Dental Malpractice Attorney in Rhode Island
Dental veneers are thin layers of material that are placed over a patient’s existing to teeth in order to change the look, feel, shape, color, and overall appearance of their smile. Usually, dentists use plastic or porcelain to mirror the natural consistency of human teeth to achieve the desired result. This technique can be used if a patient wants to quickly change the appearance of his or her teeth without the use of braces or whitening. However, it is important to remember that even though this procedure is elective and minimally invasive, there are still inherent risks that patients should be aware of before engaging in this treatment.
Dental malpractice refers to professional negligence
Dental malpractice refers to professional negligence by a dentist, dental specialist, or dental healthcare provider that results in harm to a patient. Like any medical profession, dentistry has standards of care, and deviations from these standards may lead to malpractice claims. Here are some common types of dental malpractice:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis:
- Failure to diagnose oral conditions such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, or other dental issues in a timely manner can lead to complications and harm to the patient.
- Treatment Errors:
- Errors during dental procedures, including extractions, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry, can lead to serious complications. This may involve mistakes in administering anesthesia, performing surgery, or using dental instruments.
- Infections:
- Inadequate sterilization of dental instruments or improper infection control measures can lead to the spread of infections. Infections may also occur if there are errors in postoperative care.
- Nerve Injuries:
- Damage to nerves during dental procedures, such as extractions or root canals, can result in pain, numbness, or loss of sensation in the affected areas.
- Medication Errors:
- Prescribing the wrong medications, incorrect dosages, or failure to consider a patient’s medical history and potential drug interactions can lead to adverse reactions and harm.
- Informed Consent Issues:
- Failure to obtain proper informed consent from the patient before a procedure, or providing inadequate information about the risks and benefits of a treatment, can lead to legal issues.
- Failure to Refer:
- Dentists may be liable if they fail to refer a patient to a specialist when necessary. For example, if a general dentist fails to recognize a condition that requires the expertise of an oral surgeon.
- Recordkeeping Errors:
- Incomplete or inaccurate dental records can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and potential harm to the patient. Thorough and accurate recordkeeping is crucial in dentistry.
- Orthodontic Malpractice:
- Errors in orthodontic treatment, such as improper placement of braces or negligence in monitoring the progress of treatment, can lead to complications and harm.
- Cosmetic Dentistry Malpractice:
- Mistakes in cosmetic procedures, such as veneers, crowns, or teeth whitening, that result in damage to teeth or other complications can lead to malpractice claims.
Victim of dental malpractice
It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the specific details of the situation will determine whether malpractice occurred. If you believe you have been a victim of dental malpractice, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional experienced in medical malpractice cases.
If a dentist does not perform your procedure in the most responsible manner or neglects to provide you with accurate advice regarding pre- and post-procedure care, you may be a victim of dental malpractice. In order to find out if you have a viable claim, it would be best to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Dental malpractice is just as severe as medical malpractice and is taken seriously by the law. If you have been hurt by a dentist’s negligence, you should pursue legal action right away.
Rhode Island dental malpractice lawyer
The following circumstances are the most common risks that patients face following veneer placement:
- Tooth trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Pain due to tooth sensitivity
- Breakage of veneer, subsequent choking
- Infection due to the use of unsanitary tools
Allergic reactions or infections can be extremely severe for certain individuals, leading to further medical treatment, lost wages due to missed work, and emotional pain and suffering. If your dentist is found to be negligent, he or she may be responsible for providing you with financial compensation to help pay for those damages.
