Wrong Tooth Extraction Compensation
Did your tooth extraction go wrong due to the negligence of a dental clinic? If so, the expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you to claim for the compensation you deserve, on a no win, no fee basis.
We know how emotionally and physically distressing it can be when a tooth extraction procedure goes wrong. Whether you experienced avoidable complications following the removal of a tooth, or you would like to claim for wrong tooth extraction compensation, we will work with you to ensure you receive the financial support you need.
We were one of the first legal practices established in England and Wales to help people in this specialist area of the law, so you can rest assured that your case is in safe hands.
Talk to us today about your tooth extraction negligence claim by calling 0808 291 5053, or request a callback from the team using our online enquiry form.
Why choose us for your tooth extraction negligence compensation claim?
Our team of experienced solicitors has successfully claimed over £4 million in compensation for our clients. With a 95% success rate for the claims we have pursued after obtaining medical evidence, you can put your trust in us to win you the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track following unsuccessful dental treatment.
Our dental negligence claims are led by partner, Russell Sutton, who has many years of experience in helping people who have been subjected to negligent dental treatment. In addition to his role at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, he is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and an Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) senior litigator.
Russell leads a dedicated team of lawyers who have a proven track record of securing compensation following tooth extraction compensation claims. Find out more about our client service by reading our testimonials or by exploring our ‘excellent’ approval rating on Trustpilot.
We always work on a no win, no fee basis, which means you will not have to pay us a penny if your case is not successful. Our fee will come out of the total amount of compensation you receive if your case is successful, giving you the confidence to pursue your case without the pressure of paying for legal fees upfront.
How long does the tooth extraction negligence claims process take?
As each and every tooth extraction compensation claim is different, we are not able to provide a definite time frame for your case. However, we can assure you that the experienced and dedicated solicitor assigned to your case will be with you every step of the way to provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the entire process.
We would advise that you start your tooth extraction compensation claim as soon as possible following the negligent procedure, as this will ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.
For more information on what you can expect when making a tooth extraction compensation claim with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, click the button below.
What are the signs that my tooth extraction has gone wrong?
While a dental extraction is a fairly simple procedure, there can be complications if it is carried out improperly by your dentist.
The consequences of negligent dental extraction can include the following:
- Nerve damage, resulting in a loss of dental mobility or sensation. This damage may prevent the victim from experiencing proper function across their face, from the eyes to the mouth. Damage could also be permanent, with some patients unable to properly chew due to dental damage, along with periodic pain in the affected region
- The development of an oroantral fistula when the upper teeth are operated on. This is a bridge between the dental surgery’s location and the sinus, which may require further surgery
- Removal of the wrong tooth
- Wrongful removal of too many teeth
- “Dry socket” – a dull, aching sensation in the gum or jaw
- Infected gum tissue
- Excessive scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream, causing severe infection
- Excessive discharge, swelling and redness from the infected area
- An adverse reaction to the anaesthetic
If you are considering undergoing dental surgery of any kind, read our guide to finding a safe cosmetic dentist to help you make an informed decision.
How long do I have to make a negligent tooth extraction compensation claim?
Under laws in England and Wales, you have three years to make a claim for compensation for negligent tooth extraction, from the date of the procedure or the knowledge of negligence.
We would advise you to contact us as soon as possible once you are aware of negligence.
How much compensation could I get for a tooth extraction negligence claim?
The amount of compensation you could receive following a tooth extraction compensation claim will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You may be able to claim compensation for loss of earnings, as well as for needless pain and any corrective procedures you may need to undertake. You may also be able to claim for the cost of a replacement tooth, which will most likely be in the form of an implant and crown or a bridge.
At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, our team of expert dental negligence solicitors are dedicated to ensuring that you are awarded the maximum amount of compensation for your case, to make sure you are able to get your life back on track, after what we know can be an extremely distressing experience.
How much does it cost to make a negligent tooth extraction compensation claim?
We always work on a no win, no fee basis. Chat to us today about your tooth extraction compensation claim by calling 0808 291 5053, or, or request a callback from the team using our online enquiry form.
Can I make a claim against a retired dentist?
If your negligent tooth extraction procedure was performed by a dentist that has now retired, you are still able to make a claim against them, as long as you are within the legal time frame. This is normally three years from the date of the treatment, or three years from the date you became aware that the treatment you had was below the standard it should have been.
By law, all dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), and must also ensure they have appropriate indemnity and insurance arrangements in place. This allows patients to seek any compensation they may be entitled to, following a case of negligent treatment.
Therefore, even after a dentist retires, they will still be responsible for the treatment which was carried out when they were practising before retirement.
How can we help with your tooth extraction compensation claim?
Our team of experienced, compassionate solicitors are here to help you claim the financial reward you deserve following a negligent tooth extraction procedure.
The compensation you receive can go some way to addressing any physical or emotional distress you have experienced, and it can also help to pay for any corrective procedures or psychological help that you may need. As well as this, a successful claim will help to prevent future patients from suffering in the same way you have, at the hands of the negligent clinic or practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a wrong tooth extraction compensation claim?
To file a claim for the wrong tooth being extracted, you will need to demonstrate that the dentist's care was subpar I would prefer to use ‘below standard’ rather than ‘subpar’ here and below’ and that this negligence caused you harm – harm for which you deserve compensation.
At first glance, extracting the wrong tooth appears to be a clear case of substandard care. However, you and your solicitors must still establish your claim and be prepared for potential objections from the dentist.
Common objections include:
"The 'wrong' tooth needed extracting anyway" – in this situation, you may need to rely on your own recollections and/or your dental records to verify whether there were any prior issues with the extracted tooth. Nevertheless, if the extraction of that specific tooth was performed without your consent, your dentist's care would still be considered subpar.
"The patient indicated that the 'wrong' tooth was the one which needed extracting" – even if this claim is true, it does not absolve the dentist of their responsibility to ensure that the procedure they are performing is medically necessary. If they have removed a perfectly healthy tooth simply because you pointed to it, they have failed to meet the standard of care required by their professional duties.
Why might a dentist carry out a wrong tooth extraction?
There are various errors that could lead to a dentist removing the incorrect tooth during treatment. These may include, but are not limited to:
Poor diagnosis: in this case, the dentist might have removed the wrong tooth because they associated your symptoms with an incorrect tooth.
Misdiagnosis:, the dentist may have extracted a tooth that did not require removal at all.
Procedural errors: unclear records made after your check-up could lead to the extraction of the wrong tooth.
Distractions: the incorrect tooth might be removed if the dentist is attempting to manage other tasks simultaneously while performing your treatment.
These are just a few examples of scenarios that could result in the wrong tooth being extracted. Your case might be different, but do not worry, as we could still help you claim for dental negligence. If you would like us to assess whether you could be entitled to compensation, please feel free to get in touch today.
What might happen if my dentist extracts the wrong tooth?
If your dentist has mistakenly extracted the wrong tooth, various complications can arise. Firstly, you will likely need to undergo another extraction for the tooth that initially required removal, doubling your pain and recovery time.
Long-term issues may also develop in some cases, such as:
- Persistent pain and swelling
- Abscesses and infections
- Nerve damage
- Ongoing discomfort, particularly when talking or eating
- Sinus damage (following the removal of an upper molar)
- Shifts in the position of your remaining teeth
How can I provide proof for my wrong tooth extraction compensation claim?
Whether you are claiming compensation against an NHS dentist or a private dental provider, your claim will typically be processed by NHS Resolution or a private insurance company. In both cases, you will only be compensated if it can be demonstrated that the dentist's negligence caused you to suffer. To establish this, evidence must be provided. The types of evidence that could be used to prove incorrect tooth extraction include:
Dental records: your solicitor can begin by requesting copies of your dental records. These can be utilised to demonstrate the condition of your teeth before and after dental treatment and as evidence that the wrong tooth was removed.
A statement from you: your solicitor will ask you to describe how the extraction of the wrong tooth has affected you. This will help explain the impact of the error and the pain you experienced.
Witness statements: your solicitor might also request friends and family to provide statements confirming how you have suffered due to the dentist's negligence you are claiming for.
Photographic proof: taking pictures of any visible dental injuries is always recommended. If possible, include a timestamp and capture various images throughout your recovery.
Correspondence: keep copies of any responses to your complaints about your treatment. Similarly, print out any emails from the dental surgery regarding your treatment. These can be reviewed by your solicitor and used as evidence.
A diary of events: you may want to document the effects of your injuries in a diary. This can help you recall when you had to miss out on events or could not work due to your injuries. Additionally, note any costs or expenses you incurred as a result
What types of compensation are available for my incorrect tooth extraction claim?
You can claim compensation for the injuries you have sustained and any financial losses resulting from the negligent tooth extraction. Compensation for injuries will consider:
- The pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- The impact of your injuries on your ability to enjoy and participate in everyday life
For instance, if the wrongful tooth extraction caused you pain for a month and affected your ability to chew, both aspects would be considered in your injury claim.
Financial losses may include expenses for:
- Removing the correct tooth
- Fitting dental implants (including future maintenance costs, such as re-crowning)
- Treating severe issues resulting from the wrongful extraction (e.g. repairing sinus damage)
- Other financial losses might encompass:
- Travel expenses for attending appointments related to the negligent procedure
- Loss of earnings due to missed work or loss of income
- Care and assistance required from friends, family, or healthcare professionals
Generally, you can claim compensation for losses incurred as a 'reasonably foreseeable' consequence of your injury.
Contact us
To speak to our expert solicitors about whether you can make tooth extraction compensation claim on a no win, no fee basis, get in touch with us by calling 0800 634 0285 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.