10 Common Dentist Mistakes
Like most areas of medicine, the field of dentistry is more complex than ever before. Dentists and other oral health specialists provide an ever-expanding array of care plans and procedures. These new and expanded options give us more opportunities to prevent and correct dental problems and improve our overall health. However, it also means today’s patients have a greater risk of falling victim to common dentist mistakes. Most dentists and oral health practitioners are proficient and conscientious. However, when a dentist is negligent, patients can suffer serious and permanent harm.
The 10 Most Common Dentist Mistakes
The following mistakes can be made by dentists as well as other oral health care practitioners.
- Failing to diagnose oral cancer or gum disease
- Inadequate treatment or prevention of infection
- Administering an injection incorrectly
- Neglecting to take X-rays according to established protocols
- Failing to conduct a thorough health history before treating a patient
- Treating a patient for a condition that should be referred to a specialist
- Administering the wrong type or dosage of anesthesia
- Inadequately monitoring anesthesia during a procedure
- Prescribing a drug that interacts dangerously with current medication
- Failing to supervise assistants or less experienced dentists
Dental Procedures Most Commonly Cited in Malpractice Lawsuits
While common dentist mistakes arise in a variety of situations, the following procedures are most often mentioned in malpractice claims:
- Anesthesia complications
- Crowns and bridges
- Endodontic procedures such as root canals
- Extractions
- Implants
- Injections
- Jaw surgery
- Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Orthodontia
- Periodontal (gum) disease treatment
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment or surgery
Dentist Mistakes That Can Result in Serious Harm
Here are some of the more dangerous injuries and conditions that can occur when a dentist or oral health care practitioner makes a mistake:
- Acute Infection
- Air embolisms
- Bite disorders
- Death
- Facial paralysis
- Loss of tooth structure due to root resorption
- Permanent nerve damage
- Severed nerves
- Sinus perforation
- Trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition
- Illness resulting from a mouth injury or disease that could have been prevented
How to Win a Dental Malpractice Case
An experienced malpractice attorney can help you achieve a better financial result than you are likely to obtain otherwise. While you may be certain your the victim of a common dentist mistake, meeting the legal standard of proof is a complex and lengthy process. As in medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff must prove the harm they suffered was a direct result of the dentist’s actions (or inaction). In addition, the victim must establish the dentist failed to follow the acceptable standard of care another practitioner would use in a similar situation. Furthermore, every aspect of a malpractice claim must be handled according to strict requirements and filing deadlines.
Notably, studies show plaintiffs who hire malpractice lawyers are more successful than those without legal representation.
If you or a family member has been harmed by a negligent dentist, contact us immediately. Our experienced dental malpractice lawyers will fight to win the compensation you deserve.
Medical malpractice law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-MALPRACTICE today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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