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Teeth are an essential part of our anatomy and taking care of them is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you floss twice a day, use an electric toothbrush or a manual one, everyone has their own individual routine to keep their teeth in the best shape.
Becoming a victim of dental negligence can be devastating. It can leave you feeling self-conscious and often the experience can be painful and the cause of long-term dental issues.
This dental negligence infographic aims to debunk some myths and facts surrounding this particular area of law. Dental negligence affects thousands of people throughout the UK each year.
Here at Thorneycroft Solicitors, our dental negligence team aim to advise people who inquire about pursuing a possible dental negligence claim.
We deal with a variety of cases ranging from misdiagnosis to cases of improper practice by dental practitioners.
Often our smile is one of the first things other people see when they meet us. If something happens to our smile it can affect an individual in many ways, including a loss of self-confidence for the individual and in some cases conditions in the mouth can be extremely painful.
If you have lost teeth but you are not keen on the idea of dentures then the chances are you may have looked into getting dental implants.
According to the NHS, the majority of adults in the UK will suffer some form of gum disease during their lifetime.
However, if it is left untreated it can develop into periodontitis which is incurable and which could also cause permanent damage to both the teeth and jaw.
If your dentist hasn’t diagnosed you with gum disease but you think they may have missed something, you can use some of the following symptoms to help you decide if you need to speak to another dental practitioner for a second opinion.
The following are some of the most common symptoms to look out for.
This is usually as a result of pockets that are created in the gums by gum disease. These pockets then trap food and bacteria which can start to decay and cause a bad smell.
If gums begin to appear red or swollen and start to feel sore or even start bleeding when you are brushing your teeth, then it may be a sign that you are suffering from gum disease.
If your gums begin to retreat then you may be suffering from gum disease. As well as being painful, receding gums can cause your teeth to become very sensitive.
This shows that the tissue surrounding your teeth has become damaged and if left untreated it can result in tooth loss.
Bacterial infections are common in people who are suffering from gum disease. They can be extremely painful and can discharge into the mouth as the body tries to fight the infection.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms then you should seek treatment and advice from a dental practitioner immediately.
What happens if your dentist fails to recognise the presence of periodontal disease?
If your dentist fails to diagnose periodontal disease then you may be eligible to make a dental negligence claim.
However, your health is the most important thing and should your dentist fail to identify your case of gum disease, the infection could spread and it could attack the jawbone.
Periodontal disease often affects whole areas of the mouth, and a failure to diagnose it could mean you lose several teeth at once.
Unfortunately, our dental negligence team have encountered many cases of misdiagnosis and failed diagnosis before.
However, this places them in the perfect position to assist you with your dental negligence claim.
We understand that substandard care can have huge consequences both physically, emotionally and financially that’s why we work on a no win – no fee basis.
If you believe that you or someone you know has received poor dental care whether it is a failed periodontal disease diagnosis or otherwise, please get in touch with our dental negligence team today on 0800 1979 345 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
A dazzling set of pearly whites is often viewed as the pinnacle of a winning smile, but teeth whitening can lead to a dental negligence claim.
A woman who claimed that “mistakes were made” during her dental treatment has received £10,000 in compensation after dentists allegedly failed to spot and treat her tooth decay, leaving her no option but to have her teeth removed just days before her Caribbean wedding.
The claimant who was due to be married on the Caribbean island of Grenada was forced to cancel her wedding photographer and a live band after she had to use her savings to pay for a procedure to fit dental implants to replace the two teeth she had been forced to remove.
After falling victim of dental negligence to two different dentists, the third was forced to remove the two teeth before any more damage from the rotting teeth could occur.
The 61-year-old claimant said: “My wedding in Grenada was coming up, and I was trying to save money to pay for it.”
“But the implants were so expensive I had to cancel the wedding photographer and the live music I’d arranged in order to pay for the treatment. It was deeply upsetting.”
“I was livid. To be told that two of my teeth were completely rotten was bad enough, but it was also only a few days before my wedding in Grenada.”
“I was already taking antibiotics for an abscess and was worried about the effect the hot climate would have on my teeth.”
“It was extremely upsetting and stopped me from enjoying my wedding.”
The case which began in 2015 was eventually settled in an out of court settlement for a total of £10,000.
Here at Thorneycroft Solicitors, we have specialist solicitors who are experienced in dealing with all manner of dental negligence claims. If a dentist or dental practitioner has caused you any harm or discomfort then please don’t hesitate, get in touch with a member of our team today.
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.
A former dental technician who was convicted of offering tooth whitening treatment illegally has been ordered to pay over £10,000 and has also been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him from advertising his services or practicing dentistry.
This is the first time the General Dental Council (GDC) has been granted a criminal behaviour order. Should the order be breached, it could result in an increased fine, a prison sentence or both.
Originally banned from practicing dentistry by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) in 2012 for causing harm to patients and failing to accept accountability, the former dental practitioner was brought to the GDC’s attention after they received a complaint.
The banned practitioner was accused of offering tooth whitening services without being on the register of dental care professionals and was found guilty following a trial at a Magistrates’ Court.
The judge presiding over the case said: ““You do not have the qualifications or registration with the General Dental Council to carry out tooth whitening, and I’m quite certain that places members of the public at risk.”
The convicted former practitioner was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay £120 as a victim surcharge along with full costs to the GDC which totalled £5,703.99.
The Interim Head of the Illegal Practice team for the GDC, Mr Shaun Round, said: “This outcome shows how seriously both the GDC and the Magistrates’ Court take the illegal practice of dentistry. To ensure patient safety, tooth whitening can only be carried out by dentists and dental care professionals who are registered with the GDC. The GDC investigates and, where appropriate, prosecutes those who carry out illegal dentistry, to ensure that members of the public are protected and not put at risk.”
“This is the first time that the GDC has sought – and been granted – a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which aims to stop people reoffending and further endangerment of the public.”
“We hope this outcome will encourage patients to ensure that when they seek dental treatment – such as teeth whitening – they check whether the practitioner is registered with the GDC.”
Have you had trouble with your dentist or dental practitioner?
Thorneycroft Solicitors has specialist solicitors who are experienced in dealing with all manner of dental negligence claims. If you feel you have received illegal or substandard dental care from a dentist or dental practitioner we can help.
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 dental negligence specialists call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 093 2030, or complete our simple enquiry form and we can call you back at a time that suits you.
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