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This article was published on March 27th, 2017
A woman successfully claimed £15k in dental compensation from her dental surgery after she successfully argued that her dentist had failed to effectively treat her tooth decay which has led to her needing three teeth extracted.
Although the claimant attended the same dentist for 6 years between 2006 and 2012, she claimed her dentist did not identify her tooth decay or effectively treat it and as a result her tooth decay is so advanced that she requires multiple teeth extractions.
She claimed that a poor root filling left her with severe toothache and also caused infections which has caused further issues with her teeth.
She said: “I always trusted ………. During the time I was her patient I had root canal treatment and some restorative work but never thought there was anything major to worry about. After all, you expect your dentist to spot problems and carry out the treatment you need. She was my long-term dentist so I always believed I was in safe hands and had healthy teeth.”
The claimant only realised that she had not been in safe hands when visited a new dentist after she moved to a new area. Her new dentist made an error during a procedure and she got legal advice. Her dental history revealed that her original dentist was at fault for allowing the decay to continue despite regular check ups. The decay had been present in two of her teeth as far back as 2006 which then lead to extensive decay by 2012
She claimed: “I had chipped a tooth and needed root canal treatment. Unfortunately when my new dentist was undertaking the procedure he left a dental instrument inside my tooth..”
“I had regularly been suffering from toothache, infections and pain in my gums, but was always told everything was fine. But in reality …… had never been providing adequate treatment. Her inaction over many years made my problems worse and three teeth have been seriously damaged that should have been perfectly healthy.
“It’s horrible and I feel like putting my face down when I talk to people or smile because I am so self-conscious about the gap. I worry my teeth are weak, so feel I have to be careful when eating in case they break off. I also feel paranoid about my dental health so I am constantly brushing my teeth or using mouthwash.
“I work in the beauty industry where how you look is important, and people don’t expect you to have a gap when you smile.
“It is also upsetting when people imply that it must all be my fault in some way and that I can’t have looked after my teeth properly. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. It is all because …. failed to spot decay that was clearly visible for years. I never used to mind going to the dentist but I do now, and I will be spending a lot more time in a dentist’s chair thanks to …..”
The dental negligence case was settled out of court for £15,000 and the dentist did not admit liability.
At Thorneycroft Solicitors we have specialist solicitors who have experience dealing with dental claims if a dentist or dental practitioner has caused you necessary pain and discomfort.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your dental negligence claim.
To speak to one of our specialist team call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 093 2030, or complete our simple enquiry form and we can call you back at a time to suit you.
