Like those that practice any other form of medicine, dentists are legally considered doctors. As a result, they are bound to the same levels of patient care requirements as any other medical doctor. This also means that dentists are susceptible to malpractice claims just as any other medical care provider is. If you've had dental implants and believe that your dentist has made a mistake, here's what you need to know about the potential for malpractice associated with your dental implants.
Proving Dental Malpractice
In order to prove a dental malpractice case, a couple of factors must clearly exist. First, you must have an established patient relationship with the dentist in question. Additionally, you must be able to prove that the incident in question was in violation of standard dental practice or showed clear negligence on the part of the dentist. Finally, you must be able to show that you have suffered a significant personal injury as a result of the incident. If any one of these factors does not exist, you may not be able to claim malpractice.
Common Dental Implant Malpractice Issues
When it comes to dental implants, there are a few issues that are among the most common for dental malpractice. Understanding what these errors are may help you to determine the source of your dental problems following your implant procedure.
Nerve injuries are one significant malpractice claim. When the dental implants are placed in the jaw, any kind of injury to the nerves surrounding the gums or jawbone can lead to lasting discomfort and problems. The long-term effects can include things like persistent tingling, numbness in the jaw or tongue, loss of taste or sensation, slurred or difficult speech, and even an inability to open your jaw all the way.
Placement errors are another problem that could result in a malpractice claim. If your dentist doesn't adequately validate the strength and health of your jawbone and places the implants anyway, insufficient bone or unhealthy bone can result in loose implant posts. This can actually cause bone damage in your jaw as well as general pain.
Additionally, some infection issues can be considered dental malpractice. If there was an infection present before your procedure that wasn't adequately treated or if something the dentist did introduced an infection and the dentist failed to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics, you may have a malpractice case. This is especially true if the infection spreads to your bloodstream or causes any lasting dental issues afterward.
Talk with a dental malpractice attorney today about your situation to see if you may have a case that is worth pursuing.
Share22 May 2020
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