expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Timothy Wong

Dentist | General Practice

Dr. Timothy Wong is a Dentist practicing in Montclair, CA. Dr. Wong 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.
6 years Experience
Dr. Timothy Wong
  • Alhambra, CA
  • Univ. of Southern California
  • Accepting new patients

Can a regular dentist do a bone graft?

Many general (regular) dentists are capable of placing bone grafts, and depending on the state's requirement, the general dentist may be allowed to place bone grafts if that is READ MORE
Many general (regular) dentists are capable of placing bone grafts, and depending on the state's requirement, the general dentist may be allowed to place bone grafts if that is within their scope of practice as listed in your state's law and regulations.

How fast does a cavity progress?

Depending on each person's oral hygiene and the body's response to the cause of cavity, it can drastically change the speed of cavity progression. For example the amount of saliva READ MORE
Depending on each person's oral hygiene and the body's response to the cause of cavity, it can drastically change the speed of cavity progression. For example the amount of saliva available in your mouth can slow or speed up cavity progression. In general, having adequate amount of saliva helps slow down cavity progression. Using fluoride toothpaste, water with fluoride, fluoride mouth rinse, anti-bacterial mouth rinse, flossing, water flossing may also help slow down cavity progression.

Is it bad to leave a loose tooth in your mouth?

Having a "loose' tooth in your mouth may have different causes. For example, trauma/accident leading to partially or fully broken/fractured tooth, hence a loose tooth or piece READ MORE
Having a "loose' tooth in your mouth may have different causes. For example, trauma/accident leading to partially or fully broken/fractured tooth, hence a loose tooth or piece of tooth; or in other cases, a loose tooth can be due to long-term gum diseases (chronic periodontitis), which can worsen if you leave the tooth in your mouth as in losing more bone and making it much harder in future to place a dental implant in the area.
In both cases, it is recommended to visit a licensed dental professional to diagnosis and provide treatment to the problem of loose tooth.

Do you really need teeth cleaning every 6 months?

Depending on your overall oral health as well as the status of gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) and how well you keep your teeth and gum clean, the frequency of dental cleaning READ MORE
Depending on your overall oral health as well as the status of gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) and how well you keep your teeth and gum clean, the frequency of dental cleaning can vary between persons. Depending on the clinical diagnosis you receive from your dentist, you may be recommended with a 3-month, 4-month, 6-month, up to 1 year frequency to visit your dentist and dental hygienist for dental cleaning and check up.

What causes extreme pain after tooth extraction?

There could be multiple causes; one of the reasons is what is known as a "dry socket".

Why am I losing enamel on my teeth?

Frequently consuming acidic drinks, soft drinks, sodas, carbonated sweet drinks, drinks that taste sour (suggesting a low pH value), consuming lemon/lime or other acidic food, READ MORE
Frequently consuming acidic drinks, soft drinks, sodas, carbonated sweet drinks, drinks that taste sour (suggesting a low pH value), consuming lemon/lime or other acidic food, or self-induced vomiting, bulimia can lead to accelerated wear and tear of the enamel on your teeth.

How do you relax your jaw when you have TMJ?

You are probably referring to Temporal-Mandibular Disease (TMD) of the Temporal-Mandibular Joint (TMJ). If you notice yourself clenching your teeth during exercise, at rest, or READ MORE
You are probably referring to Temporal-Mandibular Disease (TMD) of the Temporal-Mandibular Joint (TMJ). If you notice yourself clenching your teeth during exercise, at rest, or during stressful time, try to be aware of that and limit the time you clench. You can also consider visiting a dentist or TMJ specialist dentist for recommendations such as a night guard/occlusal guard.

What is the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth?

If your missing tooth is on the front, for example canine and incisors, the cheapest way would be a "Flipper" or "Stayplate", which is a removable device/appliance that's meant READ MORE
If your missing tooth is on the front, for example canine and incisors, the cheapest way would be a "Flipper" or "Stayplate", which is a removable device/appliance that's meant for esthetics, not meant for chewing with it.

How many times a day should you use a Waterpik?

Recommend Waterpik use at least once before bedtime; If you can use twice (once after lunch and once after dinner) that would be even more beneficial for your overall oral health. READ MORE
Recommend Waterpik use at least once before bedtime; If you can use twice (once after lunch and once after dinner) that would be even more beneficial for your overall oral health. I am glad you are motivated to use the Waterpik and hope it will help you will have healthier teeth and gum.

What should I do with my cracked tooth?

Sorry for what happened. It would be in your best interest to set up an appointment with your general dentist for an in-office consultation and examination regarding the cracked READ MORE
Sorry for what happened. It would be in your best interest to set up an appointment with your general dentist for an in-office consultation and examination regarding the cracked tooth.

What does throbbing tooth pain mean?

A spontaneous throbbing pain may be an indication of tooth decay that has irritated the underlying nerve within the tooth. It is in your best interest to consult with a licensed READ MORE
A spontaneous throbbing pain may be an indication of tooth decay that has irritated the underlying nerve within the tooth. It is in your best interest to consult with a licensed general dentist in your area.

How can I stop plaque build up?

In addition to brushing twice a day, using anti-plaque mouthwash twice and dental floss once every day will help prevent plaque buildup.

Is it possible to have a cavity without tooth pain?

Yes. A lot of cavities in their early stages may not cause pain. However that does not mean those cavities are harmless. It is better to have it evaluated by your general dentist READ MORE
Yes. A lot of cavities in their early stages may not cause pain. However that does not mean those cavities are harmless. It is better to have it evaluated by your general dentist before the cavity gets worse and more complicated and costly treatment would be needed.

Do I need a follow up after getting dental implants?

In general, a follow-up appointment would be imperative in monitoring the status of your dental implant. The time interval between follow-up is determined by your dentist. At the READ MORE
In general, a follow-up appointment would be imperative in monitoring the status of your dental implant. The time interval between follow-up is determined by your dentist. At the follow-up, the dentist may elect to take x-ray to check the integration between your bone and implant, measure the gum pocket, check for mobility of the implant (if any), etc.

Do I really need teeth cleanings every 6 months?

A 6 month dental hygiene recall is important--it allows the doctor to assess the health of your gum and teeth, and the entire oral cavity for any possible problem or disease. Sometimes READ MORE
A 6 month dental hygiene recall is important--it allows the doctor to assess the health of your gum and teeth, and the entire oral cavity for any possible problem or disease. Sometimes that may require new x-rays to help the doctor get a full picture of the current status of your mouth. A teeth cleaning every 6 month will allow the doctor and/or hygienist to remove debris on your teeth and around the gums to keep your mouth healthy.

I think I have infected soft pulp tissue in my back tooth. What's the treatment for this?

Hi For any sort of possible tooth infection, the steps would include having an intral-oral exam, appropriate X-rays, dental/medical history. Depending on how severe the decay READ MORE
Hi

For any sort of possible tooth infection, the steps would include having an intral-oral exam, appropriate X-rays, dental/medical history. Depending on how severe the decay and/or infection, the doctor may recommend root canal treatment and crown, or extraction (removal of tooth), with possible pain medication and/or antibiotics. To receive a comprehensive examination and consultation, please visit your local licensed dental profession.

Dr Wong