numb gums and teeth

[BARCLAY]

Recently ( Three weeks ago) whilst snorkelling near Amorgos after a dive to about 20 feet, I felt an aching sensation above my top incisor in the gum region. Ever since then I have no feeling in my upper right incisor, canine and 1st premolar. Some feeling has returned to the gum in this area , but I feel the septum in my nose has reduced sensitivity.
Bank holiday before I can contacy my dentist. Any suggestions as to what has happened.
(A dentist on amorgos put heated probe/seeker onto my teeth... with no feeling resulting.. he "phoned a friend " and said it may take up to a year to recover ?)

neil jones

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Hi BARCLAY,

Sounds like you compressed the middle superior and anterior superior alveolar nerve trunks.

The most likely cause is a sinus squeeze that involves the infra-orbital canal and foramen. These nerves pass through here and if compressed, numbness of the innervated structures results.

The numbness will usually resolve by itself but you should see an ENT for a diagnosis of the potential sinus problem. I would not recommend diving until you have had this checked out.

It would be best to see the doctor while you have symptoms so the evaluation can be made and then followed until they subside.

Good luck. Contact me if you have more questions.

Regards,

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

Disclaimer
(No representations are made that in any way offer a diagnosis, treatment or cure for any illness or condition, either discussed or implied. Answers to questions are offered as information only and should always be used in conjunction with advice from your personal diving physician/dentist. I take no responsibility for any conceivable consequence, which might be related to any visit to this site.)

 

[zeN||]

Dr. Stein, Dentist extraordinaire, DAN the man, to the rescue zeN||

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Yikes!!!!!!:wacko: