Can I file malpractice against this dentist?

I recently went to the dentist because my lower right wisdom tooth was giving me troubles. Apon a full mouth X-Ray it was prompted that I would need all four wisdom theeth removed. I agreed to do only the tooth that was in pain for now. Got schedule's for the next day, but then they moved me to friday.

I go in on friday and the doctor gives me 3 shots of Novocaine and proceeds to try to take out my tooth. Now mind you when I went in for this the tooth was hardly hurting in the first place, only hurt when I ate.

After about 45 mins, plyers and various other tools the doctor gave up and said he couldn't get it and must referred me out to someone else then left the room. The nurse came back said I was free to go, gave me a script for Lortab and two cards for "surgical orthidontist in the area". Now I'm not stupid and I know as soon as the numb-sauce wore off my mouth was hurting 30x worse then before (Its wiggling must be coming soon-dentist)

meds do jack crap for it, is it malpractice

NATHANIE,

YOU CAN NOT WIN IN A LAWSUIT.
MANY TIMES UNEXPECTED THINGS OCCUR IN DENTISTRY THAT REQUIRE FURTHER TREATMENT. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT THE ORIGINAL DENTIST CAN FORSEE.

You have a very good case.

No, it would have been malpractice if the dentist had continued to try to do something he knew he couldn't handle. He made a proper referral. That happens with root canals as well. You really need to reconsider having all 4 teeth out surgically and be done with it rather then going in and out of anesthesia on several different occasions. You probably have multiple roots with those teeth and they are set deeply in the gums.

Probably not, unless he injured you seriously. Go to the specialist and get the bothersome tooth out right away! When you need the others removed - go to the specialist first!

No dentist can know for sure what's going to happen in your mouth until they are in there.

The oral surgeon will be able to surgically extract it.

I honestly do not believe it's malpractice...sure, it's hurting a lot more, but that can be excused on the fact that the dentist tried to pull it, not that he damaged you further.

If you can prove you were damaged by his actions (not the pain, I mean, literally some damage, like bone/gum/etc), THEN you could sue.

I think you should do something like that because he took the full mouth x-ray so should have seen then whether he could do the job or not. I mean maybe question him about what went on there may be a good explanation though i doubt it

sounds like it I would go to a better well known DR and find out what is wrong with the tooth! Sounds like he didn't care to much if he didn't finish the procedure!

Only if he knew before hand that he couldn't remove it himself. You would have to have another dentist say that there was no way that tooth could be removed under the circumstances.

actualy, no you can't, although he did further agravate the problem, he should have referred you to an oral surgeon,he removed the tooth that was the original problem, and tried to remove the others,but when he realized he could not, he did the right thing.you could have called any dental surgeon and told them it was an emergency and they would have got you right in,but because you waited, it's on you.

call your insurance first and file a claim. then see if you can be reimbursed from your dentist. if he wont. take him to court. thats a shame. i love my dentist. she is beautiful=)

You certainly have a legitimate complaint here. In my opinion, the dentist should have studied the x-rays thoroughly (it appears he did not) and should not have started the procedure. Seeing he did, he should have called in a specialist right away. If it were me, I would contact an attorney. In the meantime, I hope you get relief from this. This dentist reminds me of an ordeal I experienced years ago. Eventually he got himself in trouble with the insurance companies.
Wish you well.

Wisdom teeth are nothing but trouble. I would call around to other dentists in your area and tell them your story and see if they will just look at it. If they are impacted and too far back into your mouth then you probably do need surgery to get them out. I was told the same and mine are impacted. I have a lot of trouble with them. I'm 34 years old and should definitely not have them in my mouth still. But with no dental insurance, I can't afford to have them removed. Good luck!

It's not. Usually these teeth come out with some effort but it sounds like yours was too difficult. He recommended someone that will be able to help since he was unable to extract it. It the pain is horrible you can do one of three things. You can call that office again and get a stronger rx for pain meds or you can go to the emergency room or you can call the doctors they suggested and consult with them.

You have no case for malpractice. He tried, to the best of his ability, to take the tooth out, but was unable to. He did the right thing by sending you to an oral surgeon.