People expect excellent care when they visit the dentist. Dentists work on sensitive areas of the mouth, including teeth, gums and surrounding tissues. Sometimes, their work involves deeper areas like the jaw bone and facial nerves. Because these areas are sensitive and vital for daily functions like eating, speaking and breathing, it’s very important for dentists to be extra careful, especially during treatment.
While most dental professionals are careful, mistakes can happen. Here are some examples of treatment errors that can lead to serious injuries.
Examples of cases leading to serious injury
While most dental procedures go smoothly, errors can occur that cause significant harm. Below are some examples of dental malpractice cases that can result in serious injuries:
- Improper tooth extraction: When a dentist damages nerves or the tissues around a tooth during an extraction, it can cause lasting pain, numbness or other serious complications.
- Negligent administration of anesthesia: Improper use of anesthesia can lead to allergic reactions, nerve damage or other dangerous side effects.
- Errors in restorative work: Incorrectly placed fillings, crowns or bridges can cause ongoing pain, discomfort or further dental problems that need more treatment.
- Improper placement of implants: If dentists don’t place implants correctly, they can damage nerves, sinuses or other important structures in the mouth and face.
- Failure to obtain informed consent: When a dentist doesn’t fully explain the risks and benefits of a procedure, patients can’t make informed decisions about their care.
These examples show how important careful, professional dental care is. If you’ve been seriously injured because of dental treatment, you should understand your rights and what you can do to seek compensation.
Protect your rights through a malpractice claim
As with any other medical malpractice claim, every case should involve negligence. This means you need to show that the dentist’s treatment was worse than what a reasonably skilled dentist would have done in the same situation. If you can prove this negligence, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injury.
Your oral health is too important for anything less than the best care. If you suspect dental malpractice, take action to protect your rights.
