When an extraction procedure takes an unexpected turn, it can leave patients feeling vulnerable and unsure of their next steps. This article aims to shed light on the potential complications of dental extractions, the rights you have as a patient in the UK, and the steps you can take to seek redress if you’ve experienced substandard care. We will also highlight how you can start a medical negligence claim.
Understanding the Risks: Complications of Dental Extractions
While dental extractions are generally safe and routine procedures, they do carry inherent risks. Some of the most common complications include:
- Dry Socket: This painful condition occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
- Infection: Bacteria can enter the extraction site, leading to infection and swelling.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, the nerves surrounding the extraction site can be damaged, resulting in numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue.
- Sinus Perforation: During upper molar extractions, there’s a risk of perforating the sinus cavity, which can lead to sinus infections.
- Fractured Jaw: In rare cases, excessive force during the extraction can lead to a fractured jaw.
While these complications can be distressing, it’s important to remember that most extractions are completed without any major issues. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after an extraction, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental attention.
Your Rights as a Patient: The Importance of Informed Consent
Before undergoing any dental procedure, including extractions, you have the right to be fully informed about the potential risks and benefits. This is known as informed consent. Your dentist has a duty to explain the procedure in clear and understandable terms, answer any questions you may have, and discuss alternative treatment options if available.
If you feel that you were not adequately informed about the risks of your extraction, or if you believe that the procedure was performed negligently, you may have grounds for a dental negligence claim.
Seeking Redress: Making a Dental Negligence Claim
If you’ve suffered harm due to substandard dental care, you may be entitled to compensation. To make a successful dental negligence claim, you’ll need to prove that:
- Your dentist owed you a duty of care
- Your dentist breached that duty of care by providing treatment that fell below the accepted standard
- You suffered harm as a direct result of that breach of duty
It’s important to seek legal advice from a specialist dental negligence solicitor as soon as possible. They can assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the claims process.
The Role of Expert Evidence in Dental Negligence Claims
Expert evidence plays a crucial role in dental negligence claims. Your solicitor will instruct an independent dental expert to review your dental records and assess whether the treatment you received fell below the accepted standard. The expert’s report will be a key piece of evidence in your case.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
In the UK, there are strict time limits for making a dental negligence claim. Generally, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or the date you first became aware of the negligence to start your claim. There are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
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 by connecting you with a solicitor from our panel who will be able to assess your case.
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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