Florida Root Canal Malpractice Lawyer

Root canals are fairly routine procedures that dentists perform in Florida. When people undergo root canal procedures, they do so because they want to repair damaged, painful, and diseased teeth. In some cases, however, dentists overfill the root canal of the tooth, causing some of the endodontic filling material to contact the inferior alveolar nerve. This type of injury represents one of the most serious types of complications that can occur during an oral procedure and may form the basis of a Florida root canal malpractice lawsuit. The Florida dental malpractice attorneys at Lane & Glassman have handled dental negligence cases in the state for more than 30 years. Stanley W. Lane, DDS, JD, is a board-certified oral maxillofacial surgeon and licensed attorney who has a deep level of understanding of how to recover compensation for his clients.

What is the inferior alveolar nerve?

The inferior alveolar nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve that innervates the lower teeth, lip, and chin. It runs beneath the molars. When it is injured during a root canal procedure, the victims may suffer permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and mental and emotional issues.

Inferior alveolar nerve injuries during root canals

A dentist can injure the inferior alveolar nerve while performing a root canal when he or she fills the diseased tooth with too much of the endodontic filling material, causing some of it to spill out of the tooth root and contact the nerve. This filling substance hardens and can cause ongoing pain and other problems. Depending on the severity of the injury, a patient may suffer lifelong injuries that are debilitating and that permanently alter the quality of his or her life. Some of the types of symptoms of an injury to the inferior alveolar nerve include the following:

• Numbness on the side of the injured nerve, including numbness of the chin and lower lip
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Stabbing pain sensations
• Drooling
• Drooping lip on the side of the injury
• Trouble eating normally
• Difficulty speaking normally
• Psychological and emotional injuries

A dentist who suspects an inferior alveolar nerve injury should immediately refer the patient to an oral maxillofacial surgeon. The prognosis for recovery is better if a patient is referred for treatment soon after the injury.

Remedies for Florida root canal malpractice

Dentists in Florida are regulated by the Florida Board of Dentistry and are expected to provide treatment that meets the accepted standard of care for dentists in the state. When a dentist fails to provide treatment that meets the standard of care, you can file a complaint with the state board. If the board finds that the dentist was negligent or incompetent under FLA. STAT. § 466.028(x), it can take action against the dentist and his or her license to practice dentistry.

In addition to filing a complaint, you also have the right to file a Florida dental malpractice lawsuit under FLA. STAT. § 766.102. This statute allows injured victims of medical and dental negligence to file lawsuits against dentists and doctors for malpractice. By filing a lawsuit, you might be able to hold the dentist accountable for his or her actions and to recover monetary damages to compensate you for all of your losses.

Hiring a Florida root canal malpractice lawyer

Getting help from an experienced Florida dental malpractice attorney at Lane & Glassman might help you to improve the likelihood of succeeding in your claim. We have decades of experience in both dentistry and the law. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling us at 800.343.0244. You can also email us at info@LaneGlassman.com.