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Common Types of Dental Malpractice

Posted on July 12, 2024 in

Any type of medical professional can commit malpractice, including dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists. Unfortunately, when a dental professional makes a mistake, it can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life. As we review some of the most common types of dental malpractice, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney if you have experienced harm caused by a dental professional. An attorney can help determine liability and calculate your total losses in order to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

Dental Implant Errors

Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth, but improperly executed implants can cause severe complications. These issues include infections, nerve damage, and sinus problems. The complications often arise from improper planning or placement of the implants, especially when they are placed too close to critical structures like nerves or sinuses. Proper execution of dental implants requires meticulous planning and precision to avoid such complications.

Tooth Extraction Complications

Tooth extractions, particularly those involving wisdom teeth, can lead to severe issues if not performed correctly. Excessive force or poor technique during an extraction can result in broken jaws, fractured teeth, or permanent nerve damage. Patients might experience prolonged pain, bleeding, or infections due to these complications. Dental professionals must follow proper extraction techniques and post-operative care guidelines to minimize these risks.

Endodontic Procedure Mistakes

Endodontic procedures, such as root canals, are intricate and require a high degree of precision. Mistakes during these procedures can lead to infections, instrument breakage inside the tooth, or nerve damage. Such errors can result in prolonged pain, additional treatments, or even tooth loss. Ensuring that endodontic procedures are performed with the utmost care is essential to prevent these severe outcomes.

Crown and Bridge Errors

Errors in crown and bridge procedures can lead to various problems, including damage to adjacent teeth, improper bite alignment, and structural inadequacies. Issues like poor occlusion or open margins can cause discomfort, decay, and further dental problems. These complications often require additional corrective procedures, leading to increased expenses and prolonged treatment periods for patients.

Anesthesia Complications in Dentistry

Administering anesthesia during dental procedures carries significant risks if not handled correctly. Complications can range from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening conditions such as hypoxic brain injury, respiratory issues, and cardiac arrest. Proper dosage, monitoring, and emergency preparedness are critical to prevent anesthesia-related complications. Dental professionals must be thoroughly trained in anesthesia administration and emergency response protocols.

Diagnostic Negligence

Failure to diagnose or properly treat dental conditions like periodontal disease, oral infections, or oral cancers can have severe consequences. Diagnostic negligence can lead to the progression of these conditions, causing more extensive damage and requiring more invasive treatments. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and positive patient outcomes.

Wrong Tooth Procedures

Performing a procedure on the wrong tooth is a clear indicator of negligence and can lead to unnecessary pain and additional corrective procedures. This type of error can result from poor communication, incorrect record-keeping, or simple carelessness. Ensuring accurate identification and treatment planning is essential to avoid such preventable mistakes.

Speaking to an Attorney Today

Dentists are medical providers, and anybody inside a dental office or facility must uphold a certain standard of care for patients. Unfortunately, there are times when the negligent or careless actions of a dental provider cause harm to a patient. If you have been harmed due to a mistake at a dentist’s office, reach out to a skilled medical malpractice attorney today.

Malpractice victims could be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, any lost income they incur, pain and suffering damages, and more. There are particular time limits involved with filing these claims, so please work with an attorney to get started as soon as possible.

Seeking Compensation for Dental Malpractice

Victims of dental malpractice in Connecticut may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include coverage for medical expenses related to the malpractice, such as corrective procedures and ongoing treatments. Victims may also recover lost wages if the injury impacts their ability to work, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, which accounts for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the malpractice.