Is This Considered Dental Malpractice? A Patient's Disturbing Experience

Q: Is This Considered Dental Malpractice? A Patient's Disturbing Experience

Hello Sir： First, thank you for your appreciation. <br>I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions： The anatomical position of the maxillary molar roots is relatively close to the maxillary sinus, with some root tips even located directly on the

Is this considered a medical malpractice?

Hello, Doctor.
I have a question I would like to ask! At the beginning of last month, I went to a nearby dental clinic due to a toothache.
The dentist diagnosed that my first molar needed to be extracted, and I agreed.
However, unexpectedly, during the procedure, the dentist broke one of the roots of the molar and pushed it upward, piercing through the gum and into the nasal cavity.
As a result, the root fell into my nasal cavity.
That same day, I was transferred to the Oral Surgery Department of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, where I underwent general anesthesia the next day to have the broken root removed.
During the procedure at the clinic, I felt very uncomfortable; compared to my past experiences, this dentist's actions were much rougher.
When he was removing the last root, he described the process as "pushing and squeezing," which caused the root to pierce through the gum and fall into the nasal cavity.
What made me feel the most uncomfortable was that when he couldn't extract the last root, he had already administered three doses of anesthetic.
At the moment it pierced, I was in unbearable pain, and he even asked me, "Do you have a high alcohol tolerance? Do you usually drink a lot?"...
I was taken aback...
I usually don't drink alcohol at all...
After thinking about it, I wonder if he was trying to cover something up with that comment.
Given this incident, would this be considered a medical malpractice?

Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/10

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Hello Sir: First, thank you for your appreciation.
I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: The anatomical position of the maxillary molar roots is relatively close to the maxillary sinus, with some root tips even located directly on the maxillary sinus mucosa.
If the roots of the maxillary molars are more curved or larger, there is a risk of root fracture during the extraction process.
If a fractured root is close to the maxillary sinus, there is a danger of it being pushed into the sinus during the retrieval process.
In such cases, a consultation with an oral surgeon may be necessary for appropriate management.
Lastly, I wish you peace and happiness~~

Reply Date: 2010/05/10

More Info

Your experience sounds incredibly distressing, and it raises important questions about dental malpractice and patient safety. Based on the details you've provided, it appears that there may have been a significant deviation from the standard of care expected in dental procedures, particularly in the extraction of a tooth.

Dental malpractice occurs when a dentist fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent dentist would provide under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to the patient. In your case, several factors suggest that there may have been negligence involved:
1. Injury During Procedure: The fact that a root of your tooth was broken and pushed into your nasal cavity indicates a potential lack of proper technique or care during the extraction process. Dentists are trained to handle such procedures delicately to avoid complications, and the failure to do so can be seen as a breach of duty.

2. Pain Management: You mentioned that you were in significant pain despite receiving multiple doses of anesthesia. This raises concerns about the adequacy of pain management and the dentist's ability to perform the procedure without causing undue discomfort. A competent dentist should ensure that the patient is adequately anesthetized before proceeding with any invasive procedure.

3. Communication and Professionalism: The comment made by the dentist regarding your alcohol consumption, especially in the context of your pain, is unprofessional and inappropriate. This could indicate a lack of empathy and understanding of the patient's experience, which is crucial in healthcare settings.

4. Referral for Complications: The need to transfer you to a specialized facility for the removal of the tooth root from your nasal cavity suggests that the initial dentist was unable to manage the complication effectively. This could further indicate a failure to provide the standard of care.

In light of these factors, it would be advisable to consult with a legal professional who specializes in medical malpractice to discuss your situation in detail. They can help you understand your rights and the potential for pursuing a claim against the dentist for any damages incurred due to their actions.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to file a complaint with the dental board in your area. This can help ensure that the dentist is held accountable for their actions and may prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In summary, while I cannot definitively say whether this constitutes dental malpractice without a thorough review of all the facts and circumstances, your experience certainly raises significant concerns about the standard of care provided during your dental procedure. Seeking legal advice and reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities would be prudent steps to take.

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