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Dentists are doctors. That means they can commit malpractice if they provide substandard or negligent care. One of the most common types of dental procedures that results in malpractice claims is dental crowns. Crowns require the shaping of the underlying tooth, as well as securely fastening the crown in place. Dental crowns can cause extreme pain and loss of tooth functionality when they’re placed improperly.
If you notice any of the following dental crown problems, contact a dental malpractice attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth coverings that are fastened onto damaged natural teeth. Dentists use crowns to fix various dental imperfections, including tooth decay, teeth gaps, tooth erosion, and more. They typically consist of metal or porcelain that matches the color and appearance of natural teeth.
Dentists must prepare the underlying tooth for crown placement by removing damaged material and shaping the tooth to create crown supports. If a dentist performs this process incorrectly, it can lead to a host of tooth issues.
Common Dental Crown Malpractice Issues
When dentists negligently place crowns, they can damage the underlying tooth material, causing great pain and, in some cases, complete tooth loss. Problems from poorly fitted crowns can devolve into other conditions, requiring you to get expensive work, such as a root canal.
Below is a list of some common crown placement issues that may constitute malpractice.
Failing to Remove Tooth Decay
Dentists must remove any existing tooth decay, or else they risk compromising the crown seal. If they don’t remove all decayed tooth material, decay can spread to the rest of the tooth, causing the tooth to die and the crown to fall off.
Leaving Gaps Between Crowns and Teeth
Dentists must be careful to leave no gaps between the crown cap and underlying tooth material. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped underneath crown gaps, which can cause severe tooth infections and gum disease. Poorly fitting crowns may also overhang, creating small gaps for plaque and bacteria.
Removing Too Much Natural Tooth
Pre-crown tooth shaping is important to ensure the crown fits properly and has structural support. If the dentist removes too much natural tooth material, it can leave exposed nerve tissue. Teeth without sufficient enamel can also crack and chip, causing pain and loss of tooth functionality.
Crown Doesn’t Fit Tooth
Poorly fitting crowns can cause pain when biting down and make your teeth highly sensitive to hot and cold foods. Poorly fitting crowns might also scrape against other teeth, causing tooth damage and enamel problems.
Signs You Have a Dental Crown Issue
If you have received a crown procedure recently and have any of the following symptoms, you may be able to bring a malpractice claim against your dentist.
- Sharp pain when you bite down
- Toothache or dull pain in the jaw
- Sensitive teeth
- Black or discolored teeth
- Blood near teeth and gums
- Red or swollen gums near the tooth with the crown
- Stress or tension in your jaw muscles
- Loose crown or loose tooth
- Food traps
The simple presence of a dental crown problem does not necessarily mean malpractice, but it is a sign that you should investigate further. A dental malpractice attorney can help you decide how to proceed and whether to pursue a claim.
Dental and Podiatric Malpractice Attorneys in New York
Patients rely on their dentists to provide safe and effective dental treatment. When dentists harm a patient with negligent crown procedures, they should be held accountable for malpractice. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping malpractice victims recover compensation for their losses.
Contact Dental & Podiatric Malpractice Lawyers of New York online or call today to speak to a dental malpractice attorney.