The fear that many Americans experience when they think about having to go sit in a dentist chair to have their teeth worked on doesn’t just come from nowhere. Instead, many of those who are scared to go the dentist may have experienced a traumatic situation at some point or know someone else who has.
If we look at data having to do with why medical malpractice claims are filed against dentists, we’ll notice some trends.
Just like any other type of medical provider, one of the primary reasons dentists are sued for malpractice is if they botch a procedure. This can occur when they’re performing root canals, putting in implants or trying to do restorations.
Dentists are also often sued for failing to identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other conditions that can give way to most costly procedures and more complex diagnoses if they’re allowed to linger.
Causing a patient nerve damage is another common reason patients file medical malpractice lawsuits against their dentists. The inferior alveolar and the lingual nerves are the two ones most likely to be struck by a dentist. They’re often damaged when they remove teeth or administer anesthesia.
Dentists can also be sued for malpractice if they neglect to provide you with necessary information about the many different treatment options available to you. If they fail to provide a necessary referral when the scope of the care you need is beyond what they can provide, then such a situation may warrant you filing a malpractice claim. This is especially the case if not doing so results in a misdiagnosis.
Finally, dentists can be included as defendants in lawsuits alongside products manufacturers. If they knowingly use a noncommercial medical device or a product that’s previously been recalled, then they can be accused of negligence. Even if the product is commercially available, if it fails you, then you may be able to hold both your dentist and the product’s manufacturer liable for any injuries you suffer from using it.
If you’ve suffered what you perceived to be a botched dental procedure, then a Atlanta attorney can advise you of your right to file an injury lawsuit in your case.
Source: Insureon, “Malpractice lawsuit tips for dentists,” accessed June 01, 2018
