Just like other medical professionals, dentists have to make sure that the services that they provide meet certain standards in terms of quality and care. When it comes to choosing a dentist, it is important to spend plenty of time checking out their credentials, their experience, and their reviews to determine how other people think of them and whether they are considered to be competent, caring professionals. If you have done your research properly, chances are that you have found a great dentist. However, it is important to remember that even amazing dentists are only human, and mistakes occasionally do happen. And, well if you haven’t done your research then you are at high risk of a problem developing that could see you experiencing unnecessary pain and suffering, as well as putting your health at risk.

If your dentist doesn’t meet the standard expected by other competent dentists in your geographical area, and you become injured or experience health issues as a direct result of treatment received, your dentist may have committed malpractice. If this happens, you could be eligible for compensation for the damages that you have sustained.

What are the most common types of mistakes made by dentists?

Although there are many different types of dental mistakes that patients can make, there are a few that are more common than others. These include the following:

Failure to diagnose a dental issue

By far one of the most common mistakes made by dentists is the failure to diagnose a dental condition. In missing or overlooking signs of a developing dental issue, dentists are enabling it to become worse. This could lead to increasing pain and damage that requires treatment that is far more invasive than would be necessary had the problem been diagnosed promptly.

Misdiagnosis of a dental issue

If a dentist is poorly trained or not paying due care and attention, it can lead to misdiagnosis of a dental issue – something which then results in them administering the wrong treatment and potentially causing injury or harm to the patient. This is in addition to the original, correct issue being left to continue.

Negligent administration of anesthesia

Anesthesia, whether local or general, is a routine part of dental treatment and helps to ensure that the patient will not experience any discomfort during any point of their procedure. However, if the anesthesia is not properly administered or managed, or if sufficient checks have not been performed to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for the use of anesthesia, it can lead to complications that have consequences for the patient’s health.

Improper patient care

Your dentist has a duty of care to look after you before, during and after your dental procedure. If any part of this care is substandard, for example, if the equipment used in your procedure is not sterile and you develop an infection, then your dentist may be deemed negligent and you can pursue a malpractice case.

Tooth extraction problems

A tooth extraction may be required for a number of reasons, but usually, it is because a tooth is so badly affected by decay or damage that it is beyond saving. However, there are numerous things that can go wrong with this procedure, from an accidental fracture of the tooth that needs to be removed to damage to the nerves or jaw bone. If you experience problems as a result of an extraction that hasn’t been performed with due diligence, then your dentist may be held liable.

These represent just a few of the common mistakes made by dentists. If you have been affected by any of these issues, or if something else has happened and you believe that your dentist has not acted in accordance with the required standards of care, then you may be entitled to sue for dental malpractice. Contact us today for a no-obligation case review.