Our teeth are fundamental body parts because they’re essential for breaking down food and making our speech intelligible. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to visit the dentist because these visits maintain oral health. While dentists are good at what they do, they can still make mistakes, especially in the middle of your treatment.
If something happens during your dental treatment, you may be able to file a dental malpractice claim against the dentist. It may be an honest mistake, but it could still cause you much pain and suffering. Of course, it’s also possible that the dentist was negligent in their care, which means that they didn’t provide the level of care that a reasonable dentist would have under the same circumstances. Regardless, there are certain things you must do when this happens, such as:
#1 – Don’t Panic
It’s easy to panic when something goes wrong. Your teeth are essential to you, and even though the dentist may have caused a problem, you still need to be calm and take the proper steps. This is the only way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
#2 – Get a Second Opinion
It’s possible that the dentist made a mistake, and it’s also possible that they didn’t. The best way to know for sure is to get a second opinion. Find another dentist that you trust and have them look at your teeth. Most dentists will give you a second opinion without charging you, and they’ll be able to tell you if the first dentist made a mistake.
#3 – Avoid Touching the Affected Area
You may have been told to brush your teeth and avoid touching the area where the dentist made a mistake, but it can be hard to stay away from that area. The best thing to do is avoid touching and brushing the area. This will make it easier for the dentist to fix the problem.
#4 – Tell the Dentist Everything
When you go back to the dentist, you must tell them everything that you’ve noticed about the problem. Don’t leave anything out. The more information you give the dentist, the easier it will be for them to fix the problem.
#5 – Follow Instructions
Above all else, you must follow the dentist’s instructions. They know what’s best for your mouth, and if you don’t do what they say, the problem could get much worse. For example, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic if your gums get infected. You have to take the entire course of medicine, even if you start to feel better.
Filing a Claim
Dental treatment is supposed to improve your teeth, so you shouldn’t worry about them worsening. If you do have a problem, though, you may be able to get compensation by filing a dental malpractice claim. Dental malpractice claims are similar to other medical malpractice claims, but some key differences exist. For example, you only have one year to file a dental malpractice claim in New York, while you have two years to file most other medical malpractice claims.
You should also be aware that many dental procedures are considered “elective,” so you may have a harder time winning your case. The court may decide that the procedure’s risks were clear and that you assumed those risks when you chose to do the procedure.
Of course, this also means you must get a lawyer experienced with dental malpractice cases. Contact a local dental malpractice lawyer to get help if you have a claim.
Conclusion
Dental treatments are supposed to do more good than harm, so you may be able to sue for dental malpractice if a dentist’s negligence injures you. Because of this, you must prove your dentist’s negligence, especially if you experience physical pain. All that matters is working with a lawyer who can help you.
If you’re looking for dentists in Chelmsford, MA, Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group can help you! Oral health should never be taken for granted, so we develop solutions to ensure our teeth look and remain healthy. Reach out today via (978) 250-0079 to set an appointment!
