Dental negligence cases are sadly more common than many people realise. While most dental practitioners in the UK provide excellent care, mistakes can happen, leading to unnecessary pain, prolonged treatment, and financial burden for patients. Understanding what constitutes dental negligence can help you protect yourself and seek appropriate action if needed. We will also highlight how you can start a medical negligence claim
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most frequent types of dental negligence is misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis of a dental condition. This can occur when a dentist fails to identify issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer in a timely manner. The consequences can be severe, ranging from unnecessary tooth loss to the spread of cancer.
If you believe your dentist has misdiagnosed your condition or failed to identify a problem that another dentist later identified, you might have grounds for a negligence claim. It’s crucial to seek a second opinion promptly if you have concerns about your diagnosis.
Nerve Injury during Dental Procedures
Dental procedures, especially those involving the lower jaw, carry a risk of nerve injury. This can lead to chronic pain, numbness, or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue. While some nerve injuries are unavoidable complications, negligence can occur if the dentist fails to take reasonable precautions or inform you of the risks involved.
If you experience persistent sensory changes after a dental procedure, consult with a specialist to assess the extent of the nerve damage and determine if negligence played a role.
Substandard Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a common procedure to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. However, it requires precision and expertise. Negligence can occur if the dentist fails to properly clean and disinfect the root canals, leaves behind infected tissue, or performs the procedure poorly, leading to further complications and potential tooth loss.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or infection after a root canal treatment, it’s essential to seek a second opinion to evaluate the quality of the initial procedure.
Problems with Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, but they are also a complex procedure with potential complications. Negligence can occur if the dentist fails to properly assess your suitability for implants, uses low-quality materials, places the implants incorrectly, or doesn’t provide adequate aftercare, leading to implant failure or other complications.
If you experience persistent pain, loosening of the implant, infection, or bone loss around the implant, it’s important to consult with an implant specialist to determine if negligence was involved.
Negligent Tooth Extractions
While tooth extractions are generally straightforward procedures, they can become complicated if the dentist lacks experience or uses excessive force. Negligence can occur if the dentist extracts the wrong tooth, damages adjacent teeth or nerves, or fails to provide adequate aftercare, leading to prolonged pain, infection, or dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot in the extraction site dislodges).
If you experience severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or other complications after a tooth extraction, seek a second opinion to evaluate the situation and determine if negligence was a factor.
Inadequate Consent or Communication
Before undergoing any dental treatment, you have the right to be fully informed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Negligence can occur if the dentist fails to obtain your informed consent, doesn’t adequately explain the treatment plan, or doesn’t answer your questions clearly.
If you feel you weren’t adequately informed about your treatment or weren’t given the opportunity to ask questions before undergoing a procedure, it’s important to raise your concerns with the dentist or seek a second opinion.
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.
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