Neglecting care and treatment of a patient has a great consequence that follows. Any form of negligence could bring harm and could injure a patient while in the process of treatment. The dentist will be facing charges or ended being sued by the patient. You need a dental attorney when that happens. Requiring having a dental attorney as your legal representative in court will surely help you against the case filed on you.
On or about September 26, 2013, in Plano, Texas, a patient presented to the dentist regarding possible extraction of her wisdom teeth. The dentist scheduled the patient for the extraction of her third molars #1, # 16, #17, and #32.
On or about October 22, 2013, the dentist extracted the patient’s third molars #1, #17, and #32 under local anesthesia. The dentist did not extract #16, stating that he wanted the tooth to erupt further before attempting extraction.
On or about October 25, 2013, the patient’s boyfriend reported to the dentist that the patient had a numb tongue on the left side and that he was upset. The dentist scheduled a follow-up appointment with the patient.
On or about October 29, 2013, the patient returned to the dentist’s office with a numb left side of the tongue and limited opening of her mouth. On or about October 31, 2013, the patient returned to the dentist’s office and it was discovered that there were significant root fragments left in both #17 and #32 sockets. The dentist referred the patient to an oral surgeon on that date.
The patient consulted with two oral surgeons. The surgeons identified lingual nerve damage with almost no feeling in the left portion of the tongue. Multiple surgical options were discussed.
On or about January 7, 2014, the dentist contacted the patient, but she refused to discuss her healing with him. The patient retained an attorney and ultimately settled with the dentist’s insurance company on or about March 8, 2016, for a confidential sum.
The dentist will be facing disciplinary action in that he was negligent and incompetent in the care and treatment of the patient. The dentist before facing the Board has the right to legal counsel. The dentist could have received a positive outcome or a light punishment without risking his license if he just hired a dental attorney for defense against the case.
Hiring the right dental attorney could have saved him from the worst punishment there is for a dentist who committed violations. If you have questions about the disciplinary process, you can contact The Law Office of Attorney Yong J. An for a confidential consultation by calling or texting 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 and ask for attorney Yong.