Dental Malpractice And The Resulting Harm Cannot Be Understated

Navigating Dental Malpractice: Insights from Experienced Attorney Robert J. Fleming

As a seasoned dental malpractice lawyer based in Atlanta, Georgia, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for patients who’ve suffered life-altering injuries due to negligence. Over the years, I’ve handled numerous cases where routine procedures turned into nightmares, resulting in catastrophic harm. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the types of cases I’ve personally managed and then delve into the dental procedures that most commonly lead to serious injuries and malpractice claims. My goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can recognize potential red flags and seek justice if needed.

Types of Dental Malpractice Cases I’ve Handled

Throughout my practice, I’ve represented clients across a spectrum of severe dental injuries, often stemming from errors that could have been prevented with proper care. Here are some key examples of the cases I’ve tackled:

Nerve Damage Cases: I’ve successfully litigated multiple instances where patients experienced permanent nerve damage, such as lingual or inferior alveolar nerve injuries. These often result in chronic numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the lips, tongue, or chin. In one memorable case, a client underwent a botched wisdom tooth extraction that severed a major nerve, leading to years of debilitating pain and difficulty eating or speaking. Through aggressive negotiation and expert testimony, we secured a substantial settlement to cover ongoing medical treatments and lost wages.
Loss of Tongue or Severe Oral Tissue Damage: Among the most heartbreaking cases are those involving partial or functional loss of the tongue due to surgical errors. I’ve handled claims where improper use of instruments during oral surgeries led to excessive tissue removal or infection, causing disfigurement and impaired speech or swallowing. For instance, a patient I represented suffered from a negligently performed biopsy that resulted in significant tongue loss, requiring reconstructive surgery. These cases highlight the profound emotional and physical toll, and I’ve fought to ensure victims receive compensation for pain, suffering, and rehabilitation.
Severe Pain and Chronic Conditions: Many of my clients have endured unrelenting pain from misdiagnosed or poorly treated conditions, such as untreated infections leading to abscesses or TMJ disorders exacerbated by faulty dental work. I’ve managed lawsuits involving prolonged suffering from failed root canals or crowns that caused persistent neuralgia. In several cases, we’ve proven negligence through dental records and expert reviews, resulting in verdicts that addressed not just medical bills but also the impact on quality of life.
Disfigurement: Disfigurement claims are common in my docket, often from cosmetic procedures gone wrong, like implants that led to facial asymmetry, scarring, or bone loss. I’ve represented individuals who have been shattered by substandard work, securing damages for corrective surgeries and psychological counseling.

In all these cases, my approach has been to meticulously collect evidence, collaborate with the best medical and dental experts in the country, and hold negligent dentists accountable. If you’re facing similar issues, remember that time is critical—statutes of limitations apply, so consult an experienced Georgia dental malpractice attorney as soon as possible to protect all of your legal rights.

Dental Procedures That Can Lead to Serious Injury and Malpractice Claims

While most dental visits are uneventful, certain procedures carry higher risks if not performed with the utmost precision. Based on my extensive experience and industry data, here are some of the most common procedures associated with serious injuries and malpractice lawsuits. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and spot warning signs.

Root Canals (Endodontic Treatments): Errors here, such as over-instrumentation or incomplete removal of infected tissue, can result in persistent pain, abscesses, or spread of infection to surrounding areas. I’ve seen cases where broken instruments were left in the canal, causing chronic inflammation and requiring extensive corrective procedures.
Dental Implants: Popular for tooth replacement, implants can go awry if the dentist misplaces them, leading to nerve impingement, sinus perforations, or implant failure. Disfigurement from bone loss or allergic reactions to materials is also common, often due to inadequate pre-surgical planning.
Oral Surgeries (e.g., Biopsies, Tumor Removals): These invasive procedures risk severe outcomes like loss of tongue function, excessive bleeding, or airway obstruction if anesthesia is mishandled. Malpractice may stem from failure to obtain informed consent or ignoring patient medical history, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Periodontal Treatments (Gum Surgery): Scaling, grafting, or laser treatments can lead to gum recession, bone loss, or infections if not done correctly, sometimes causing disfigurement or chronic pain.
Anesthesia Administration: Across many procedures, improper dosing or monitoring can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, brain damage and even death. This is particularly true in pediatric or medically complex patients.

Dental malpractice isn’t just about physical harm; it’s about restoring dignity and securing the resources for recovery. This is what I have been able to do with most of the dental malpractice cases that I have handled over the years. f this resonates with you, feel free to reach out to my office in Atlanta for a confidential consultation.

Robert J. Fleming is a partner in the law firm of Katz & Fleming, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia and Decatur, Georgia. He is a personal injury attorney who has been handling wrongful death, dental malpractice, professional negligence, car accidents and premises injury cases for individuals and families who have been severely injured or died as a result of negligence since 1995. He practices in the metropolitan Atlanta area including the city of Decatur, Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties in Georgia. He has successfully handled many high-value dental malpractice case. We invite you to view our “Results” page to see the types of dental malpractice case we have handled in the past. We stand ready to help your or your loved ones navigate this tough time. If you or a family member has been seriously injured by a dentist and would like to discuss your case in complete confidence, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online. We are here to help.