Although medical malpractice is something most people have heard of, many people do not realize that this also applies in the dental field, and finding a dental malpractice lawyer is something you should consider if you are a victim of this. Almost all dentists, like doctors, carry dental malpractice insurance to protect themselves because they are human and prone to judgment errors and treatment errors, although we would like to think that it does not happen.

Dental malpractice claim reports have remained pretty steady over recent years, as opposed to medical malpractice claims which continue to rise every year. While the awards by the courts for dental malpractice are less than medical malpractice, this is mainly due to the usually non-life-threatening nature of dental malpractice. In short, dental malpractice occurs when improper treatment or services have been performed, which causes injury, possibly permanent injury to the lips, jaw, tongue, or the surrounding nerves. It also happens when the dentist fails to properly diagnose signs of oral cancer. If anesthetics are applied improperly, this can also cause injury, or in severe cases, even death.

A patient has a right to expect professional and accurate diagnosis and treatment when they visit a medical professional, either a doctor or a dentist. If the dentist does not meet that responsibility, there may be grounds for a dental malpractice lawsuit. Not every little thing that a dentist does wrong may warrant a lawsuit, but if the injury is severe or permanent, you may wish to consider a dental malpractice lawyer to review it, who can advise you as to whether you have grounds to pursue it further or not.

Obviously the most serious case of dental malpractice is when the result of an incorrect procedure causes the patient's death. This can be from anesthesia applied incorrectly or as the result of complications that set in from a poorly done procedure, which allowed infections to set in.

Oral surgery is covered here as well, where the potential for permanent damage is typically even greater, especially damage to facial or tongue nerves, and possibly even the tongue itself. If this occurs, there can be a severe loss of sensation which may include difficulty in talking, swallowing, and/or eating.

A simple dental extraction can also be a problem and possible case for dental malpractice when the dentist removes the wrong tooth, for example a healthy tooth instead of the decayed one. This can lead to other problems and complications as well. Dental malpractice also occurs when the dentist fails to diagnose and treat periodontal disease or oral cancer. You may also have a case if the dentist performs a procedure on you for which you did not authorize or consent to.

Whether for adults or children, improper orthodontic procedures can be deemed as dental malpractice. Dentists and orthodontists are required to present the patient with their options and alternatives. Tooth removal, for example, is a much more radical procedure than braces or teeth straightening and may be unnecessary, which can then also lead to TMJ syndrome or persistent headaches.

Don't be afraid to contact a dental malpractice lawyer if you see any of these things applying to you. You can discuss your case with a qualified attorney and they can use their experience to advise you whether or not you have a valid case that you should pursue.

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