When you go to the dentist, you don’t expect to suffer a life-altering injury. Fortunately, the vast majority of dental visits are uneventful. However, when a dentist deviates from the established standard of care and a patient suffers major injuries as a result, the dentist may be found liable for dental malpractice. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common instances of malpractice.
Common Types Of Dental Malpractice
Some types of dental malpractice result in catastrophic injuries. Others cause injuries that eventually heal but cost thousands of dollars in the process. Here’s a look at some of the most common dental malpractice scenarios:
Errors With Crown Placement
When a patient has a root canal, their dentist may install a crown over the affected tooth. When a crown is fitted properly, a patient isn’t likely to face further issues. However, if there is a gap between the crown and the tooth it covers, food particles can become trapped under the crown.
When this happens, the patient may suffer tooth decay. If the decay goes on long enough, the patient will need to have the tooth removed.
Working On The Wrong Tooth
Before performing a root canal, an extraction, or other procedure, a dentist must verify that they are working on the correct tooth. If the dentist performs the procedure on the wrong tooth and causes tooth damage as a result, there’s a good chance they could be found guilty of malpractice.
Dental Implant Errors
When a patient loses a tooth, a dental implant often provides the most realistic replacement. A dental implant surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure. The tooth is removed, and its roots are replaced with a screw-like post. An artificial tooth is mounted on top.
If a dentist makes an error during the procedure, the patient may suffer from serious complications, including:
- Irreversible nerve damage
- Bone loss
- Infections and sepsis
- Osteomyelitis
- Puncture of the sinus
After an implant, a dentist is also responsible for following up with the patient and monitoring for signs of complications.
Adverse Drug Reactions
Like any other medical professional, a dentist must review a patient’s chart before administering any kind of medication. If a dentist prescribes a contraindicated drug and the patient has a serious reaction, the patient may be able to file a dental malpractice suit.
How Dental Malpractice Attorneys Can Help
When most people think of personal injury lawyers, they imagine attorneys who help people who have been injured in car accidents or slip and fall incidents. However, many of these lawyers also assist with various types of malpractice cases.
Medical malpractice and dental malpractice cases are often extremely complex, and the average person can’t determine whether they have a viable case. A dental malpractice attorney can review your circumstances and help you determine whether legal action is the next best step.
If you do decide to file a dental malpractice lawsuit, an attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and attempt to negotiate a settlement with the dental practice in question. If the other side won’t agree to a settlement, your lawyer can represent you in court.
Contact a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Legal Help
When you understand some of the most common types of dental malpractice, you’ll be better equipped to advocate for yourself if a negligent dentist harms you. No dental patient deserves to suffer at the hands of an incompetent dentist, and if you have, you should be compensated for your ordeal.
Contact Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer.
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
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