Naperville, Illinois Dental Malpractice Lawyers

What are common dental malpractice claims?

Nerve damage during extractions or implant placement (causing permanent numbness, tingling, or pain), failure to diagnose oral cancer, infections from improper sterilization, wrong tooth extraction, botched root canals, unnecessary procedures performed for profit, failure to monitor patients under sedation, and jaw injuries during surgery. Cosmetic dentistry gone wrong — veneers, crowns, or orthodontic work that causes functional problems — can also be malpractice.

How is dental malpractice different from a bad outcome?

Not every bad result is malpractice. Dental procedures carry inherent risks that patients consent to. Malpractice requires showing the dentist deviated from the accepted standard of care — what a reasonably competent dentist would have done in the same circumstances. An expert dental witness reviews your records and treatment to make this determination.

Is nerve damage from dental work permanent?

It depends on the type and severity of nerve injury. The inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve are most commonly affected during wisdom tooth extractions, implant placement, and root canals. Some nerve injuries heal over weeks to months. Others — particularly when the nerve is severed or severely compressed — can result in permanent numbness, pain, or altered sensation. Early evaluation by a nerve specialist is important.