Dental Negligence

Dental negligence can cause significant pain, disfigurement, and ongoing dental problems that affect your quality of life. Our specialist solicitors understand the complexities of dental practice and work to secure compensation for substandard dental care.

What Our Dental Negligence Solicitors Can Help With

• Poor Dental Treatment: Substandard fillings, crowns, and restorative work
• Oral Surgery Errors: Complications during extractions and surgical procedures
• Orthodontic Negligence: Poor brace treatment and jaw alignment issues
• Implant Failures: Defective dental implants and surgical complications
• Nerve Damage: Injury to facial nerves during dental procedures
• Infection Cases: Post-treatment infections and inadequate sterilisation
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Poor outcomes from aesthetic dental procedures
• Emergency Treatment: Inadequate urgent dental care

Common Types of Dental Negligence

Treatment Errors:

• Damage to healthy teeth during procedures
• Inappropriate treatment planning
• Use of defective materials or equipment
• Failure to follow infection control procedures

Diagnostic Failures:

• Missed oral cancer and serious conditions
• Failure to identify gum disease
• Incorrect assessment of tooth condition
• Delayed referral to specialists

Surgical Complications:

• Sinus perforation during extractions
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Retained root fragments
• Excessive bleeding and haematoma

Dental Negligence Injuries

Physical Injuries:

• Permanent nerve damage and numbness
• Facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia
• Loss of teeth and bone structure
• Scarring and disfigurement

Functional Problems:

• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Reduced mouth opening (trismus)
• Bite problems and jaw misalignment
• Ongoing dental complications

Psychological Impact:

• Dental phobia and anxiety
• Loss of confidence and self-esteem
• Social withdrawal and embarrassment
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Proving Dental Negligence

Successful dental negligence claims require proof of:

• Duty of Care: Dentist-patient relationship established
• Breach of Duty: Treatment fell below acceptable standards
• Causation: The poor treatment directly caused injury
• Damages: Actual harm and losses resulted

Evidence in Dental Negligence Cases

Medical Records:

• Complete dental treatment records
• X-rays and clinical photographs
• Treatment plans and consent forms
• Referral letters and specialist reports

Expert Evidence:

• Independent dental expert opinions
• Specialist consultant assessments
• Treatment standard evaluations
• Causation analysis and prognosis

Dental Negligence Compensation

General Damages:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity: £1,000-£100,000+
• Facial disfigurement: £5,000-£75,000
• Loss of teeth: £1,000-£15,000 per tooth
• Nerve damage: £10,000-£50,000+

Special Damages:

• Remedial dental treatment costs
• Lost earnings and time off work
• Travel expenses for treatment
• Future dental care requirements

Dental Negligence Claims Process

1. Case Assessment: Free evaluation of potential claim
2. Records Request: Obtaining complete dental records
3. Expert Opinion: Independent dental expert review
4. Letter of Claim: Formal notification to dental practice
5. Investigation: Defendant's response and investigation
6. Negotiations: Settlement discussions and compensation talks
7. Resolution: Settlement agreement or court proceedings

Time Limits for Dental Negligence Claims

• General rule: 3 years from date of knowledge of injury
• Children: 3 years from 18th birthday
• Continuing treatment: Time may run from end of treatment
• Delayed discovery: 3 years from when injury discovered

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Dental Negligence

• Dental Specialists: Solicitors with specific dental negligence expertise
• Expert Networks: Access to leading dental professionals and specialists
• No Win No Fee: Conditional fee arrangements available
• Proven Results: Successful outcomes in complex dental cases
• Understanding Approach: Recognising the impact of dental trauma
• Comprehensive Support: Guidance through entire legal process

Dental negligence claims require specialist knowledge of dental procedures and standards to secure appropriate compensation for often life-changing injuries.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.