Nerve Damage Attorney Serving Clients Across Maryland

Experienced Columbia Dental Malpractice Lawyer 

One of the most serious problems resulting from dentist errors is nerve damage. Nerve damage can be extremely painful and is usually noticeable immediately or soon after a dental procedure. 

The procedures that can result in this issue are usually beyond a regular dentist’s skill and the general dentist probably should have referred you to an oral surgeon. If your dentist has attempted an operation that resulted in damage to a nerve, you should consult with a dental malpractice attorney in Columbia as soon as possible. 

What Dental Procedures Can Result in Nerve Damage? 

Procedures that may result in nerve damage include: 

• Molar extraction and wisdom tooth removal 

• Root canals 

• Dental implants 

• Dental bridge installation 

Call The Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg to schedule a free consultation for your nerve damage case. 

How Does Nerve Damage Occur? 

If you did not begin experiencing nerve pain until after being treated by a dentist, it is likely that your dental professional made a mistake and damaged a nerve. Sometimes instruments hit a sensitive area, or a dental implant is improperly placed. 

You’ll notice strange sensations in the area, sometimes loss of taste, and possibly severe numbness and tingling or burning pain. Many clients describe the sensation like a Novocain shot that never wears off or like hitting a funny bone that never stops tingling. 

While some temporary altered sensation is normal after certain dental procedures, effects which last more than six months are typically permanent. 

What Are the Most Commonly Damaged Nerves in Dental Procedures? 

The following nerves are most commonly damaged in dental procedures: 

• Lingual nerve: This is a frequently affected nerve, sometimes occurring after wisdom tooth removal. You will notice strange sensations, pain or numbness in the tongue if it has been damaged. Loss or altered taste may also occur. 

• Mental nerve: Damage to this nerve can result in sensory paralysis of the lower lip. Pain from this nerve can be debilitating and severely affect the quality of life. 

• Inferior alveolar nerve: These nerve injuries feel like the interior side of the gums is tingling and painful, but without impact to the tongue. The pain can feel like an electric shock. Drooling or impaired speech are also common symptoms. 

How Do You Know If You Have a Case?

Here are some indicators that you may have a dental nerve damage case:

• You underwent a routine procedure and now experience pain or numbness you never had before.

• Your symptoms are long-term or permanent in nature.

• Your injury has significantly impaired your oral function, your sense of taste, or your ability to eat, drink, or speak.

In addition, you may have a case against a dental professional if it can be proven that they violated the standard of care in some way, such as by choosing to perform a procedure outside of their capabilities rather than referring you to an oral surgeon.

Other violations common with nerve damage cases include:

• The improper administration of anesthesia

• Overfilling or over-instrumentation of a tooth during root canal treatment

• Or drilling too deeply when placing dental implants

A skilled attorney can review the facts of your case to determine if you have grounds to sue.

We Can Hold Your Dentist Accountable

Nerve damage can be extremely painful, and you should not be paying for your dentist’s mistakes. Get a second opinion on your problem and ask an attorney if you are entitled to legal damages.

Our Columbia dental malpractice lawyer is well-versed in dental terms and procedures, which is an invaluable asset when arguing these cases before a court. We have been fighting for clients since 1981 and handle a majority of the dental malpractice cases that arise in Maryland.

Our experienced team can help you through this time if you are suffering nerve damage as a result of dental malpractice. Call us.