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Dental procedures often require anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during treatments ranging from routine cleanings to complex oral surgeries. While generally safe, errors in the administration of dental anesthesia can lead to severe and sometimes permanent complications.
How Is Anesthesia Used in Dental Procedures?
Anesthesia plays a vital role in modern dentistry. It allows dentists to perform various procedures without causing significant discomfort to the patient. Some types of anesthesia commonly used in dental practices include:
- Localized Anesthesia – This type of anesthesia numbs a specific area of the mouth to prevent pain during treatment.
- Sedation Anesthesia – Applied during procedures such as root canals or wisdom tooth extractions, sedation relaxes the patient. It can range from minimal sedation (the patient remains awake) to deep sedation (the patient is nearly unconscious).
- General Anesthesia – Reserved for more complex surgical procedures, general anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious and is typically administered in a hospital or specialized clinic setting.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – Frequently used for mild anxiety and discomfort, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and wears off quickly after the procedure.
Common Causes of Dental Anesthesia Errors
Despite its benefits, anesthesia carries risks. Errors can occur due to various factors, including:
- Improper Dosage – Anesthesia has to be administered with precision and care. When a patient receives too much, they can experience complications. When they don’t receive enough, they can experience severe pain during the procedure.
- Allergic Reactions – Some patients are allergic to certain medications. If a dentist does not consider a patient’s allergies, that dentist may be held liable.
- Poor Technique – Inadequate training or improper administration can result in nerve injury, tissue damage, or systemic complications.
- Equipment Malfunctions – Faulty equipment used to deliver anesthesia can result in inconsistent or unsafe dosages.
Understanding Permanent Damage from Anesthesia
One of the most distressing complications of dental anesthesia errors is permanent numbness or altered sensation. This condition, known as paresthesia, often occurs when nerves are damaged during the administration of anesthesia. The most commonly affected nerves include:
- Inferior Alveolar Nerve – This nerve runs along the lower jaw and can be injured during extractions or root canal treatments.
- Lingual Nerve – Located near the tongue, this nerve can be damaged during wisdom tooth extractions or surgical procedures.
Paresthesia can manifest as:
- Persistent numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin.
- Tingling sensations or burning pain.
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
- Loss of taste in affected areas.
In some cases, paresthesia resolves over time. However, for others, the damage may be permanent, leaving individuals to cope with significant physical and emotional distress.
Legal Rights After a Dental Anesthesia Error
If a dental anesthetic error has caused long-standing issues for you, you can take legal action against your dentist. Dental practitioners are required to deliver care that satisfies set criteria. They may be held accountable for malpractice when they neglect to do so and cause harm.
To establish a successful claim, you typically must prove the following elements:
- Standard of Care Violation – Demonstrating that the dentist deviated from the accepted standard of care in administering anesthesia
- Causation – Proving that the dentist’s error directly caused the injury
- Actual Losses – Documenting the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the injury
Steps to Take If You Suspect Malpractice
If you believe you’ve been injured due to a dental anesthesia error, you need to immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention – Consult a healthcare professional to assess your injury and receive appropriate treatment.
- Document Your Symptoms – Take careful notes of your symptoms, and hold on to all medical records from hospitals, primary care physicians, and emergency-care units.
- Request Dental Records – Obtain copies of your dental records, including anesthesia administration notes, to help establish the facts of your case.
- Contact a Malpractice Attorney – An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
How Lance Ehrenberg, Esq. Can Help
Lance Ehrenberg, Esq., is an experienced malpractice lawyer who has handled many dental error claims, including injuries from dental anesthesia. Give Lance Ehrenberg, Esq., a call to schedule a consultation and pursue the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been impacted by a dental anesthetic error.