Chicago Dental Malpractice Lawyer - Article
Dental Malpractice: Lingual Nerve Damage
Very few people enjoy a trip to the dentist. Even in the best case scenario, it is an uncomfortable and somewhat tedious experience. Fortunately, most dentists are caring professionals who make sure to protect their patients’ health while reducing any possible pain as much as possible. However, every now and then an unfortunate patient will have a very different experience. When a dentist causes harm to a patient through negligence or recklessness, it is known as dental malpractice.
Lingual Nerve Damage
One possible result of dental malpractice is lingual nerve damage. The lingual nerve is located next to the jaw and leads into the tongue. During dental procedures it can be damaged by a surgical error or, more commonly, an incorrectly given injection of anesthesia.
Symptoms of lingual nerve damage can be temporary or chronic. They include:
- Anesthesia (persistent numbness) in the tongue
- Dysesthesia (pain and burning) in the tongue
- Numbness of the lower lip
- Paresthesia (tingling sensation) in the tongue
Treating Lingual Nerve Damage
This form of injury is rare, which means that many dentists are not fully informed about the causes or how to treat it. This often forces people suffering from chronic symptoms to seek out costly specialists. Possible treatments for severe damage include:
- Oral surgery
- Prescription medications
- Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or hypnosis
Speak with a Chicago Dental Malpractice Lawyer
If you have been a victim of dental malpractice, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. For more information about your case,
contact the offices of
Chicago dental malpractice lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.