Understanding and Protecting Yourself From Dental Malpractice

For most people, visiting the dentist is probably one of their least favorite things to do. Having someone staring into your face while prying open your mouth, sticking their fingers in there and picking and scraping at your teeth for an hour is quite an unpleasant way to spend an afternoon. But doing just that is important to maintain the health of one's teeth and gums. For most, a routine visit to the dentist is harmless and without incident. However, for others a visit to the dentist can lead to injury, and thus, a claim of dental malpractice.

A claim of dental malpractice arises out of an injury suffered due to a dental professional's negligent treatment. This may occur due to poor and inadequate dental treatment, delaying oral treatment unnecessarily, failing to diagnose a major oral disease, misdiagnosing an oral condition, or otherwise failing in carrying out one's duties as a dental professional. Such misconduct can result in pain and suffering on the part of the patient. Other malpractice is so severe that it results in permanent injuries, for example, lost oral sensation or periodontal disease.

Some examples of dental malpractice include:

· Gum, teeth, or jaw infections caused by improper use of dental equipment
· Failing to diagnose or improper treatment of periodontal disease
· Losing sensation in the jaw, teeth, or gums
· Causing injury by improperly administering anesthesia
· Causing a loss of taste
· Unnecessary tooth extraction or extracting the wrong tooth
· Misdiagnosing dental diseases or disorders
· Delaying the treatment of an oral disorder
· Death from oral surgery

With the rise in popularity of cosmetic dental surgeries, there have been a slew of dental malpractice claims. Oftentimes dental professionals seem more interested in making a quick buck rather than performing procedures that are necessary. Now are routine checkup at your dentist's office is filled with sales pitches for teeth whitening, veneers or more involved procedures. Most of these dentists are quite skilled at convincing their patients that a particular procedure is not just recommended, but necessary for the health of one's teeth or gums.

When you pay a visit to your dentist, he will undoubtedly dive into a host of procedures that can make your smile all the better. Be sure not to let your dentist pressure you into agreeing into unnecessary dental work. If your dentist insists that a procedure must be done that very day, that is a pretty good warning sign that he is trying to simply make extra money off of you. Unless you went into the dentist's office that day complaining of a dental emergency, chances are the recommended procedure does not need to happen right away. You can, and should, seek a second opinion so you can make sure that your dentist is being honest with you.

Let your regular dentist know that you will be seeking a second opinion, and the let that second dentist know that you are specifically there for a second opinion. This should serve as a form of checks and balances to keep everyone in line and to help safeguard against being a victim of dental malpractice. Always ask plenty of questions and make sure they are answered to your satisfaction. If your dentist seems unwilling to answer all of your questions to your satisfaction, then you should find yourself a new dentist who truly cares about your dental health.

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