Dental bridges are a reliable solution for various dental issues such as missing teeth, discomfort from gaps in the smile, or improving dental aesthetics. Despite the initial concern that some may have about the procedure, getting a dental bridge is a well-established and common dental treatment, often chosen to address tooth loss. The placement of dental bridges is a routine procedure that typically proceeds smoothly with minimal complications.
Unfortunately, while dental bridge treatment is generally safe, there are rare situations where unexpected issues can arise, leading to faulty bridge work. These complications might include scenarios like the need for adjustments in the bridge due to unforeseen changes in the supporting teeth. In some unfortunate cases, patients may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort as their mouth adjusts to the new bridge. In rarer instances, additional treatments might be needed to ensure the bridge blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. If complications occur during your dental bridge procedure, especially those leading to painful bridge work or, worse, nerve damage, it’s essential to assess whether they result from unforeseen factors or negligence on behalf of your dentist.
You may be entitled to compensation if you feel you’ve suffered unnecessarily due to a dental bridge procedure gone wrong. At Farleys, we can assist you with making a dental bridge claim and get you the help you need.
How we can help with dental bridge claims at Farleys
With over six decades of experience at Farleys, our primary focus has always been to provide our clients with outstanding service through a personalised and dedicated approach. We have a rich history of effectively handling dental bridge compensation claims and understand the impact of dental malpractice on your physical, emotional, and mental health.
To determine whether you have a case, our legal professionals specialising in dental negligence will schedule a consultation with you to ensure we gather all the necessary information to offer customised advice and explore all potential solutions. Then, we will evaluate which options will most likely lead to a favourable outcome for you.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a great solution for filling gaps in the smile. It replaces a missing tooth with a synthetic one and securely attaches it to nearby natural teeth. There are primarily two types of dental bridges to choose from. The more common type involves two crowns, often made of porcelain or metal, permanently affixed to the natural teeth on each side of the gap, effectively holding the false tooth (or teeth) in place at the centre.
Alternatively, your dentist could recommend an adhesive bridge if you have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. This type of veneer is basically a false tooth with ‘wings’ on either side and is skilfully bonded to the inner surfaces of the supporting teeth. This innovative design eliminates the need to extensively prepare neighbouring teeth for full-coverage crowns.
What causes a faulty dental bridge?
Dental negligence encompasses situations in which a dentist does not meet the required standard of care, potentially leading to harm or complications for the patient. An example case is when a dental extraction procedure goes wrong due to the actions or oversights of the dentist. Several factors may contribute to incidents such as these, including:
- Reduced sensitivity
- Nerve damage
- The dentist failing to properly assess the health of the surrounding teeth to ensure they’re fit to support a bridge
- Ill-fitting bridge causing tooth decay
- Excessive bleeding leading to infection
All of the above can cause significant discomfort and stress for the patient. Whatever your situation, if you feel you have been affected by dental negligence, please get in contact with our knowledgeable team for assistance.
Am I eligible to make a dental negligence claim?
If you can clearly demonstrate that your dentist has failed in fulfilling their duty of care toward you, you may be eligible to pursue a dental negligence claim. All healthcare practitioners, including dentists, are obligated to provide a reasonable standard of care to their patients.
However, if you can present sufficient evidence that their level of care fell below the expected standard, it’s likely that they breached their duty of care to you, which provides a strong foundation for a dental bridge claim. It’s essential to understand that proving such a breach usually requires the opinion of medical experts who possess a similar or higher level of expertise and training.
Demonstrating negligence is a complex task within itself. To pursue compensation, you must also establish that you have experienced hardship directly resulting from your dentist’s negligence.
To bolster your case, we advise that you gather as much supporting evidence as possible, which may include:
- Dental records
- Witness statements
- A second expert opinion
- Relevant photos (for example, depicting your injuries)
- Financial records
Contact a Specialist in Dental Negligence Claims
At Farleys, we recognise that dealing with legal matters can be a daunting experience. This is exactly why our solicitors take a friendly approach, avoiding unnecessary legal jargon to ensure that you can make informed decisions with ease. We are committed to handling your dental negligence claim with the utmost respect and expertise, regardless of your past experiences.
Wherever possible, we even offer the advantage of pursuing claims under a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement. This means you won’t need to concern yourself with costs unless your claim is successful.
If you’re seeking initial advice on making a dental negligence claim, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental negligence claims solicitors. You can contact us today at 01254606008 or arrange an appointment via email. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
What are the time limits for claiming dental negligence compensation?
In most cases, there’s a three-year time limit to file a claim for dental negligence. This period typically commences from the date you received the dental treatment. However, the UK legal system acknowledges that the effects of dental negligence may not become evident immediately. Therefore, in some situations, you may have an additional three years from the “date of knowledge,” which is when you first realised that you were affected by dental negligence.
Calculating these timeframes accurately can be complex. That’s why, at Farleys, we strongly advise you to reach out to us as soon as you suspect you have a claim. This proactive approach allows us to address your case promptly and efficiently.
It is worth noting, however, that the vast majority of cases are settled amicably outside of court. Still, if your case does end up going to court, you can rely on us to support and guide you through the process from start to finish.
What are the most common reasons for compensation claims for dentists?
Dental negligence compensation claims can stem from a variety of situations, and the duration required for resolution largely hinges on the unique circumstances of each case. Typically, some of the most frequently encountered situations involve:
- Complications because of an inadequate assessment such as painful bridge work
- Sub-standard cosmetic dentistry resulting in poor results, i.e. faulty bridge work
- Failing to manage infections or complications after or during the procedure successfully
- Failing to meet the professional standards necessary for the treatment (not adhering to the accepted stand of care)
- Negligent post-op care, such as lack of or inadequate follow-up care after a procedure, leading to the client’s unnecessary suffering or defective results
- Dental bridge failure, i.e. due to substandard treatment
- Recommending or performing unnecessary cosmetic treatments for financial gain
- The use of defective products or materials during the treatment
Why choose Farleys Solicitors?
At Farleys Solicitors, we’re a well-established firm with a history of over 60 years, serving clients both regionally in the North West and nationwide. Our solicitors possess extensive, industry-specific knowledge to address your dental bridge claims promptly and clearly.
Recognising the uniqueness of each case, we at Farleys Solicitors not only offer guidance on the most suitable course of action but also provide personalised advice tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, we are open to the possibility of managing your case on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
If you need the expertise of one of our specialised dental negligence solicitors or have queries about any of our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us via phone at 01254606008, utilise the online chat feature on our website, or send us an email at info@farleys.com. We’re here to help!