3 Signs You Should File a Dental Malpractice Suit

Modern dental anesthetics are a powerful way to combat the discomfort associated with decay removal and full smile restorations, but even these seemingly gentle medications can cause problems if your dentist administers too many injections.

Unfortunately, overdoses of dental anesthetic are more common than most people realize, with some studies showing that 69% of dentists aren't familiar with the maximum recommended dose for adult patients. Here are three signs you were given too many anesthetic shots, as well as why you should consider filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Dental anesthetics work by temporarily blocking pain signals from your tooth or soft tissues to the brain. Unfortunately, if too many shots are given, the nerves can be permanently damaged, causing problems like constant pain, a pins-and-needles feeling, or even problems moving your face, opening your eyes, or smiling properly.

While it is completely normal for patients to have some numbness and tingling after a dental procedure, patients should seek emergency medical treatment if the feelings linger. As a general rule of thumb, the vast majority of numbness should wear off a few hours after the appointment.

If you have permanent nerve damage caused by excess anesthesia, you might still be experiencing numbness or tingling days, weeks, or even months following the procedure.

While research has shown that up to 85%of patients with nerve damage get better on their own within two months following the botched procedure, your chances of recovering from nerve damage after that timeframe are slim. In fact, studies have shown that up to one-third of patients with serious anesthetic nerve damage don't recover at all — leaving some people with serious long-term disabilities.

Pay attention to the discharge instructions you are given during trips to the dentist, and ask how long you should expect numbness to last. If you experience ongoing numbness, record your symptoms and take photos of your face, teeth, and jaw. If you decide to file a lawsuit, this information can help to prove your case.

Because the nerves in your face also manage blood flow and help with muscle contractions, people who experience nerve damage from excess anesthetic can also have trouble with edema, or swelling of the face and neck. In addition to giving your face a skewed appearance for days or weeks following your procedure, swelling can also constrict blood flow and interrupt healing.

Extended, uncontrolled swelling can also cause tissue death since the gums and teeth won't receive the nutrients they need to survive. Because swelling can also be caused by infections stemming from improper surgical techniques, it is a symptom patients should never ignore.

Report excessive swelling to your dentist immediately, and consider going to the emergency room if your doctor doesn't take the symptom seriously. Getting a second opinion can help you to determine if your swelling is within normal limits, and it will help you to strengthen your lawsuit if you need to file one.

Unfortunately, some people experience more than a little swelling and nerve damage while undergoing dental anesthetic. Since some patients are allergic to anesthetics, it only takes a few shots for dentists to create true medical emergencies. This is especially true in children or smaller individuals since it takes less medicine to cause anaphylaxis.

If you have a loved one who has passed away while under the care of a dentist, talking with a lawyer could prevent other families from enduring what you have gone through. Wrongful death lawsuits can also help you and your family cope with the financial implications of paying for a funeral.

You have every right to be upset if you have developed problems after a recent dental appointment. Fortunately, you can seek the legal help you need today by reaching out to our team at Wegner & Associates . With more than 40 years’ worth of experience helping our patients fight for their rights, we can help you to heal financially from your experience. Give us a call today to learn more.