Delayed Diagnosis in Dental Care

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Dental care is important to protect both your teeth and gums from decay. If your dentist fails to swiftly diagnose a dental problem, there can be harmful impacts on your overall health. If you or someone you love has been a victim of a dentist’s failure to diagnose, contact a lawyer at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. immediately. The attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. represent clients that have suffered from medical malpractice. Our experienced lawyers can establish whether or not your dentist has been negligent in the eyes of the law, and we will pursue your claim to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call 617-225-2100 today for a free consultation.

What is a Delayed Diagnosis?

A delayed diagnosis is a situation in which a patient’s medical problems aren’t correctly diagnosed in a reasonable time frame. A reasonable amount of time is based on the time it would take a knowledgeable medical professional to determine the diagnosis in a similar situation. The key question would be whether or not the dentist has met the standard duty of care. A delayed diagnosis does not automatically mean that malpractice has been committed.

Malpractice occurs when you have suffered harm as a result of the damages associated with the delayed diagnosis. Damages can include medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, etc. In some instances, this malpractice can even result in wrongful death. Speak to a medical malpractice attorney to discuss your options. Call 617-225-2100 for a free consultation.

Common Types of Injuries for Delayed Dental Diagnoses

• Abscess
• Cellulitis (bacteria skin infections)
• Sinusitis (infections in the sinus)
• Osteomyelitis (infections that cause inflammation in the bone)
• Sepsis (infection to the blood that are life threatening medical emergencies)
• Aggravation of medical conditions
• Loss of teeth
• Deteriorating gums
• Untreated malocclusion (overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, crossbites)
• Worsening cancer

Dentists can fail to pay proper attention to a patient’s symptoms or misinterpret lab results. Dentists are trained to detect, check, and report medical problems. For example, frequent fungal infections in the mouth can be a sign of diabetes, and swollen lymph nodes are a sign of Hodgkin’s disease. Dentists must dutifully check and detect these medical problems to prevent health issues. Dentists can be held accountable for failing to refer a patient to specialists or for tests. This failure can have serious health risks, and can cause patients significant harm. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can cause physical and emotional problems. If you were injured due to a delayed diagnosis, you are entitled to compensation. In addition to compensation for economic harm, you may be awarded damages for pain and suffering. If you were harmed due to a delayed diagnosis, speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discover your legal options. Call 617-225-2100 for a free consultation.