Oral infections, while common, can sometimes lead to serious health complications. No excuse is sufficient to justify serious oral infections when they are caused or exacerbated by dental negligence. As an experienced dental malpractice attorney in New York, Lance Ehrenberg, Esq., has seen numerous cases in which negligence has led to severe consequences for patients. For decades, he has fought to recover damages for victims of negligent dentists.
If you have suffered serious harm from an oral infection that your dentist caused or allowed to worsen, contact our office now to discuss your options. Lance Ehrenberg has refined legal skills and a history of successful outcomes and will charge you no attorney’s fee until he brings you maximum compensation through agile negotiations or a positive verdict.
Possible Causes of Oral Infections
Oral infections can be the result of careless routine dental care or brought about by negligence surrounding a surgical dental procedure.
During Routine Dental Care
Routine dental care, though generally safe, can sometimes lead to infections. These may result from improper sterilization of equipment, leading to the transmission of bacteria into the mouth. Additionally, small injuries caused by dental tools, not uncommon, for example, during orthodontic work, can provide an entry point for bacteria.
After Dental Surgical Procedures
Postsurgical oral infections after extractions, root canals, or gum surgery can occur for a variety of reasons, including surgical errors, inadequate post-operative care, or failure to identify and treat pre-existing conditions that may increase the risk of infection.
Types of Dental Infections
Oral infections can range from minor to severe and may become systemic, even life-threatening. Common types include:
- Gingivitis and periodontitis — infections affecting the gums
- Abscesses — collections of pus due to bacterial infection
- Osteomyelitis — an infection that spreads to the jawbone.
- Cellulitis — a bacterial infection that can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream
- Thrush — a fungal infection in the mouth that can be serious for those with weakened immune systems
- Oral herpes — an infection of the mouth area caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once an individual is infected with herpes, they will have the virus for life.
How Dental Negligence Can Result in Infections
Infections can sometimes be directly attributed to dental negligence. Common instances include:
- Injury with a dental tool: Accidental cuts or punctures can become infected if not promptly addressed
- Improper sterilization procedures: Using unsterilized equipment can introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth.
- Surgical mistakes: Errors such as leaving a bit of equipment in the mouth can lead to severe infections, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose an infection: Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Failing to instruct the patient on home care or monitor with follow-up care: Postsurgical care is essential in preventing infections or catching them early.
- Mistaking an oral cancer for a minor infection: This can lead to delayed cancer treatment, worsening the patient’s prognosis.
How Lance Ehrenberg Can Help You File a Dental Negligence Claim
In order to file a successful dental malpractice claim, it is vital to have a practiced professional at your side. Lance Ehrenberg has the precise knowledge and know-how to recover the damages you deserve by:
- Evaluating the viability of your case at no charge
- Gathering evidence, including relevant medical records and witness statements
- Consulting with experts who will testify on your behalf
- Proving the elements the law requires to determine dental malpractice has occurred
Contact Our Talented Dental Malpractice Attorney Now
It takes a consummate professional to win a dental negligence case and Lance Ehrenberg certainly fills the bill. He will fight aggressively for funds to cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and all other related costs. Contact him now; he will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.