Dental negligence can occur in various forms, but a failed root canal is a particularly distressing example. Root canal treatment is a complex procedure that requires precision and expertise. When performed incorrectly, it can lead to further complications, pain, and even tooth loss. If you’ve experienced a failed root canal due to dental negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This article will guide you through the process of claiming for dental negligence related to a failed root canal.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment and Potential Complications
A root canal is a procedure that aims to save a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or infection. The process involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and then filling and sealing them. While root canal treatment is generally successful, complications can arise, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly.
Some potential complications of a failed root canal include:
- Persistent infection: If the infected tissue is not completely removed, the infection may persist, causing pain and swelling.
- Nerve damage: In some cases, the nerves in the jaw can be damaged during the procedure, leading to numbness or pain.
- Perforation: The dentist may accidentally perforate the tooth root during the procedure, which can lead to further complications.
- Inadequate filling: If the canals are not filled and sealed correctly, bacteria can re-enter the tooth, leading to further infection.
- Fractured instruments: In rare cases, instruments can break off inside the tooth during the procedure, requiring further intervention to remove them.
Recognising Dental Negligence in Root Canal Treatment
Not all failed root canals are the result of dental negligence. However, if your dentist failed to provide an acceptable standard of care and this led to complications, you may have a valid claim. Some examples of dental negligence related to root canal treatment include:
Failure to diagnose the problem correctly:
If your dentist failed to diagnose the need for a root canal or misdiagnosed the condition, leading to further complications, this could be considered negligence.
Inadequate treatment:
If the root canal procedure was not performed to an acceptable standard, such as failing to remove all the infected tissue or improperly filling the canals, this could also be considered negligence. Â
Poor communication:
If your dentist failed to explain the risks and benefits of the procedure or did not obtain your informed consent before proceeding, this could be considered negligence. Â
Lack of follow-up care:
If your dentist failed to provide adequate follow-up care after the procedure, leading to further complications, this could also be considered negligence.
Gathering Evidence for Your Dental Negligence Claim
If you believe you have a valid claim for dental negligence related to a failed root canal, it’s important to gather evidence to support your case. This evidence may include:
- Dental records: Obtain copies of your dental records from your dentist, including X-rays, treatment notes, and any correspondence related to the root canal procedure.
- Second opinion: Seek a second opinion from another dentist to confirm that the initial root canal treatment was inadequate or negligent.
- Medical records: If you experienced any complications or required further treatment as a result of the failed root canal, gather any relevant medical records.
- Photographs: If you have any photographs of your teeth or mouth that show the effects of the failed root canal, these can be helpful evidence.
- Witness statements: If anyone witnessed the negligent treatment or can attest to the pain and suffering you experienced as a result, their statements can be valuable evidence.
Making a Dental Negligence Claim: The Process
Making a dental negligence claim can seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that you have rights if you’ve suffered due to substandard care. The process generally involves the following steps:
- Contact a solicitor: The first step is to contact a solicitor specialising in dental negligence claims. They will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Letter of claim: Your solicitor will send a letter of claim to the negligent dentist, outlining the details of your case and the compensation you are seeking.
- Response from the dentist: The dentist will have a certain amount of time to respond to the letter of claim, either admitting or denying liability.
- Negotiations: If the dentist admits liability, negotiations will begin to reach a settlement agreement.
- Court proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may initiate court proceedings to pursue your claim.
Compensation for a Failed Root Canal
If your dental negligence claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the failed root canal.
- Cost of remedial treatment: You can claim for the cost of any further dental treatment required to correct the problems caused by the failed root canal.
- Loss of earnings: If you had to take time off work due to the failed root canal and its complications, you can claim for your lost earnings.
- Travel expenses: You can claim for any travel expenses incurred in attending dental appointments or seeking further treatment.
- Other expenses: You may also be able to claim for other expenses, such as prescription charges or the cost of over-the-counter pain relief.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we understand the devastating impact that medical negligence can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you believe you or a family member has suffered harm due to substandard medical care, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or delayed treatment, we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation
We recognise that every medical negligence case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a qualified solicitor from our panel who specialises in medical negligence claims, ensuring that you receive the expert legal representation needed to pursue your case effectively.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
