Dental Paresthesia Lawsuits: How to Seek Compensation

Thousands of people go to the dentist every year, and most of those experiences go smoothly. However, a small segment of patients may experience paresthesia after going to see their dentist.

If you have experienced dental paresthesia, you may be worried about your oral health moving forward. While it’t common for your mouth to feel numb or tingle after an appointment with your dentist, some patients experience these feelings for extended periods of time or in response to certain foods.

If you have experienced dental paresthesia because of the actions of another party—such as a dentist or other dental professional—you may have grounds for a claim that can help you recover compensation for damages related to this condition. Here is everything you need to know about filing a dental paresthesia lawsuit and how we can help.

What is Dental Paresthesia?

Dental paresthesia occurs when there is damage to certain nerves in the teeth and gums. There are three types of dental paresthesia: trigeminal neuralgia, localized paresthesia, and causalgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common type of dental paresthesia. This condition occurs when there is damage to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the teeth and gums. When this nerve is damaged, it can cause burning, tingling, or intense pain in the teeth or gums.

Localized paresthesia is another common form of dental paresthesia. This condition occurs when there is damage to the nerves that supply the gums around the teeth. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause a tingling sensation or burning in the gums.

Causalgia is the least common type of dental paresthesia. This condition occurs when the nerves around the teeth are compressed. When these nerves are compressed, they can cause a burning sensation in the gums.

Dental Paresthesia Lawsuit Basics

In order to recover damages for dental paresthesia, you must file a dental paresthesia lawsuit. Filing a dental paresthesia lawsuit is similar to filing any other type of personal injury lawsuit. You will need to prove that the person or institution that you are suing caused you injury.

Dental paresthesia lawsuits can be particularly difficult to prove because these cases are often based on the results of an exam performed by a dentist. When a dentist examines a person for dental work, the dentist uses x-rays to assess the state of that person’s teeth and gums. When dental paresthesia lawsuits are based on x-rays, the plaintiff must prove that the dentist breached his or her duty to the patient. This means that the plaintiff must prove that the dentist was negligent in performing the x-ray and that this negligence caused the patient to develop dental paresthesia.

Dental paresthesia lawsuits are often challenging, but there are many ways to make them easier to win.

Dentists Responsible for Dental Paresthesia

Dentists are often responsible for dental paresthesia. When a dentist performs an x-ray, there is a chance that they might cause dental paresthesia. When dentists perform x-rays, they are supposed to take steps to make sure that they do not cause their patients to develop dental paresthesia. Dentists are supposed to use what is called a “scatter shield” when they perform x-rays. A scatter shield is a device that helps to protect the patient from excessive radiation. Dentists are also supposed to check to make sure that the patient is at a safe distance from the x-ray machine. If a dentist does not use a scatter shield when performing an x-ray and does not re-position the patient, the dentist might cause the patient to develop dental paresthesia.

Other Parties Responsible for Dental Paresthesia

Other parties might be responsible for dental paresthesia, even if they were not directly involved in the x-ray that caused the condition.

For example, if the patient’s dentist used an x-ray machine that was defective or had not been properly maintained, the machine manufacturer might be responsible for dental paresthesia. Dentists often use x-ray machines that are owned by other parties. Dentists might contract with a company to sell and maintain these machines. If a machine malfunctions or is improperly maintained, it might cause dental paresthesia.

Other parties might also be responsible for dental paresthesia if they failed to properly maintain the machine that performed the x-ray. If the machine was not maintained in a way that was consistent with industry standards, it might cause dental paresthesia. Dentists might also be responsible for dental paresthesia if they ignored signs that they were placing their patients too close to the x-ray machine or failing to use a scatter shield.

How to Fil a Dental Paresthesia Lawsuit

There are a few steps to take after filing a dental paresthesia lawsuit.

First, you should make sure that you have hired a lawyer. Dental paresthesia lawsuits can be very difficult to win, so it is important to have a good attorney on your side.

Dentists might have insurance that covers dental paresthesia lawsuits. If you are going to file a dental paresthesia lawsuit, you will likely need to file a claim with the dentist’s insurance company.

At the same time, you will need to file a lawsuit against the dentist. This means that in order to prove a dental paresthesia lawsuit, you will need to provide the court with evidence that shows the dentist knew or should have known about the risk of dental paresthesia and failed to disclose this information to you. In order to prove that the dentist was negligent, you will need to provide the court with evidence that demonstrates that the dentist made a mistake while using an x-ray.

Dental Paresthesia Settlements

A dental paresthesia lawsuit can only be settled before it goes to trial. Once you file your lawsuit, it will be assigned a case number and will be entered into the court’s docket system. The court will then schedule an initial hearing date for your case. At this point, if you are able to reach an agreement with the person or institution that you are suing, you may request that your case be dismissed in exchange for a settlement payment from the defendant. If the dentist performs unnecessary dental work based on the results of this exam, the person that was examined may have a case for dental paresthesia.

Final Thoughts

Dental paresthesia is a serious dental injury. It can cause pain and a burning sensation in the teeth and gums. It can also result in difficulties chewing food. When dental paresthesia is caused by an x-ray, the dentist is often responsible. Dentists must take steps to protect their patients from dental paresthesia; failing to do so can result in a dental paresthesia lawsuit. When you are diagnosed with dental paresthesia, it is important to talk to your dentist. Dentists may be able to prescribe medication that can reduce your pain or prescribe a treatment plan that will help you recover. You might also be able to receive compensation for damages related to dental paresthesia by filing a dental paresthesia lawsuit.