There are a number of dental procedures that can, if the dentist doesn’t take adequate care or is not competent enough to carry out the treatment, result in temporary or permanent tooth nerve damage in their patient. This can mean that you can receive dental nerve damage compensation.
The trigeminal nerve is the one usually affected because parts of it are in close proximity to the jaw and mouth and it is the tooth nerve responsible for feeling/sensation in the face, as well as for functions such as chewing and biting.
Can you sue a dentist for nerve damage
Yes, you can sue a dentist for nerve damage which could have been caused by dental negligence by not carrying out any kind of procedure correctly such as wisdom tooth extractions to fillings. Start Your Claim Today to receive dental nerve damage compensation.
What are the Signs of Tooth Nerve Damage?
Some of the signs and symptoms of tooth nerve damage after receiving dental treatment include:
- Numbness or lack of feeling in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw or face
- A tingling or pulling sensation in these areas
- Pain or a burning feeling in these areas
- Loss of ability to taste
- Difficulties with speech due to one or more of the above
- Difficulties with eating due to one or more of the above
Signs of nerve damage in tooth can last for a short time after the procedure, or can be permanent, in some cases, where the damage done during the dental procedure was severe.
Not all tooth nerve damage after dental treatment is due to the negligence of a dentist, but if your dentist has not taken the care that they should, it may be that the damage caused could have been avoided if not for their mistake(s). Contact Dental Law Partnership today for advice.
What types of dental treatments are most likely to result in tooth nerve damage?
Whilst most dental procedures go to plan and no tooth nerve damage is caused, there are some types of treatment that are higher risk than others for this kind of injury.
Tooth nerve damage from tooth extractions
As parts of the trigeminal tooth nerve are close to the areas affected when a tooth is extracted, damage can sometimes be caused when this type of procedure is carried out. It could be a normal adult tooth or a wisdom tooth that need extracting, for any of a number of reasons. Your dentist should always explain the risk of potential tooth nerve damage to you before you agree to treatment like this. If they fail to inform you of the risks and don’t fully explain the procedure, this could potentially mean you are eligible to make a compensation claim for your dentist’s failure to obtain consent, especially if the treatment results in tooth nerve damage.
Tooth nerve damage from dental Implants
As part of the process for fitting dental implants, holes are drilled into the jaw, and if the dentist mistakenly drills too far, this could result in tooth nerve damage. Another way that this procedure can cause tooth nerve damage is if the implant itself is longer than it should be, so presses on the tooth nerve once in place.
Tooth nerve damage from root canal treatment
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) that aims to repair and save a tooth that is infected or damaged. To carry out this procedure, the dentist must remove the tooth nerve and pulp from the affected tooth before cleaning away any bacteria and sealing it to prevent reinfection. This type of treatment can sometimes cause tooth nerve damage if the procedure causes trauma to the surrounding area or if the solution used as part of the cleaning process is allowed to infiltrate other parts of the mouth or jaw.
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Dental negligence nerve injury claims – more info:
How long do nerve injuries last?What can I do if I think I have a nerve injury due to dental negligence?
How much dental negligence compensation could I get for a nerve injury claim?
- The severity of the nerve damage symptoms
- The long-term prognosis of the nerve injury
- The impact that the symptoms have on the patient’s daily life and normal activities
At Dental Law Partnership, our team of expert Dental Negligence solicitors are on hand to help you with your potential nerve damage claim and answer any questions you may have. We can discuss your options and potential next steps; contact us today.
You can contact us for a free claim assessment and to discuss your options
0808 252 5331
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my NHS dentist in a nerve damage claim?
If you have suffered nerve damage as a result of dental negligence, it doesn’t matter whether the dentist was performing NHS or private treatment; you deserve justice regardless. If something goes wrong when you are putting your trust in any dentist, because of their mistake or incompetence, you have a right to ask questions and may be able to claim compensation too.
How much does it cost to make a nerve injury dental compensation claim?
At the Dental Law Partnership, our cases are usually funded by a no win, no fee agreement. This means that even if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay any legal costs. If you win your case, a percentage of the compensation awarded is used for legal fees. Call us today on 0808 278 8202 for an initial, no obligation chat about your potential claim.
Is there a time limit for making a dental nerve damage compensation claim?
For people wanting to make a dental negligence claim of any type, the limit is three years from the point when the negligence occurred, or from the point when the patient became aware of the negligence. For patients who were under the age of 18 when the negligence occurred, the three-year limit begins on their eighteenth birthday and for those suffering from a mental illness at the time the negligence happened, the three-year limit begins when they have recovered from the illness.
As the claims process can often take some time and can be complex in nature, it’s recommended that those who feel they might have a nerve damage should seek expert dental negligence advice as soon as possible after they experienced negligent care. See more about the full dental negligence claim process here.
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