Routine dental visits are generally uneventful and aimed at preserving oral health.
However, there are unfortunate instances when these standard procedures take a wrong turn, leading to severe pain, injury, or even permanent damage.
Dental malpractice, a lesser-known subset of medical malpractice, occurs when a dental professional fails to provide the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.
When such negligence occurs, victims may have legal recourse through a medical malpractice lawyer.
What Is Dental Malpractice?
Dental malpractice refers to a situation where a dentist, oral surgeon, or dental hygienist provides substandard care that directly results in injury or harm.
This can occur in various forms, such as:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose oral diseases
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Nerve damage during procedures
- Infections due to unsanitary equipment
- Improper administration of anesthesia
- Poorly done crowns, bridges, or root canals
While not every dental error amounts to malpractice, injuries stemming from professional negligence can have long-term consequences on a patient’s health and quality of life.
Common Types of Dental Malpractice
Incorrect or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosing gum disease, oral cancer, or failing to detect cavities can allow these conditions to worsen, requiring more extensive and painful treatment down the road.
Surgical Errors
Routine oral surgeries like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant placements carry risks.
If a dentist inadvertently damages nerves or neighboring structures, the patient could experience numbness, chronic pain, or impaired jaw function.
Anesthesia Complications
Administering the wrong dosage of anesthesia—or failing to monitor a patient properly—can cause complications ranging from seizures to death.
Improper Sterilization
Using contaminated tools or failing to maintain a sterile environment can lead to serious infections, sometimes requiring hospitalization or further surgical intervention.
Negligent Cosmetic Procedures
Mistakes in cosmetic dental work, like veneers or whitening treatments, may lead to discoloration, enamel erosion, or gum damage.
Signs You Might Be a Victim of Dental Malpractice
Recognizing dental malpractice is not always straightforward.
However, the following signs may indicate that your injury stems from negligence:
- Persistent pain or infection following a procedure
- Numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve
- Unexpected tooth loss or damage to surrounding structures
- Incorrect billing for procedures you didn’t receive
- Lack of informed consent before a risky procedure
If any of these occur, it’s essential to consult a qualified medical malpractice lawyer who specializes in dental negligence cases.
Legal Remedies for Dental Malpractice
Victims of dental malpractice have the legal right to file medical negligence lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. These lawsuits may cover:
- Medical and dental bills
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Corrective procedures or surgeries
To establish a valid claim, the following four elements must be proven:
- Duty of Care – The dental professional had a legal obligation to provide care.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- Causation – This breach directly caused the injury.
- Damages – The patient suffered measurable harm (physical, emotional, or financial).
A seasoned medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through the intricate legal process, collect necessary medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Challenges in Proving Dental Malpractice
Proving dental malpractice can be difficult.
Dentists and insurers may deny wrongdoing or argue that complications were a known risk of the procedure.
Additionally, statutes of limitations vary by state, meaning there’s a limited window of time to file a claim.
That’s why hiring an experienced medical malpractice lawyer is critical.
These legal professionals understand the nuances of medical negligence lawsuits, including how to identify deviations from the standard of care and link those errors to the injury sustained.
Preventing Dental Malpractice: What Patients Can Do
While not all outcomes can be predicted or avoided, patients can take steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:
- Choose a licensed, well-reviewed dental professional
- Always seek a second opinion for complex procedures
- Ask about the risks and alternatives involved
- Ensure all equipment appears clean and sterile
- Keep a record of all treatments and prescriptions
If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to switch providers or consult a medical expert.
Conclusion
Dental visits are supposed to promote health and wellness, not lead to lifelong complications.
When a routine dental procedure goes wrong due to negligence or substandard care, it’s more than just an unfortunate event—it may be a legal matter.
Victims of dental malpractice don’t have to suffer in silence.
By working with a skilled medical malpractice lawyer, individuals can hold negligent dental professionals accountable and seek the justice they deserve.
If you believe you’ve been wronged, exploring your legal options through a medical negligence lawsuit may be the crucial first step toward healing and recovery.
Built on a foundation of bold advocacy and proven results, Finch McCranie LLP has been winning personal injury cases across Georgia since 1965.
Founders Baxter Finch and Claude Ross made courtroom excellence our trademark. Partner with a firm that delivers — Contact us today.