If you have suffered from a botched dental procedure, then you can likely take action against the medical professional or institution that was responsible for your avoidable dental problem. If you’ve suffered from a failed root canal, you may be able to claim compensation.
What is a failed root canal?
When you receive root canal treatment, it should not fail if it has been carried out in the right conditions. A root canal fails when the treated tooth becomes infected at the root. In extreme cases, the infection can spread and cause other problems in the body.
What causes a root canal to fail?
- Cracks in the root of the tooth
The root of the affected tooth may develop a fissue or fracture deep beneath the gum, making it impossible to fully seal the canal. This allows for the possibility of an infection that leads to increased sensitivity, pain and the needs for retreatment.
- Obstruction
An obstruction (such as another tooth, filling material, etc.) may make it impossible for the dentist to reach and thoroughly clean the entirety of the canal affected.
- Undetected canal breaches
Depending on the circumstances and the patient, a root canal procedure can be an intricate process. Sometimes, a patient’s tooth (such as a lower incisor, for example) may have more canals within it than are expected. Molars that have three roots may have as many as four canals, some of them hidden behind others. If one of these canals is missed and not treated, an infection will ultimately develop and can potentially form a painful abscess.
If you are suffering from a failed root canal, the main options for treatment include:
- Extraction of the infected tooth
- Apicoectomy (or surgery at the apex of the tooth)
- Retreatment
Retreatment involved removing the original filling, disinfecting the canal and then resealing it to prevent further irritation and exposure to bacteria. This is the most common form of treatment, and also has the highest success rate.
How will my claim be calculated?
It is difficult to say exactly how much compensation you could get for taking legal action against your dentist, but there are a number of things that will be considered in the process of your claim being calculated. You can claim compensation whether you have been treated by a private dentist or even undergone medical negligence nhs. The factors that need to be considered are:
- the loss of earnings that you may have suffered due to not being able to work after your failed root canal.
- Your overall medical prognosis and any follow up or corrective treatment that you will need.
- How the incorrect procedure has had an impact on your life.
If the impact of your failed root canal is serious enough, you may need to be examined by multiple dental professionals. Additionally, your solicitor may advise you that it is best to claim when you have an idea of your full recovery, as you will not be able to earn any further compensation for a condition that later gets worse if your case has already been settled.
When you have suffered from any kind of dental negligence, it is important to be able to get the compensation that you deserve for your recovery. The right legal support can support you in receiving this. No win, no fee dental negligence compensation is possible with the help of an exert solicitor.
