Insufficient Pre-Check-ups Before Tooth Extraction Result in Dental Malpractice

South Korea: Dental professionals should consider patients’ medical history and medication intake before tooth extraction procedures, according to a recent analysis by Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, a dental indemnity insurer.

The insurer shared a medical dispute case caused by alveolar necrosis after tooth extraction to highlight the importance of pre-check-ups before dental treatments.

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## Lack of Pre-Checks Highlighted in Dental Malpractice Case

According to the case, patient A suffered from oral pain, inflammation, and pus after receiving tooth extraction treatment. The dental team prescribed antibiotics and proceeded to treat another tooth when A complained of discomfort.

However, A eventually had to be hospitalized due to alveolar necrosis, caused by the dental malpractice resulting from the absence of a pre-check-up.

The key issue in this case was the lack of pre-check-ups before the tooth extraction. The insurer pointed out that the dental team failed to examine A’s medical history or medication intake before performing the extraction, resulting in the dental accident.

After receiving the case, the insurer determined that the dental team was 60% responsible for the damages, including future medical expenses for hospitalization, bone extraction surgery, and cortical bone resection surgery, among others.

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Mandibular Fracture after Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Additionally, a case of dental malpractice resulting from mandibular fracture after wisdom tooth extraction was also shared. In this case, the patient not only suffered a mandibular fracture but also had residual tooth fragments, leading to further complications. As a result, the dental team was held responsible for 60% of the damages, including compensation for medical expenses and outpatient treatment.

According to the analysis, dental professionals must take the necessary precautions and conduct pre-check-ups, including medical history and medication intake, before performing tooth extraction procedures to avoid dental malpractice and prevent unwanted consequences.

Source: dailydental.co.kr