Parner
Although wisdom tooth extractions are extremely common and usually don’t cause problems, for patients who suffer permanent nerve damage as a result the procedure can have a life-altering negative impact. In many cases, such nerve damage is the result of dental negligence on the part of the general dentist, exodontist, or oral surgeon. When this is so, the patient is entitled to sue their dentist for malpractice and recover meaningful damages.
If you have been a victim of dental malpractice in New York, Lance Ehrenberg, of Lance Ehrenberg, Esq. is the man to see. Lance has spent decades fighting for the rights of victims of dental malpractice victims and has an impressive record of successful outcomes in this difficult legal discipline.
How Nerve Damage from Wisdom Tooth Extraction Occurs
Dental surgery is a delicate matter. Unless the dentist is skilled and appropriately cautious, a crucial nerve may be damaged by:
- Forcing the tooth against the nerve
- Nicking the nerve with an instrument
- Accidentally injecting a nerve while numbing the area
- Causing the formation of a hematoma (a bruised swelling) that exerted pressure on the nerve
In the vast majority of cases, nerve damage occurs during the removal of the lower wisdom teeth, affecting the mandibular nerve (inferior alveolar nerve) that runs along the lower jaw or the lingual nerve which is a branch of it. These nerves affect feeling and movement in the lower lip, chin, and tongue.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The symptoms of nerve damage range from irritating to excruciating and can permanently interfere with eating, speaking, relationships, playing a musical instrument, and general quality of life. These symptoms include:
- Inability to taste
- Numbness in the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, lip, and chin
- Peculiar sensations in the mouth
- Difficulty speaking
- Discomfort in the jaw
- Severe pain in the area of nerve damage
- Permanent disfigurement
- Electric shock-like feelings
Nerve damage results in paresthesia or dysesthesia. Paresthesia is a sensation of tingling, prickling, chilling, burning, or numbness. Dysesthesia is an abnormal sensation described as
a type of pain or unpleasant touch. Both kinds of nerve damage are disturbing, discomforting, and anxiety-producing. While most types of nerve damage eventually heal, albeit slowly, when nerve damage caused by dental malpractice is permanent, victims require the help of a strong attorney to recover the damages they need and deserve.
How Dental Negligence Can Cause Nerve Damage From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are several ways your dentist’s negligence can result in nerve damage during a tooth extraction, including:
- Improper surgical technique, such as using excessive force or positioning dental tools improperly
- Failing to get your informed consent by not informing you of the risk of nerve damage before the procedure
- Failing to identify anatomical variations that put you at higher than higher-than-average risk of nerve damage
- Failing to identify symptoms of nerve damage during postsurgical visits
Our Accomplished Dental Nerve Damage Attorney Will Take the Necessary Steps
Lance Ehrenberg is well-positioned to take on opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters. He is keen, pays attention to detail, and has the experience to know which strategies will work best in your particular case. While you take the time you need to heal, he will:
- Evaluate your case during a free initial consultation
- Collect and review all dental and medical records related to the extraction
- Identify and interview witnesses
- Consult with dental and neurological experts whose testimony will support your claim
- Prove dental malpractice by establishing your dentist’s duty of care, breach of that duty, causation of injury, and quantifiable harm as a result of that injury
- Negotiate a reasonable settlement (most dental malpractice cases are settled out of court)
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not forthcoming
You can count on Lance’s sharp negotiation skills and litigation prowess to provide you with the best chance of receiving maximum compensation.
Lance Ehrenberg Will Fight Aggressively for Damages
Lance is not only a gifted attorney, but also a compassionate person who will do everything in his power to cover your losses, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Our First-Rate Dental Nerve Damage Attorney Today
Put your case in the capable hands of Lance Ehrenberg. As soon as you call, he will begin working to bring you the resources you need going forward. He will charge you no attorney’s fee until you have received fair compensation.