive force can cause irreversible root resorption. Please try to be patient and consult with your local dentist if you don't see any improvement in long period READ MORE
No, it does not. Excessive force can cause irreversible root resorption. Please try to be patient and consult with your local dentist if you don't see any improvement in long period of time. Your dentist can always show you the before and after photo. Moving teeth takes time.

How long can you go without tightening your braces?

You can go without tightening anything as long as the components are still intact. Any missing part will cause misalignment (force will re-distribute on the wrong tooth). Just READ MORE
You can go without tightening anything as long as the components are still intact. Any missing part will cause misalignment (force will re-distribute on the wrong tooth). Just to be sure, please visit your dentist for routine braces care (every 4-6 weeks) ensure everything is okay.

What are the signs that a root canal is needed?

1. Extreme pain associate with fractured or infected tooth. 2. Constant dull pain 3. Fractured tooth or infected tooth structure is in close proximity to the nerve structure. 4. READ MORE
1. Extreme pain associate with fractured or infected tooth.
2. Constant dull pain
3. Fractured tooth or infected tooth structure is in close proximity to the nerve structure.
4. The nerve is dead.
Please visit your dentist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.