You probably signed a waiver or release of some kind, but if he didn't tell you that this was a potential outcome, then you could probably sue successfully.

There is a nerve in your jaw that controls feeling in your lower face.  I've had two friends get TMJ surgery, and it's the leading risk, with a 50/50 chance of having that nerve damaged or destroyed.  One of the friends was in the unlucky 50%, and she can't feel her chin, at all.

It's possible that the dentist nicked that nerve with the needle.  I know the needs they use for local anesthesia at the dentist are pretty massive.


I'm sure there is a medical malpractice lawyer in your area that would give you a free consultation on the phone.

Well, The Dentist was really shakin up about the situation. I have spoke with him several times since what happened, and He is honestly a little scared of what is going to happen. For a while, he was a little pushy with me when I told him what happened, and it seemed like he was in absolute denial. I have done some research about it and it is not common. It is actually very rare. He has finally gotten to the point where he is offering me free dental work.

Yeah, I have been looking around the past couple days for a medical lawyer, and looking into what I can do. It is honestly getting out of control. I attend a culinary institute...I need to taste. I can't even participate in a few tests we have weekely because of it. I am just waving them aside until I get this settled.

Do you really think I should go ahead and take legal action?

Especially if this is detracting from your career prospects, you need to talk to a lawyer immediately.

The dentist is insured for stuff like this.  Yes his malpractice rates will go up, but it's not like you're taking his existing assets, so I wouldn't feel too bad about it.

Also, this isn't like one of those ambulance-chaser cash-in's where you have something unverifiable like "soft tissue damage".  This sounds like a real thing, that may be permanent.

Lawyer-up before you talk to the dentist again.  I can almost guarantee that any of the "free" dental work he's offering would involve signing away your ability to sue and rectify the current problem.

I don't think there is a drug out there that specifically nullifies any taste. You can cut the sensory buds, but that still leaves you with your taste buds as well as your nose.

Milk products are good against spices and I'm sure it can help against other harsh tastes.

Haha this reminds me of that episode of Doug where he thinks he's going to have to eat liver and onions so he gets this black crap in a tube from Mr. Dink ("very expensive!") to stop the experience of taste.

haha that is exactly what I was thinking this whole time haha. My original post was going to be something like " Do you have to go to dinner with patty mayo and eat liver and onions?!"

http://www.null-hypothesis.co.uk/...

This was going to be my suggestion.

Anyway, I really don't see what you could be eating in Japan that would be absolutely disgusting. Well....not every day food anyway. It's not like you are going to the backwoods of some 3rd world country where they are eating bugs and other super wierd shit. It's freaking Japan. Most likely the worst thing you will come across is some undercooked/raw Tuna, which is delicious.

Well, it's just a big concern is all. I have a difficult time with a lot of stuff, so I'm anticipating this will be no different.

What most perceive as delicious makes me want to vomit. I might look into the ambesol route, though it doesn't sound like it would help.

why don't you just limit yourself to KFC and McDonalds? Or just try the simplest food! Are you gonna tell me you don't stand cooked rice? There's fried fish also, not just raw sushi fish. Okonomiyaki is like salad pancakes with vegetables and/or meat I think. Limit yourself to veggies, maybe that is the solution.

There is one dish over there you gotta try though. I believe it is called poon-tang.

There is a Japanese fruit called a persimmons I beleive, eat it before they are ripe, it will make your mouth go numb.

Why are you going to Japan?

It's with the class.  I like the notion of going over there, just the issue of concern is what's bugging me.

Sivak, you swallow all this stuff we are throwing at you, I guarentee, you are going to puke. I would take my chances with the Jap food personally. I eat it all the time. But i'm weird like that. You could always pack a few lunches to take with you.

i agree with JD, i mean it's really not that bad at all. hold your breath while you chew and swallow and think about something else.

that actually gives me the idea, if you could find a way to plug up your nose, you actually wouldnt be able to taste anything.

What if you just said you're a vegetarian? At least that way meat wouldn't be involved, which could turn out to be a relief.

Man up and just eat it.

Miracle Fruit tablets! It makes everything taste good

http://www.amazon.com/Mberry-Mira...

suck on 2 of these one after the other and swish the saliva and dissolved Cepacol around in your mouth... it does numb the throat a bit but also numbs the tong slightly.. don't do more then 1 or else you have a better chance of numbing it too much and chance biting it... start out with 1 see what happens then if need be do 2. it is a medication though so be careful and don't over do it.