I’ve had one disaster after another with a tooth extraction. First, they perforated the sinus but didn’t tell me about it until the following day. Then I developed a fever. They called in an antibiotic, but I only got worse. I insisted on coming in. At that appointment, they removed some bone from the area and prescribed me an even stronger antibiotic. I still got worse and went to see an ENT as a result, they said the hole has closed and I should feel fine. Of course I should feel fine. They just blew me off. How they can do that when I still have a fever and I can’t eat, I have no idea. I asked for a copy of my medical records because I’m going to have to go somewhere to get help. I don’t think I can do this much longer. I’m losing a lot of work and pay. Oh, one other thing. When I looked at my informed consent sheet it wasn’t signed. They just have a note that says I couldn’t sign it because I was sedated. Is that when they chose to tell me about the risks to this do you think? I never heard about the possibility of them perforating the sinus cavity.
Penny
Dear Penny,
I’m going to say first that I am appalled by the care you’ve gotten. First, you had a dentist who blew it on several levels and now you’re dealing with an ENT who seems to not care if you’re in pain. I want you to call your medical doctor. Your dentist has you on the wrong antibiotic. You should not still have a fever at this point. Plus, especially if the ENT is right and the hole is closed, you should be feeling much better. Make sure you tell him or her everything they have you on and how this came about.
I’m glad you are going to see another ENT. Ask your doctor to recommend one to you based on everything you’ve told him.
I’m also going to say you have a good case to get your dentist to pay for the remainder of your treatment as well as any money you’ve lost for work because of the perforation and ensuing poor treatment on his behalf.
Here is a start:
- He didn’t get informed consent. Even if you’d had signed the document it wouldn’t count. You can’t give consent while you are under dental sedation. Because of that, good sedation dentists go over everything with you before the day of the actual procedure.
- A bad extraction, resulting in a perforated sinus cavity.
- Leaving bone fragments in the cavity.
- Not informing you right away and letting you know what to avoid in the meantime.
- Not beginning treatment of the perforated sinus until the next day when they finally told you about it.
- Not giving you the correct antibiotic.
If he gives you a hard time, mention getting a lawyer. That should cause him to call his insurance. Given the circumstances, they’ll tell him to pay for your care. It will cost him a lot less than a lawsuit.
Once you’re healed, you’ll need to look into getting that tooth replaced. I’m going to suggest a dental implant. It is the best tooth replacement available. However, do your research on the dentist who does your procedure. It’s very advanced and requires a great deal of post-doctoral training.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.