What happened: Our client attended their dentist for treatment including extraction of teeth under local anaesthetic. During the procedure complications arose and some bone was removed during the tooth extraction. This led to the development of an oroantral fistula (i.e. an abnormal tract connecting the oral cavity or mouth, with the maxillary sinus, which are the passages located under the eyes on either side of the nose). This required a hospital referral and further surgery to be undertaken.

The dentist had failed to provide a written treatment plan in line with General Dental Council Regulations and had not offered the option of saving the tooth by way of root canal therapy. Had the tooth been retained rather than extracted, the oroantral fistula and associated problems would have been avoided.

The effect on our client: Our client endured additional pain, suffering and loss of amenity for the period leading up to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the oroantral fistula. Thereafter they required further investigations and examination to confirm whether the oroantral fistula had healed or whether further treatment would be required. Further treatment would include bone augmentation (i.e. grafting bone to the jaw) and provision of an implant and crown.

How TRUE Solicitors were able to help: We brought a claim on behalf of our client on the grounds of negligent treatment resulting in the development of the oroantral fistula, which would otherwise have been avoided. Liability was denied by the Defendant. However, we obtained supportive medical evidence and following discussions with the Defendant were able to negotiate a settlement without the need to start Court proceedings, bringing the matter to a swift conclusion.

Level of settlement achieved: £7,500