Every year, we support hundreds of patients who put their trust in their dentist, only to suffer avoidable harm and distress. Behind every claim is a person, a story, and real dental trauma.
And this year has been no different, so as the year comes to an end, we wanted to share a few case studies that reflect the issues we see most and share the lessons DLP, and patients can take into the year ahead. These stories highlight not just where dental standards fell short, but how the right legal and dental support can make all the difference.
Misdiagnosed Decay and Chronic Pain
A 37-year-old man from Lincoln spent five years in agony because multiple dentists failed to diagnose or properly treat decay in nine of his teeth. He experienced repeated infections, abscesses, and ultimately lost a tooth, despite repeatedly seeking help and being given antibiotics or temporary fillings. After finally changing practices, a new dentist discovered the extent of the untreated decay and confirmed that his previous care had fallen below acceptable standards.
“Early warning signs can sometimes be overlooked but they should never be ignored.”
Our dental experts confirmed that the symptoms should have been recognised much earlier. We built a strong negligence claim and secured compensation that reflected the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of the trauma he endured. You can read more on this case here.
DLP Takeaway: If symptoms persist and your concerns are dismissed, get a second opinion – decay can progress quickly, and early intervention can prevent long-term issues.
Veneers That Turned into a Dental Nightmare
A patient opted for veneers to achieve a “Hollywood-style” smile. However, the procedure resulted in excessive enamel being removed, leaving her teeth severely damaged. Rather than improving her smile, the treatment caused pain, sensitivity, and irreversible harm.
“Dentists must follow proper treatment procedures at all times.”
Our dental experts reviewed her treatment and found that the preparation was far too aggressive, compromising healthy tooth structure. DLP built a negligence claim to reflect not only the additional dental work required but also the emotional distress and regret caused by the cosmetic treatment going so wrong. You can read more on this case here.
DLP Takeaway: Cosmetic dental procedures like veneers carry real risks. Always ensure your dentist explains the risks of treatments and keeps detailed records. Even “routine” procedures carry complications, and you should always be made aware of this prior to any procedure.
Botched Tooth Extraction Resulted in Nerve Damage
A patient in Canterbury underwent routine tooth extraction surgery that was expected to be straightforward. However, due to negligent care, the patient suffered severe complications including nerve damage, persistent pain, and long-term difficulty eating.
“Even the most routine of treatments can have lasting consequences if standards fall below the expected level of care.”
Our dental experts reviewed the case and confirmed that the surgical procedure fell below the expected standard of care. We secured compensation for our client reflecting both the physical injury and the psychological effects. You can read more on this case here.
DLP Takeaway: Nerve damage and persistent pain are serious issues that should never be ignored. Early action and a prompt second opinion can make a significant difference.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Many people are unsure whether making a claim is the right thing to do. That’s why, at The Dental Law Partnership, we remain committed to providing guidance and expert support to anyone affected by dental negligence.
- Delivering expert legal representation supported by qualified dentists
- Providing compassionate support throughout the entire claims process
- Ensuring justice is accessible to every dental patient through our no-win, no-fee agreement
- Continuing to raise awareness about patients’ rights and dental standards
If you’ve experienced negligent dental treatment, making a claim isn’t just about the monetary compensation, it’s about getting answers and holding dentists accountable. A successful claim can help cover the cost of future corrective treatments, loss of earnings, and the emotional impact of what you’ve been through. It also helps to raise standards for everyone, reducing the likelihood of similar issues happening to others in the future.