What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ
About 5 years ago I broke my upper right central tooth and had to have a 16mm screw installed in addition to a dental implant. My periodontist installed the screw and then my dentist installed the implant. It was fine until about a year ago when I had slight pain and then after going to a different dentist for a cleaning he diagnosed me with an infection. He prescribed me antibiotics and said he would check up on me in 6 months after another visit. I did not want to wait so I contacted my periodontist who installed the screw. He wanted me to immediately come in to inspect it in case of failure. After a few Xrays he concluded that the screw was fine but that the implant had excess cement on it which allowed infection to get behind my gums. He was able to numb my mouth and scrap the excess cement out from inside my gums and then inject more antibiotics directly into the gum. He said that it should be fine but if it returns that he would have to do more evasive surgery to remove anything that he could not get to this time around. This was a month ago and most of the pain is completely gone but I am wondering if I could sue the original dentist and win. The reasons would be for the $450 I had to pay my periodontist for that small but painful procedure or the possible evasive procedure that might have to be done in the future. Every time I chew something I am now conscience of a possible problem.
About 5 years ago I broke my upper right central tooth and had to have a 16mm screw installed in addition to a dental implant. My periodontist installed the screw and then my dentist installed the implant. It was fine until about a year ago when I had slight pain and then after going to a different dentist for a cleaning he diagnosed me with an infection. He prescribed me antibiotics and said he would check up on me in 6 months after another visit. I did not want to wait so I contacted my periodontist who installed the screw. He wanted me to immediately come in to inspect it in case of failure. After a few Xrays he concluded that the screw was fine but that the implant had excess cement on it which allowed infection to get behind my gums. He was able to numb my mouth and scrap the excess cement out from inside my gums and then inject more antibiotics directly into the gum. He said that it should be fine but if it returns that he would have to do more evasive surgery to remove anything that he could not get to this time around. This was a month ago and most of the pain is completely gone but I am wondering if I could sue the original dentist and win. The reasons would be for the $450 I had to pay my periodontist for that small but painful procedure or the possible evasive procedure that might have to be done in the future. Every time I chew something I am now conscience of a possible problem.