Medical malpractice isn’t something that only doctors and surgeons can commit. Dentists can also be held liable for negligent actions. If dentists don’t exercise due care, they are more likely to cause teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw injuries in their patients. If you believe your dentist acted carelessly and caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation.
Here are the common types of dental malpractice.
Causing a Preventative Injury
Dentists use many sharp instruments, such as sickle probes and scalers, while performing various dental procedures. It’s crucial for them to be extra careful when using these instruments on their patients. If a dentist isn’t paying attention, he or she could cause cuts and lacerations on patients’ gums and tongues. These injuries are completely preventative as long as the dentist exercises due care.
Performing Unnecessary Procedures
The majority of dentists are honest with their patients and only suggest treatments that are truly needed. However, some dentists may take advantage of their patients and recommend unnecessary treatments to make more money. For example, a dentist may suggest a dental filling for a perfectly healthy tooth.
Using Unsterilized Equipment
Dentists are responsible for using sterilized equipment on their patients and wearing gloves. If they fail to do this, their patients are at risk of developing serious infections.
Administering the Wrong Amount of Anesthesia
Before performing oral surgery, dentists must administer anesthesia to their patients. Although they receive extensive schooling and training in anesthesia, they can still make mistakes. Administering too little or too much anesthesia could lead to seizures, vomiting, brain damage, and even death.
Performing Treatment on the Wrong Tooth
Dentists should review their charts thoroughly before each dental procedure to ensure they’ve got everything right. Otherwise, they could extract the wrong tooth, for example. Then, the decayed tooth is still in the mouth and continues to get worse.
Failing to Diagnose Properly
It’s important for dentists to perform thorough exams during each dental appointment. If they fail to conduct an exam, they miss a potential problem, like gum disease. Then, the patient doesn’t get necessary treatment and the problem could get worse.
If you suffered injuries while under your dentist’s care, you should speak to a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. When you’re dealing with injuries caused by a dentist, you shouldn’t have the burden of the medical expenses. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you file a timely claim and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.