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The tooth extraction process can relieve pain for many dental patients in the long term—so much so that many patients wonder about the necessity of preliminary X-rays. However, even if an extraction does not directly contribute to pain relief, radiographic imaging can play a crucial role in your surgery, help you make informed decisions about your care, and, if relevant, let you identify potential instances of dental malpractice.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental X-rays provide dentists with essential information about the roots and surrounding tissues—all information invisible to the naked eye. These images enable dentists to identify tooth decay, impacted teeth, and other hidden anatomical issues that could affect your tooth’s extraction and potentially cause more pain.
These other issues could include unusual root anatomy (curved, extra-long, or fused roots), proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve in lower molars, relationship to the maxillary sinus in upper molars, evidence of infection or abscess, bone density issues, and adjacent tooth concerns. Additionally, in the case of wisdom teeth extraction, x-rays show the angle at which teeth are growing and the development of tooth roots.
Essentially, x-rays give your dentist a roadmap that helps them plan the safest and most effective extraction approach for your procedure.
Are X-Rays Always Required Before a Tooth Extraction?
Even though dental professionals X-ray their patients before extraction as a matter of standard practice, there is technically no legal mandate for them to do so. The necessity of an X-ray in your case will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the visibility and accessibility of the tooth, your dental and medical history, the presence of symptoms indicating complications, and any time elapsed since previous X-rays.
The American Dental Association recommends following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) when it comes to ordering radiographs, using them based on clinical need rather than as a routine practice.
What Are the Risks of Extracting a Tooth Without an X-Ray?
However, even if the law does not mandate an X-ray, proceeding with an extraction without appropriate imaging can lead to preventable complications:
- Nerve damage resulting in numbness, tingling, or pain
- Sinus perforation or communication
- Fracture of jaw or tooth roots
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Excessive bleeding or tissue trauma
- Incomplete extraction of tooth fragments
- Prolonged healing time
- Increased risk of infection
What Rights Do You Have After a Dental Injury?
If you suffered an injury during a tooth extraction, regardless of whether your dentist took an X-ray, you maintain the right to access your complete dental records, seek a second opinion from another dental professional, receive information about treatment options to address the injury, pursue compensation for additional treatment costs, and recover damages for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Additionally, if you believe that your physician’s negligence caused your injury, you may have legal grounds to hold them accountable through a dental malpractice lawsuit.
How Can You Protect Yourself Before a Dental Procedure?
Before undergoing a tooth extraction, ask whether your dentist needs recent X-rays and why. Request an explanation of what the X-rays show about your specific case, and discuss potential complications that may result from your procedure. If you feel uncomfortable with X-rays or any part of the surgery, ask about alternative treatments and seek a second opinion for complex extractions to confirm your chosen approach.
Seek Justice for Dental Malpractice with the Dental Malpractice Attorney Lance Ehrenberg, Esq.
If you suffer a tooth extraction injury due to your doctor’s negligence—whether from failure to take necessary x-rays or otherwise—you need a legal advocate to walk you through your options, protect your rights, and help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your pain. Lance Ehrenberg, Esq. has decades of experience in representing injured dental patients, coupled with a deep understanding of the dental procedures and standards of care that practitioners must follow. Trust him to act as your dependable advocate in your case.
For a free consultation, call our office or fill out our online form; you do not need to go through your injuries and recovery after your dental incident alone. Call us today.