Neglient or Not

[MontanaRN]

Realizing that what you guys post would just be an opinion, I would like to see if you think my dentist was neglient. I broke a tooth and had it repaired a week ago tomorrow. It was a 2 1/2 hour procedure involving lots of drilling, manipulation, etc. Afterwards, I was not prescribed antibiotics or pain medication. I was in pain and lived on OTC pain meds until Friday. Finally, I was having severe pain not only in the jaw but also aroudn the ear. I went to the family doctor on Friday who said I had an infection originating in the mouth that had traveled up to the ear. He prescribed Amoxicillin and T3's and sent me home. Tonight, I was having really severe pain from the eyes down into my chest. I went into the ER, and the MD stated that my mouth was badly infected. He is concerned about the possible spread to other parts of body. I was given Cleocin QID and Tylox. He is giving me 24 hours to show some kind of response to it, especially decreased swelling. If it continues to swell, I have to be admitted to hospital for IV meds and probable oral surgery. If this happens could the dentist and family md be considered neglient. This could end up costing me lots of time out of work plus costs for oral surgery etc. What do you think, I don't have any experience with this. Thanks

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Of my 32 teeth I have 26 crowns + the 4 wisdom teeth that were removed in my 20's. My other two are bonded.

I have never had one crowned as an elective procedure.

They were ALL resulting from broken teeth.

I'm in the process of number 26 right now.

(I broke it on a Cheerio. I've broken them on deviled eggs and mashed potatoes too.)

I always saw the dentist immediately.

I have never developed an abscess.

I have never needed antibiotics before or after the procedure.

I have never needed any prescription analgesic.

I have always followed the post crown instructions to the letter.

At the first indication, you should have called the dentist, even during the night. If you wanted pain med you should have said so.

Your PMD did what most wouldn't. They would usually tell you to contact the dentist. As it was he gave you his best treatment.

People get infections. I have a cousin who almost lost his foot after stepping on a pin. I have done the same thing with no problem. See what I mean?

IMHO. You really don't have a reason for litigation.

BUT in America you can SUE anyone for ANYTHING. You most likely will not win, but you CAN SUE.

And if you wish to, you will need to prove that there was negligence. I don't think there was.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Regardless of your decision to seek litigation or not, my sincere wishes for a quick recovery.

[tapper]

Sorry to hear you may have suffered undo pain and possible medical expenses. But, your attitude toward possibly suing over this incident is part of the problem with our current medical, as well as legal systems. If you have a grievance then file it with the proper licensing authority. But seeking out monetary retribution is simply being greedy. If you should perish from this situation . . . maybe your loved ones have grounds for a lawsuit. But even then there are considerations that should be made, mainly being a healthcare provider yourself did you not question what might have been an oversight on the dentists part. Again, sorry to hear about your suffering.

[MontanaRN]

Thanks to all that posted. I feel much better today, and do not look like the chipmunk that I did. To answer a few people's questions, I broke the tooth 5 days before it was fixed. We just moved here not too long ago, so this is the only dentist that could get me in. He saw me the day after it broke, but didn't have time to fix it for 3 more days. I originally went in for a root canal, but he changed his mind and did soemthing else (filling) to it after I was prepped for the canal (nitrous oxide and all). I have never sued anyone, and did not wish to in this case. My medical insurance will cover everything well. Unless, I had needed the oral surgery part. My checkup revealed that it looks like the antibiotic's are doing well, and that shoudln't be necessary. I'll keep you guys posted if something else develops. Thanks for the posts!