Dental procedures may seem routine, but errors in dental care can result in serious injury, permanent damage, infection, or long-term pain. Patients trust dentists, oral surgeons, and dental professionals to provide competent, safe treatment. When a dental provider fails to meet accepted standards of care and causes harm, Georgia law may allow injured patients to pursue compensation through a dental malpractice claim.
If you or a loved one was harmed by dental malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help evaluate whether negligence occurred and what legal options may be available.
What Is Dental Malpractice Under Georgia Law?
Dental malpractice occurs when a dentist, oral surgeon, or dental professional fails to meet the accepted standard of dental care, and that failure causes injury to a patient. Dental malpractice is treated as medical malpractice under Georgia law and is subject to the same procedural and expert-evidence requirements.
Common Types of Dental Malpractice
Dental malpractice claims in Georgia frequently involve:
- Improper tooth extraction
- Nerve damage during dental procedures
- Failure to diagnose or treat oral infections
- Improper placement of dental implants
- Misuse of dental anesthesia or sedation
- Failure to refer to a specialist
- Misdiagnosis of oral cancer or serious conditions
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Poor post-procedure care or monitoring
Many dental injuries are preventable with proper diagnosis and care.
Dental Errors by Category
Common Dental Negligence Scenarios
|
Type of Error |
Potential Consequences |
|
Extraction Errors |
Nerve injury, jaw fracture |
|
Implant Errors |
Implant failure, bone loss |
|
Anesthesia Errors |
Brain injury, cardiac arrest |
|
Infection |
Abscess, sepsis |
|
Missed Diagnosis |
Progression of serious disease |
Dental injuries can have lasting functional and cosmetic effects.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Dental Malpractice
Dental negligence may result in:
- Permanent nerve damage or numbness
- Jaw or facial fractures
- Chronic pain
- Infections or abscesses
- Tooth loss
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death in rare but severe cases
Even minor dental errors can lead to long-term complications.
Where Dental Malpractice Commonly Occurs
Dental malpractice claims may arise from care provided at:
- General dental offices
- Oral surgery clinics
- Dental implant centers
- Hospitals or surgical centers (for complex procedures)
Liability may extend to dentists, oral surgeons, anesthesiologists, or dental practices.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Dental Malpractice Case
To pursue a dental malpractice claim in Georgia, an injured patient generally must establish:
- A dentist-patient relationship existed
- The dental provider breached the standard of care
- The breach involved diagnosis, treatment, or aftercare
- The breach caused injury
- The patient suffered damages
Expert dental testimony is typically required.
Georgia’s Expert Affidavit Requirement
Georgia law requires most dental malpractice lawsuits to be filed with an expert affidavit identifying at least one negligent act or omission and explaining how it violated the applicable standard of care.
Failure to comply can result in dismissal, making early legal review essential.
Damages Available in Dental Malpractice Claims
Depending on the severity of harm, recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical and dental expenses
- Corrective or restorative procedures
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Dental malpractice cases often involve significant long-term impact.
Statute of Limitations for Dental Malpractice Claims in Georgia
Most dental malpractice claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of injury or death. Georgia’s statute of repose may also limit claims regardless of discovery.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery.
What to Do If You Suspect Dental Malpractice
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate dental or medical evaluation
- Obtain complete dental records and imaging
- Preserve billing records and treatment plans
- Document symptoms and complications
- Avoid discussions with insurers or dental practices without legal guidance
- Seek a professional legal evaluation promptly
Early action helps preserve evidence and expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all dental complications malpractice?
No. A claim requires proof that negligence caused the harm.
Can dental anesthesia errors be malpractice?
Yes, particularly when sedation is improperly administered or monitored.
Can dental practices be held liable?
Yes, depending on employment and supervision relationships.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience evaluating complex Georgia medical malpractice claims
- Knowledge of dental standards and malpractice liability
- Strategic analysis of causation and damages
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We approach dental malpractice cases with diligence, precision, and accountability.
Speak With a Dental Malpractice Lawyer in Georgia
If you or a loved one was harmed by dental malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options.
The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (212) 551-PAUL
Website: www.cpaullawfirm.com
Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward accountability and recovery.