Many people are understandably worried and nervous whenever they have to go to the dentist. In fact, a lot of people delay necessary dental office visits because they are so concerned about the possibility of being told that they will need to undergo dental surgery. The problem is that mouth, gum, and teeth issues will not go away on their own. It is absolutely imperative that anyone suffering from health issues with their teeth schedule an appointment with their dentist. Beyond that, regular dental appointments should be scheduled so that the dentist can perform a routine check-up and identify minor health issues before they become major health problems.
Of course, not all dental visits go smoothly. You trust your dentist to act responsibly while treating you. You count on your dentist the same way that you count on your doctor. When your dentist acts negligently and fails to properly treat you, or fails to accurately diagnose a dental health issue, the results can be catastrophic. In the worst cases of dental malpractice, the consequences could include severe injury or even death. The truth is that dental deaths are far more common than many people realize, with even routine dental procedures potentially proving fatal.
Getting dental surgery can be extremely dangerous. Of course, not getting necessary dental surgery can also be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the causes of fatalities stemming from dental procedures and dental treatment:
Untreated Infection
Your mouth contains a lot of bacteria. When that bacteria spreads throughout the body and gets into your bloodstream, there could be serious health complications. Whether it’s a post-operative infection caused by a dental procedure or an infection that went unnoticed and was left untreated by your dentist, an untreated infection in your mouth could lead to swelling of your brain and other catastrophic health issues.
Use of Novocain with Epinephrine
Novocain (or novocaine) is a local anesthetic drug that is used by dentists to reduce pain in a particular area of the patient’s mouth. However, Novocain typically contain epinephrine (or adrenalin), which is a chemical that opens airways in the lungs. One of the major side effects of epinephrine is high blood pressure, which can potentially cause the patient to suffer a stroke.
Use of Mercury Fillings
Some dentists still put mercury fillings in their patients’ mouths. The problem is that mercury is toxic and can cause serious health complications.
Outdated Dental Equipment
The practice of dentistry has changed in recent years, with more and more dentists relying on state-of-the-art equipment and technology to assist with dental procedures. If your dentist does not have high-quality equipment, such as digital x-ray machines and ultrasonic cleaning instruments, you could suffer as a result.
If you or a loved one was injured after undergoing a dental procedure in NJ, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. That’s why you should talk to a knowledgeable New Jersey medical malpractice and personal injury lawyer immediately. Contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran today to discuss your case and schedule a free initial consultation.
