AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question I had a root canal done on the upper right molar. (4 roots) I experienced numbness on my lower right lip and chin the day after, and pain on my lower right bottom tooth. (3 roots) He did a partial root canal on the lower to try and save the tooth because it was cracked. I think I had an infection before the first root canal was done. I am thinking that the bottom tooth was affected by the bacteria in the top. Anyway the partial root canal did not work because of the tremendous pain associated with the infection that swelled up my face, My dentist had to extract it anyway. Some of the tooth is still in there. I am waiting for him to call me. Tomorrow will be one week since my first toothache, 6 days for the numbness. I asked my dentist about the numbness and he was concerned, but seemed stumped. My lower right jaw is still a bit swollen and I have been on Medrol 4mg for swelling and Clindamycin 150mg since yesterday. When I first felt the numbness was the day after the first root canal. What do I need to do? Wait for months? Do you think the shots of anthesia could have caused this? My dentist is referring me to an oral surgeon. He believes that the surgeon will tell me the same thing. Wait.
Answer Tamara - The numbness could definitely have been caused by the injection of novocaine or an infection. Seeing the surgeon at this point is totally correct and he should be able to help to define the cause. I wish you well and hope the numbness resolves.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
