DENTAL NERVE DAMAGE

Dental nerve damage is often the result of dental malpractice. The most common dental nerve damage is to the lingual nerve and/or the inferior alvealor nerve.

LINGUAL NERVE DAMAGE

The lingual nerve refers to nerves in the tongue. Often, tongue nerve damage occurs only one side. Thus, a client has no taste or feeling on the right side of the tongue or the left side of the tongue. Many clients are self-conscious about how the loss of tongue use has impacted their life, including their personal relationships. When pressed, however, a client will admit to biting her tongue several times a week without noticing until blood is dripping down her face.

Do not hesitate to address a lingual dental nerve injury since the injury may require a surgical repair. Studies have shown that after 10-12 weeks, the likelihood of success decreases with each passing month so time is of the essence.[1] If you experience nerve pain after a extraction, do not simply “wait and see” if things get better. Call your doctor as soon as possible.

INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE DAMAGE

The inferior alveolar nerve runs alongside the outside of the mouth. This nerve is often injured when there is overfilling or overinstrumentation during a root canal treatment, the removal of wisdom teeth, or the placement of dental implants. Inferior alveolar dental nerve damage requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include feeling a “shock sensation” that feels “electric” and both numbness and pain.

CONSORTIUM CLAIM

Nerve injuries may result in a lack of intimacy and a possible consortium claim should be considered.  Consortium concerns injuries that a spouse experiences when a dentist is negligent to his or her partner.

NO INFORMED CONSENT IS DENTAL MALPRACTICE

Often a patient will sign an informed consent before a procedure. A proper informed consent should accurately describe the dental procedure and outline the risk. Nerve damage in tooth treatment is a common risk during an extraction, a root canal, and sometimes during anesthesia. Signing an informed consent does not preclude you from filing a lawsuit. In our practice, we have seen nerve damage arise from unnecessary procedures. Consult with attorneys experienced in the field to weigh whether you can bring a successful dental nerve damage lawsuit.

CONTACT LAW HELP LOUISVILLE

If you, or someone you care about, has suffered a dental nerve injury, please email lawhelplouisville@gmail.com or call 502-771-0588. Under Kentucky law, any malpractice claim, including a claim against a dental professional must be brought within one year of when the injury occurred or reasonably should have been discovered. Under Indiana law, any malpractice claim must be brought within two years. Do not hesitate to call us.