can i make a claim against the dentist?

Question

2005 started treatment at dentist, had 9 root canels, at my own cost due to working, however the dentist left, so had to wait many months, b4 another took my case on, hence the root canels failed, and i now am having them taken out, and two plates put in, some on the nhs most i have to pay myself, since the work carried out back in 2005, wasnt done, to save the teeth, can i manke a claim, against the dentist to recoup the costs, since this work failed due to the long time scale no work was done. if the work had continued maybe the teeth would have been saved? however it wasnt and now the teeth are been taken out, at yet more costs to me, i do not want to make a complaint just yet, as i really need the work finishing, before i start any complaints!!! i just want to know whether, i have a claim to make, or is it just unfortunate that the dentist left, and i had to wait untill another dentist at the same practise took the work on? i am saddened the work stopped resulting in failure.

Answer 1

I would reckon you would have a case. If the dentist knew he was leaving why did he take on the work in the first place? He must have known how long the tratment would take and thus whether he would have time to finish it before leaving. If however his leaving was rather sudden then surely if he was competent enough he would have informed you of his plans to leave and thus made plans for you to have the work continued by another dentist at that practice or another.

Go on the NHS website - there is information about making claims, and like the others have said speak to someone from citizens advice bureau about what to do next. They can most likely give you details of relevant soliciters who deal with these kind of cases. Good luck and I hope I it all turns out well.

Answer 2

It would be very hard.

You would have to have great documentation to show that the dentist office didn't finish the work because of their fault.

You would also have to show that you didn't do anything to cause the teeth to be damaged during the time that no work was being done.

Also, you had 9 root canals - which is an *extremely* high amount of root canals. This shows that your teeth were not in good condition and are probably not strong or well cared for before seeking treatment. So the time between dentists probably didn't cause any more damage to your teeth - or at least you would have a hard time convincing a panel that the problem was directly (and soley) related to the dental office not finishing the work in a timely manner.

I'm sorry, but it doesn't sound like you have much chance there.

Answer 3

No you dont, sorry. Rootcanals are no longer a hundred% sensible. i understand from very own experience on my very own rootcanal, besides as seeing this for 11 years in the dental field. They tried to repair the enamel, inspite of the undeniable fact that it did no longer artwork. Dentistry isn't an exact technological understanding. basically as someone could bypass into surgical technique and get a triple bypass, and die a week later, on occasion dental clinical care does not artwork as a results of specific situations in the enamel. as far as a results of fact the extractions, some are very complicated. I relatively have assisted on numerous extractions that we concept have been as we communicate forward, yet the two the basis snapped off or the basis replaced into fused to the bone. It happens. it quite isn't any longer the dentists fault that they had a no longer ordinary time getting the enamel out. Be grateful that they did no longer can charge you for it.

Answer 4

I'm a dentist.

You have no case.

Let us say, for argument's sake, that your story is 100% accurate and thorough (which I know it isn't). It still doesn't sound like the doctor did anything wrong.

But let me address your story specifically. Root canals are successful 95% of the time. They don't typically fail in "many months". If they fail, they usually fail in "many years". Furthermore, you have absolutely no possibility of proving that the root canals failed because of the amount of time that passed between the treatment and the diagnosis that the teeth needed to be extracted. On top of that, if the root canals failed, it is possible to re-do them. But I don't think that failed root canals are why the teeth are being extracted. Your doctor probably told you that the root canal'ed teeth would need crowns, otherwise they could fracture. It sounds to me like you didn't get the crowns for "many months" and the teeth finally broke. That is not failure of the root canal, and it is not the fault of the doctor who did the root canals. Trust me, we make a lot of money on crowns and if you needed nine of them, your doctor would have tried to fit you in as soon as possible. Any new doctor would have done the same.

Furthermore, your story is extremely dubious. I think you know perfectly well that "many months" passed because you couldn't find the time (or perhaps didn't have the money) to go to another doctor. Your claim that it took "many months" to get in to see another doctor is absolutely bogus. I could imagine a two-month delay maximum.

Even if it wasn't bogus, it's still not your previous doctor's fault that it took that long to see another.

Make no mistake about it. The doctor you're looking to sue almost certainly has the financial means to hire a very good lawyer. He will be well-defended, and you will be taking him to court to argue a case that is incredibly weak to begin with. You'll waste time and oodles of money.

If I were you I'd just let it go. I'm sure you're upset about what happened and are looking to blame someone other than yourself for it. But you will lose, guaranteed.

Answer 5

try the citizens advice beauru. thier number is at the front of the yellow pages. the dentist had a duty of care and i think should have refered you to another practise temporaly to get the work finished. the adivce beauru is your best bet because the sad fact is alot of lawyers advise you to do what will get them the most money in the end but the beauru are there to give advice without their intrests in mind,

Answer 6

part of life....you have no claim.....your fault for not getting another dentist sooner.....90% of root canals fail.

welcome to the club on dentists pushing $1000 root canals to fund their BMW's when what you really need is a $150 tooth extract.

just know from here out.....to pull and put in a plate or bridge or even an implant is better for long run than a root canal.

Answer 7

I'm not sure of the legalities but your dentist should have ethicaly reffered your case to a replacement. Not sure why it took months for you to find one... If you file a claim for let's say $200,000 for malpractice (which may be the case) & pain + suffering, his insurance co may settle.

Answer 8

The dentist left his job.....you cannot claim about that. He is not forced to stay in his job until her has finished your teeth. It's rediculous to claim !

Answer 9

Yes your best bet is to see a solicitor tell them w
hat has been happening or try citizens advice i think that you have a good case to seek compensation

Answer 10

Go Nebula!