Incorrect Tooth Removed – $18,500 Verdict

The plaintiff/patient was a minor who underwent extraction of a baby tooth for the development of her permanent tooth. The patient alleged that the defendant dentist extracted the patient’s adult tooth, which was next to the baby tooth he intended to extract. The patient alleged that the defendant dentist was also negligent in confirming that he was extracting the correct tooth, and negligent is stopping the extraction when it was difficult to remove the tooth, which is a sign that he was attempting to remove a mature tooth, instead of a baby tooth. The patient also alleged that the defendant dentist did not obtain informed consent.

According to reports, a $18,500 verdict was returned.

With permission from Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts; Lewis Laska, Editor, 901 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203-3411, 1-800-298-6288.