Get Help from a Jacksonville Dental Malpractice Lawyer

If you've experienced dental negligence in Jacksonville, Florida, a skilled Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case. This article examines the various forms of dental malpractice that can cause injury and long-term consequences, such as permanent nerve damage to the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve damage.

Additionally, we'll talk about root canal overfill complications and explore this complication with emphasis on signs indicating an overfilled root canal and potential health risks associated with it. We also examine common errors during dental implant placement and risks related to tooth extractions that may lead to nerve damage.

Lastly, dentists removing the wrong tooth is another form of malpractice; we will highlight its impact on victims as well as legal recourse available for them. Furthermore, we'll talk about how working with a contingency-based law firm and a Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer offers numerous benefits for injured parties seeking justice – learn more about these issues in our final section.

Permanent Nerve Damage in Dental Malpractice

One of the most severe consequences of dental malpractice is permanent nerve damage, which can occur to both the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves. These injuries may result from various procedures such as root canal overfilling, dental implants, or extractions. This section of the article will explore the causes and effects of nerve damage due to dental malpractice, specifically focusing on injury to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves.

Inferior Alveolar Nerve Damage Causes and Symptoms

The inferior alveolar nerve provides sensation to the lower teeth, gums, chin area, cheeks, and lower lip. Damage to this nerve can occur during dental procedures like wisdom tooth extraction or implant placement when a dentist fails to take proper precautions or uses incorrect techniques. Common symptoms include numbness or tingling sensations in the affected areas that persist even after healing should have occurred. In some cases, patients might also experience chronic pain known as trigeminal neuralgia or anesthesia dolorosa.

Lingual Nerve Damage Causes and Symptoms

The lingual nerve supplies feeling to the tongue's front two-thirds portion along with taste sensation for its anterior part. It can be damaged during routine oral surgeries such as tooth extractions if not properly identified and located by a dentist beforehand leading to potentially devastating outcomes like loss of speech ability, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking clearly associated with altered function within the mouth.

Nerve injuries resulting from dental negligence are not only physically painful but also emotionally distressing. If you or someone you know has suffered permanent nerve damage due to dental malpractice, it's crucial to seek professional assistance as soon as possible to ensure that justice is served.

Root Canal Overfill Complications

A common type of dental malpractice involves root canal overfills that lead to serious complications for patients. This occurs when a dentist uses excessive filling material during a root canal procedure, causing pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves. In this section, we will explore how this error can cause lasting pain or even permanent damage to nearby nerves.

Identifying Signs of Root Canal Overfill

An overfilled root canal may present various symptoms in the affected patient. Some common signs include:

• Persistent pain or discomfort after the procedure;
• Inflammation and swelling around the treated tooth;
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the jaw, lips, or tongue due to nerve compression;
• Infection resulting from foreign body reaction caused by excess filling material.

If you experience any of these symptoms following your root canal treatment, it is essential to consult with an experienced dental professional immediately for further evaluation and potential corrective measures. The longer a nerve injury is left untreated, the more likely it will become permanent.

Potential Consequences for Patients

The consequences of an improperly performed root canal can be severe and long-lasting. When too much filling material is used during the procedure, it can exert pressure on adjacent structures such as blood vessels and nerves leading to irreversible damage like:

• Permanent nerve injury: This could result in chronic pain (neuralgia), numbness (paresthesia), or altered sensation (dysesthesia) affecting quality of life.
• Infections: Overfilled root canals may create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to abscesses and other infections that require additional treatment.
• Tooth loss: In some cases, the affected tooth may need to be extracted due to complications arising from the overfill.

When faced with these complications, it is crucial to seek help from experienced Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyers who understand the intricacies of dental malpractice claims. Lawyers experienced in dental malpractice claims can assist you with the legal process and strive to secure your rightful recompense.

Dental Implant Errors Leading to Nerve Damage

Another area where negligence by dental professionals may cause harm is during the placement of dental implants. Improper technique or insufficient planning can result in direct trauma to vital structures like nerves within the jawbone, leading to debilitating pain or loss of sensation. In this section, we will discuss some common mistakes made during implant surgery that could have disastrous outcomes for patients.

Importance of Proper Planning Before Implant Surgery

Before any dental implant procedure, a thorough evaluation and planning process should be conducted by the dentist. This includes assessing bone density and volume, determining the ideal location for implant placement, and locating other vital structures like nerves. Failure to properly plan can lead to complications such as nerve damage from incorrect positioning or angulation of the implant. Patients who experience symptoms like numbness, tingling sensations, or persistent pain after an implant procedure should consult with their dental malpractice attorney.

Risks Associated with Poorly Placed Dental Implants

• Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) Injury: The IAN runs through the lower jawbone and provides sensation to your lower teeth and chin area. If an implant is placed too close or directly into this nerve's path, it may cause permanent damage resulting in chronic pain and discomfort for affected individuals. Folks with this type of injury should consider seeking help from an experienced Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer.
• Lingual Nerve Injury: The lingual nerve supplies feeling to each side of the tongue along its length; however, when improperly positioned implants are used, they risk injuring these delicate fibers leading not only to loss of feeling but also potential difficulties speaking and swallowing which can be grounds for dental malpractice claims.
• Implant Failure: Poorly placed dental implants may fail to integrate with the surrounding bone, leading to implant failure and additional surgeries. This can cause further damage to the patient, resulting in the need for multiple additional procedures.

In cases where nerve damage occurs due to negligence or improper technique during dental implant surgery, it is crucial for patients to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, our team has extensive experience handling such matters and will work tirelessly on your behalf to recover damages caused by negligent actions within the field of dentistry.

Extractions Gone Wrong - When Dentists Remove The Wrong Tooth

Mistakes made during tooth extractions are another form of dental malpractice that has devastating impacts on patients' lives. In some cases, dentists accidentally remove healthy teeth due to miscommunication or carelessness resulting in unnecessary pain and suffering for victims who must now undergo additional treatments to fix errors caused by negligent actions taken by their dental professional.

Common Reasons for Wrong Tooth Extractions

There are several factors that can contribute to a dentist removing the wrong tooth during an extraction procedure. Some common reasons include:

• Poor Communication: Misunderstandings between the dentist and their staff or unclear patient records can lead to confusion about which tooth needs extraction.
• Inadequate Examination: Failing to perform a thorough assessment of the patient's oral health may result in incorrect identification of problematic teeth.
• Negligence: Careless mistakes, such as failing to double-check x-rays or not properly marking the target tooth, can cause irreversible damage when a healthy tooth is mistakenly removed.

Legal Remedies Available to Victims

If you have suffered from having the wrong tooth extracted due to dental malpractice, it is crucial that you seek legal help from experienced dental malpractice lawyers. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, our skilled Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyers will work diligently on your behalf to pursue compensation for damages incurred as a result of this negligence. Potential recoverable damages may include:

1. The cost of any necessary corrective procedures (e.g., dental implants or bridges).
2. Lost wages due to time off work for additional treatments and recovery.
3. Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, caused by the unnecessary extraction of a healthy tooth.

To ensure that your rights are protected, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of these claims. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, we understand the devastating impact that such errors can have on patients' lives and are committed to fighting for justice on their behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your potential dental malpractice claim.

Navigating the Complexities of Dental Malpractice Claims

Navigating a dental malpractice claim can be an intimidating and perplexing task, particularly when confronting long-term effects such as irreparable nerve damage. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, our experienced Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging journey while fighting tirelessly on your behalf to recover damages caused by negligent actions within the field of dentistry.

How to Evaluate Dental Malpractice Cases

Our team carefully assesses the elements of a case to determine if negligence was a factor in causing an injury. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts who specialize in dental procedures and complications to ensure that all relevant factors are considered when building a case. The procedure for evaluating a claim typically involves the following:

• Reviewing medical records for evidence of substandard care or treatment errors.
• Consulting with expert witnesses who can provide insight into proper dental practices and standards.
• Assessing damages, including the potential long-term effects resulting from the injury, the need for additional procedures, or the loss of function due to nerve damage.
• Calculating financial losses incurred as a result of past procedures, additional treatments needed, and time missed from work while recovering.

Contingency Fee Basis - No Upfront Costs or Fees

Facing mounting medical bills and lost wages after suffering from dental malpractice can make pursuing a claim seem too expensive and overwhelming. At our firm, we believe that everyone who has suffered a horrific injury as a result of dental malpractice deserves access to justice and the opportunity to hold negligent dental professionals accountable. That's why our dental malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or fees.

Instead, our legal fees and costs of litigation are only collected if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf through a settlement or trial verdict. This approach allows you to focus on healing from your injuries while we take on the risk of the case and handle the complexities of building and presenting your case against those responsible for causing harm.

If you have suffered permanent nerve damage or other serious complications due to dental negligence in Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida, contact Spetsas Buist PLLC today for a free consultation with a skilled Florida dental malpractice lawyer. Let us help guide you through this difficult process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

FAQs in Relation to Jacksonville Dental Malpractice Lawyer

Q1: Can You Sue a Dentist for Malpractice in Florida?

A1: Yes, you can sue a dentist for malpractice in Florida if they have breached the standard of care and caused injury or harm. To successfully pursue a dental malpractice claim, you must prove that the dentist's negligence directly resulted in your injuries. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Jacksonville Dental Malpractice Lawyer to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

Q2: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dental Malpractice in Florida?

A2: In Florida, the statute of limitations for dental malpractice claims is two (2) years from when the patient discovered or should have reasonably discovered their injury, but the statute of repose sets a hard deadline at 4 years. However, there are a few exceptions that may extend this deadline under specific circumstances. It's essential to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable Jacksonville dental malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to ensure timely filing of your claim.