Holding Dental Surgeons Accountable for Preventable Injuries
Oral surgery involves procedures that require precision, planning, and skilled execution. Patients trust oral surgeons and dentists to perform these surgeries safely, whether removing impacted teeth, placing dental implants, correcting jaw alignment, or addressing infections. When a dental professional fails to follow accepted standards of care, patients can suffer lasting harm. Oral surgery malpractice is a serious issue that can lead to nerve damage, fractured jaws, chronic pain, and in some cases, life-altering disability. Legal action can help injured patients recover compensation for the damage they’ve suffered.
Common Types of Oral Surgery Malpractice
Fractured Jaw (Mandible)
One of the most serious complications during oral surgery, especially wisdom tooth extractions, is a fractured jaw. This typically occurs when the dental provider uses excessive force or improper tools during the procedure. A broken mandible can disrupt the bite, impair speech and eating, and lead to long-term nerve damage. Repair often requires surgery, metal plates, and weeks or months of recovery. In many cases, the damage is preventable with proper technique and patient assessment.
Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries during oral surgery are often the result of poor planning or execution. The inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve are particularly vulnerable during extractions, implant placements, and other invasive procedures. Damage to the nerves can cause permanent numbness, tingling, burning pain, or altered sensation in the tongue, lips, chin, and face. These symptoms interfere with everyday life and may never fully resolve.
Dental Implant Malpractice
Dental implants require precise placement into the jawbone. Improperly positioned implants can damage nerves, sinuses, or adjacent teeth. Implants placed in patients without adequate bone support can fail, leading to bone loss and the need for additional surgeries. When providers rush the process or ignore diagnostic imaging, the result can be permanent injury.
Sinus Perforation
During upper tooth extractions or implant placements, dentists must avoid puncturing the sinus cavity. When they breach the sinus wall, patients may experience chronic infections, facial pain, nasal problems, and may require surgical repair. These injuries often result from a lack of preoperative imaging or careless technique.
Wrong Tooth or Surgical Site
In some cases, dental providers extract the wrong tooth or perform surgery on the incorrect site. These mistakes can have irreversible consequences, including permanent tooth loss or the need for restorative dental work. Patients may also lose trust in their providers and face significant emotional distress.
Infections and Contamination
Post-operative infections are a known risk, but failure to detect, treat, or prevent them may be grounds for a malpractice claim. Providers must use sterilized instruments, monitor the healing process, and prescribe appropriate medications. Neglecting these responsibilities can result in sepsis or the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Anesthesia Errors
Sedation and anesthesia must be properly administered and monitored. Errors such as overdose, insufficient sedation, allergic reactions, or failure to monitor vital signs can lead to brain injury, cardiac arrest, or death. These incidents are avoidable when proper precautions and protocols are followed.
Legal Rights of Victims of Oral Surgery Malpractice
Patients harmed during oral surgery may file a personal injury claim against the responsible dental provider. These lawsuits seek to prove that the provider failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure directly caused the injury. Victims must support their claim with medical records, dental imaging, surgical reports, and often expert testimony.
In some tragic cases, oral surgery malpractice results in death. Families may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional loss. These cases require strong evidence linking the dental provider’s negligence to the patient’s death.
Potential Compensation for Oral Surgery Malpractice Injuries
Victims of oral surgery malpractice may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical and dental treatment
- Surgery to correct errors or repair injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
In wrongful death cases, additional damages may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
Why Legal Representation Matters
Oral surgery malpractice cases are complex and often disputed. Dental professionals and their insurance companies may deny wrongdoing or minimize the extent of the injury. A qualified attorney can investigate the incident, collect supporting evidence, and present a compelling case for compensation. Without legal support, victims may settle for far less than they are owed.
Our dental malpractice attorneys handle every aspect of the claim, from negotiating with insurers to presenting evidence in court if necessary. This allows the injured person or family to focus on healing while their legal rights are protected.
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