I had tooth #19 hurting me. It was sensitive to the touch and had more pain with cold. I went to see a dentist who advertised because I’m new in town and hadn’t found a dentist yet. I told him what tooth it was but he said it was my wisdom teeth, which are impacted. He suggested that I have them extracted, but said fillings would work too. I opted for the fillings which would be less invasive. However, just a couple of days later, I started having even more pain. I went back and he prescribed me some antibiotics. That didn’t help and the pain felt like it was elsewhere but he wouldn’t listen and told me to take the antibiotics. I did but when the antibiotics were done, the pain came back and was unbearable. I ended up in the ER and they told me that I had an abscess on the tooth I originally told the dentist about. I went back to my dentist and told him what the ER said. He then referred me to an endodontist. They couldn’t see me for several weeks so I went to an oral surgeon. I was desperate and hoping he could save the tooth. He told me it was no longer saveable and I had it extracted. I’m so frustrated because the dentist wouldn’t listen to me and ended up causing me weeks of pain and a small fortune. Is there any way I can at least recoup some of the money?
Chris
Dear Chris,
What a nightmare! I am so sorry you had to go through this. I consider what happened to you not only gross incompetence but dental malpractice. In your place, I would demand he pays for your extra visits, including the ER and oral surgeon. Additionally, he should cover the cost of your tooth replacement. I recommend for that you get a dental implant.
With pain to the touch and cold, it was obvious you had a bacterial problem. I have no idea why he suggested it was your wisdom teeth. Also, why fillings would work instead of an extraction made no sense. Your next appointment he continued with the misdiagnosis. By giving you antibiotics, he must have suspected there was an infection. He also should have known that antibiotics alone will not cure an infection.
Then, when you finally get the real diagnosis he refers you to an endodontist that can’t see you for weeks even though you have a raging dental emergency on your hands. If he doesn’t want to pay you for the extra appointments as well as the replacement tooth procedure, you have a great malpractice suit on your hands.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.