Completely irrelevant. There was no enclosed space, in fact the infection was draining through the gum preventing the build up of pressure
OK... Here's why I disagree:
Let's go with the two possibilities. One, there's a trapped bit of gas in the tooth with no means of escape. Two, there's a gap in the filling where gas can enter.
In the first supposition, the trapped gas would shrink as the diver descends. During the ascent, the gas would expand, but it wouldn't expand any more that it it's original volume at the surface. No problem.
In the second scenario, compressed gas can enter the tooth. If the diver shoots to the surface, then I could possibly see where the gas could expand faster than it could escape and damage the tooth. However, the tooth could be the least of his concerns in such a scenario. DCS might be much more of a problem.
Now, the second scenario is much more in line with the situation I was in. There was a void in the tooth that was filled with a compressible liquid and gas. It did have a way out, but a lot of pressure was behind it. This is way is was trying to punch through the palate on the roof of my mouth. If you're daring (and a glutton for punishment), try to push a needle through the roof of your mouth. My dentist was surprised I wasn't in pain.
