Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze cases of liability claims related to persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments so as to characterize the medico-legal aspects of this complication. Study design: A comprehensive search of an Israeli professional liability insurance database was conducted to retrospectively identify and analyze cases of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatment. Results: Sixteen claims of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments were identified and analyzed. The typical profile of a claim was a female patient who underwent an endodontic treatment at a second mandibular molar, which was associated with overfilling. A significant correlation between the tooth location and the suggested cause of nerve injury was found. None of the claims were reported by the practitioners, and all cases were identified as a result of the patient's demand for financial compensation, either directly or by legal actions. Conclusions: When a nerve injury is diagnosed, the treating practitioner should be encouraged to seek medical and legal assistance so as to prevent permanent damage and to enable a better medico-legal response.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 126-131 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology |
Volume | 112 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2011 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Oral Surgery
- General Dentistry
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology