Dental Malpractice?

Dental Malpractice?

stu@aaronj.com	5/16/2005 8:56:37 AM
I visited a Dentist for implants over a year ago. His office sign indicated both his name and the name of a Periodontist. Because of the signage, I incorrectly assumed that the Periodontist and the Dentist were partners. The Dentist examined my teeth and referred me to the Periodontist. After a grueling procedure lasting many hours, I had 2 extractions and 2 implants installed. Over the next 12 months, I had numerous infections and I was placed on antibiotics approximately 5 times. I sufffered bleeding, pain, and I made numerous 20 mile trips to the office. At about the one year point, the Periodintist informed me that the relationship with the Dentist was severed but I could continue treatment at a different office 40 miles away. On my first visit, I was informed that the Periodontist reluctantly used cheap implant materials supplied by the dentist that were substandard. That these implants typically failed about 1 in 4 and that had it been in the Periodontist office another brand (shown then to me) would have been used. Also, that the dentist lacked the proper equipment and that the Dentist was preoccupied with other things in life besides dentistry. To my great surprise and misfortune, the Periodontist removed my one year old implants and I am starting afresh. I was told that had the implants been left in, they would probably last only 2 years. As I write this, I am still in pain 9 days after the implant extraction and stitches. The Dentist has supplied the 'proper' costlier implants to the Periodontist after numerous complaints. They are sitting on a shelf. My problem is that except for using the original implants, the Periodontist has been skilled, caring, and eager to do the right thing. At this point, my teeth sockets have been grafted and in about 5 months when they are healed, we can start all over again with the implant procedure. I prepaid for all procedures and because of my age and of my pain and suffering I am now considering dentures. Very discouraged. BoyntonStu



"David Martel"	5/16/2005 1:51:53 PM
Stu You went to see a dentist. He referred you to a periodontist. The periodontist and the dentist may have had some sort of business arrangement. The periodontist did work that he has since admitted involved sub-standard materials. You also experienced numerous infections with much pain and suffering. All of this work must now be repeated because of the sub-standard materials. You ask for advice. The periodontist is clearly at fault here and you should discuss your case with a malpractice attorney if the periodontist has not offered to complete the work and give you a cash settlement for your trouble. Look in your local phonebook and interview several malpractice attorneys. Oddly, despite knowingly using bad materials and not being able to manage your care, you seem to want to continue with this periodontist; this may not be wise. Good luck, Dave M.



lawdog	5/18/2005 1:44:42 PM
On Mon, 16 May 2005 08:56:37 -0400, stu@aaronj.com wrote: [long discussion of possible dental malpractice snipped] I prepaid for all procedures and because of my age and of my pain and suffering I am now considering dentures. Very discouraged. Like any type of professional negligence case, any lawsuit you might file must be supported by expert testimony that the treatment you received fell below the applicable standard of care. Malpractice claims usually have shorter statute of limitations, so I would consult a local attorney ASA{ if you are serious about pursuing a case.

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