Dental Mistakes
People in the United States may have access to the best dental care, but mistakes can happen every day in the dentist’s office. We don’t often think of dental mistakes as life-threatening, but they can be. The following are a few of the most common mistakes that occur in the dentist’s chair:
- Anesthesia is often used for extractions, but may be used for other procedures as well. It can lead to a fatality if misused.
- Infection is one of the most common reasons for dental malpractice Infection can lead to brain abscesses, arthritis, and fatality.
- Extraction can be performed on the wrong tooth and improper care can result in an infection.
- Endodontic procedures have led to infection and other complications, causing possible brain damage. Instruments can break off in canals that result in nerve damage as well.
- Implants can result in postoperative infection, a fractured jaw, damaged nerves, and more.
- Injections, when improperly administered, can damage a variety of nerves.
- Drug reactions can be fatal. Before administering any medications, a dentist must be sure there are no allergies.
- Periodontal disease, when left undiagnosed, can result in severe damage. Dentists must take appropriate X-rays and record periodontal probings.
- Orthodontics, when affected by negligence, can result in lifelong complications.
- Bridge treatment that is not adequately provided can leave a patient with open margins, overhanging restorations, poor occlusion, and more.
- Oral cancer screening should be done by your dentist during a checkup. Nearly 8,000 people suffer fatal injuries every year in the United States because of oral and pharyngeal cancers.
The statute of limitations timeframe varies for filing a lawsuit concerning dental malpractice, depending on the type of malpractice and the ruling jurisdiction. For the strongest case possible, you may need a copy of written consent for the performed procedures, a clear record of your history and treatment plan, and any notes that were taken during treatment. For guidance, please call the New Jersey dental malpractice lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100, or contact us online for a free consultation. Our offices are centrally located in Red Bank, Toms River, and Edison, New Jersey, and we serve clients throughout the state.
Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP has purposely remained small in size, because it is important to us that we get to know our clients and their needs. Larger NJ injury firms may churn out case after case, but that’s not how we operate. Partners Barry Eichen, William Crutchlow, and Daryl Zaslow have created a firm with the resources to handle complex litigation, and a team that takes your case personally.
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