It’s no secret that the popularity of dental implants is growing more and more every year. This is also true for the number of dentists performing these procedures. With more dentists performing more dental implants, you are unfortunately at a greater risk for experiencing dental malpractice in NYC.
While most dental implant procedures go on without a hitch, there are some rare instances when something goes wrong and you are left with serious complications.
When this happens, you might be able to contact a dental malpractice lawyer and sue the dentist. Let’s take a look at dental implants, their risks and the things you can do to ensure you are protected after the procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
Simply put, dental implants are the closest replacements you can get for lost or severely damaged teeth. These artificial teeth are placed directly into your jawbone and actually bond to that bone during recovery. As such, they’re strong and reliable. Dental implants can also be used to support dentures and bridges for great stability and durability.
You can see why dental implants would be so popular, especially for people who want to achieve a natural-looking smile.
What Possible Complications Can Dental Implants Have?
Since getting a dental implant is major surgery, there will always be risks involved with the procedure. However, there are a number of complications that can take place due to the dentist’s negligence. These complications can include:
- Persistent burning and/or numbness sensations in your gums, lips, and chin
- Chronic sinusitis
- Permanent nerve injury
- Bone necrosis
- Penetration of outer jawbone, leading to implant failure and infection
All of these complications are preventable with due care from your dentist. If you’re suffering from any of these complications after a dental implant, you’ll want to start considering a dental malpractice suit against the dentist who performed the procedure.
Can You File a Lawsuit?
So, how do you decide if you can file a lawsuit against the dentist? It’s best to begin gathering proof of the malpractice as soon as you think something may be wrong. In dental malpractice cases, you’ll need to prove these things first:
- You actually were a patient of the dentist.
- How the procedure and/or after-care should have been performed.
- How the procedure and/or after-care went wrong.
- How extensive and serious your injuries are.
You can prove these four things with a variety of different pieces of evidence, including:
- Medical Records and Second Opinions. Like medical malpractice, you should always get the second opinion of another dentist before attempting to sue the original dentist who performed your dental implant procedure. You have a right to any existing x-rays and records from the original dentist. Request those and take them to another dentist. You should also request copies of any related dental bills and records.
- Pictures and Video. Physical proof of your ailment is concrete evidence. Take pictures and video of any disfigurement or swelling you might be experiencing. Back up the pictures and videos in several different places so you don’t lose your only existing copy.
- Correspondence with Treating Dentist. Always keep a record of what your dentist is instructing you to do, along with any forms you signed. You should also take detailed notes about anything your dentist said to you at any point during the entire process.
- Do you have friends, family, or co-workers who would be willing to provide a statement of the way the dental procedure impacted you? If so, take written statements from them and keep them handy.
How We Can Help
If you think you have a solid dental malpractice case on your hands, we’re happy to help you take it forward. Chianese & Reilly Law is the top dental malpractice lawyer in NYC, and our testimonials back that claim up. We can help you get back on your feet after a debilitating injury caused by a dentist’s negligence. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide and the ways in which we can help.
