Dental procedures are supposed to restore comfort, function, and appearance—but sometimes, things go wrong. One of the most serious complications that can occur during dental treatment is a dental nerve injury. When this happens, it can lead to life-altering pain, numbness, or loss of sensation.
For residents of New York City who’ve suffered dental nerve injuries, understanding what happened—and whether it involved dental malpractice—is crucial. Let’s break down the legal and medical aspects of dental nerve injuries, their causes, and how patients may pursue justice when things go wrong.
What Is a Dental Nerve Injury?
A dental nerve injury occurs when the nerves in or around the mouth, face, or jaw are damaged during a dental procedure. The most commonly affected nerves include:
- Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN): Runs through the lower jaw and controls feeling in the chin, lower lip, and lower teeth.
- Lingual Nerve: Provides sensation to the tongue and sometimes taste to the anterior two-thirds.
- Mental Nerve: A branch of the IAN, affecting the lower lip and chin.
When these nerves are harmed, patients can experience symptoms such as:
- Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” in the face or mouth
- Burning pain or sensitivity
- Loss of taste or altered taste
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or smiling
- Permanent facial asymmetry or discomfort
In some cases, these symptoms are temporary and resolve within weeks or months. In others, the damage may be permanent and debilitating, leading to long-term functional and psychological effects.
Common Causes of Dental Nerve Injuries
Injuries to dental nerves most often occur during routine or complex procedures where the nerves are anatomically close to the treatment site. The most common causes include:
1. Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Especially for lower third molars, these extractions are often performed close to the IAN and lingual nerve. A poorly planned extraction or excessive force can sever or compress these nerves.
2. Dental Implants
If a dental implant is placed too deep or without proper imaging guidance, it can impinge on the inferior alveolar nerve. This is a common source of claims involving permanent numbness or nerve pain.
3. Root Canal Treatments
Over-instrumentation or extrusion of chemicals beyond the root apex can damage nearby nerves, especially in the lower jaw.
4. Anesthesia Injections
Improper administration of local anesthetic—particularly inferior alveolar nerve blocks—can lead to direct trauma or chemical irritation to the nerves.
5. Orthognathic Surgery and Bone Grafts
Advanced dental procedures such as jaw repositioning or bone grafts for implants carry risk of nerve damage if not meticulously planned.
Was It Just a Risk—Or Was It Malpractice?
Not every dental nerve injury is the result of negligence. Some degree of nerve injury is a known risk in procedures involving the lower jaw. However, when a dentist or oral surgeon fails to:
- Take appropriate pre-operative imaging (e.g., CBCT scans),
- Use the standard of care in performing the procedure,
- Warn the patient of the risks through informed consent, or
- Recognize and treat complications in a timely manner,
…the injury may be legally classified as dental malpractice.
To succeed in a malpractice case, patients must generally prove:
- Duty of Care: The dentist owed a professional duty.
- Breach of Duty: The care fell below the accepted medical standard.
- Causation: That breach directly caused the nerve injury.
- Damages: The patient suffered measurable harm (physical, emotional, financial).
Informed Consent and Legal Liability
In New York, informed consent laws require that medical professionals adequately disclose the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any procedure. A dentist who fails to warn a patient about the possibility of nerve injury—particularly in procedures with known risk—could be liable for lack of informed consent, even if the procedure was performed properly.
Failure to get proper imaging, rushing a surgery, or using outdated techniques can also help establish negligence.
What Does the Legal Process Involve?
If you believe a nerve injury was caused by a dentist’s negligence, the legal process typically involves:
1. Consultation with a Dental Malpractice Attorney
This is a critical first step. A firm like Chianese & Reilly Law, which focuses on dental malpractice in New York City, can help determine whether your case meets the legal threshold.
2. Medical Records Review
Your attorney will collect your dental records, imaging, and surgical notes to evaluate if the standard of care was breached.
3. Expert Review
An independent dental expert is often required to testify that the provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard.
4. Filing a Lawsuit
If the case is viable, your attorney will file a complaint in the appropriate court. In New York, the statute of limitations is generally 2.5 years from the date of injury (with some exceptions if the injury was discovered later or if treatment continued).
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life, a successful dental malpractice claim may result in compensation for:
- Medical bills (including corrective procedures)
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
If the dentist’s conduct was reckless or egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Challenges in Proving Dental Nerve Injury Cases
Dental malpractice claims involving nerve injuries can be complex due to:
- The fine line between known risk and negligent conduct
- The need for highly specific dental expert testimony
- The difficulty in quantifying sensory losses or chronic pain
- Insurance company resistance and denial tactics
That’s why working with a firm that has a proven record in dental malpractice litigation—like Chianese & Reilly Law—can make a critical difference.
Why Choose Chianese & Reilly Law?
Chianese & Reilly Law stands out as New York City’s premier dental malpractice firm, with decades of experience representing patients harmed by negligent dental care. Our team understands the nuances of dental procedures, the intricacies of nerve injury claims, and the toll these injuries take on real lives.
We don’t just file lawsuits—we fight to ensure your story is heard and your rights are protected.
Final Thoughts
Dental nerve injuries can result in lifelong changes to speech, sensation, and quality of life. While some complications are unavoidable, others happen because a dental provider failed to follow the proper standards of care.
If you believe a dental nerve injury has impacted your life due to negligent dental care, don’t wait. Contact us today at 516-614-6516 to schedule a confidential consultation. Their experienced team will review your case, explain your legal rights, and help you take the next steps toward accountability and compensation.
Your health and dignity deserve protection. Let Chianese & Reilly Law be your advocate in holding dental professionals accountable for the harm caused.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
