Even though Canada is a world leader in quality dental care, sometimes mistakes do occur. Damage to teeth, mouth, and gums occur even in the best of circumstances. Pain and suffering as well as long-term dental health problems as the result of dental malpractice entitles victims to some financial compensation. Expensive and life-altering, reparation of dental mistakes can take a financial toll on even the most successful among us.
Most dental malpractice lawsuits centre on lack of appropriate sterilization of dental equipment. And, ironically, while most dentists are diligent in reminding patients of the need for good dental hygiene, their own practices for keeping dental instruments clean is the main source of dental malpractice claims. Dirty dental tools can result in viral infections and all kinds of bacterial spreads that lead to medical and dental problems. For example, polishing brushes are supposed to be replaced after each use. But, unfortunately, this replacement is sometimes overlooked, resulting in a brush being used on multiple patients.
What Constitutes a Dental Malpractice Lawsuit
But, how do you know if you have a dental malpractice case? A dental malpractice in Canada occurs whenever a dental health care provider like a dentist periodontist, orthodontist or endodonist fails to properly treat or diagnose an oral health condition or problem because he or she failed to follow the standards of acceptable dental practices or procedures and that failure results in a serious injury, pain, discomfort or occasionally wrongful death.
Canadian dentists are highly-trained professionals. However mistakes in any profession do happen. The most common causes of dental malpractice include:
- Failure or delay in the diagnosis of an oral condition or disease
- Dental surgical errors
- Improper or inappropriate treatment of a dental condition
- Use of a defective or ill fitting dental device
- Wisdom tooth extraction complications
- Root canal procedure complications
- Lip, tongue, and jaw injuries as the result of a dental procedure
- Unnecessary extractions
- An extraction of the wrong tooth
- Negligence in the installation of bridges and crowns and complications that arise as the result
- Injuries caused to dental patients due to an anesthesia error
To Determine If You Have a Dental Malpractice Case, Contact an Experienced Canadian Malpractice Lawyer
A dental error or mistake can cause a multitude of financial woes and pain. You do have options when you have been the victim of dental malpractice through the Canadian legal system. Don’t try to solve the problem yourself by throwing money at dental repairs that weren’t your fault. Consult with a Canadian lawyer experienced in dental malpractice suits to learn what your rights are and what compensation you may be entitled to.
