Case Overview
This case study revolves around an adult female who had previously undergone the extraction of three out of her four wisdom teeth by her regular dentist. The final tooth, deemed more complex, was left unextracted for a longer period. Due to upcoming travel plans, the patient sought the services of another dentist to expedite the process.
It is alleged that this new dentist neither reviewed any previous dental records nor conducted his own x-rays before proceeding with the extraction. Instead, he applied local anesthesia and attempted to remove the tooth using brute force, which resulted in a fractured jaw for the patient. This case seeks expert opinion on dentistry to review medical records and provide insights into the standard of care.
Questions to the Dentistry expert and their responses
How often do you perform wisdom teeth extractions and manage postoperative care?
In my 30 years of full-time private clinical practice in general dentistry, I have gained extensive experience in oral surgical evaluation and procedures. Managing postoperative care is a routine part of my practice.
What pertinent protocols should be followed prior to performing a wisdom tooth extraction?
Before undertaking any extraction procedure, especially one involving a complicated third molar (wisdom tooth), it's crucial to review prior dental records, including radiographs if available. A current health history and an interview about dental status should also be obtained from every new patient. If no recent records are available, new ones should be taken in most circumstances.
Have you reviewed a case similar to the one described above? If so, please briefly describe.
Yes, I've encountered cases where complications arose from wisdom tooth extractions. A fracture of the mandible is always a possible but uncommon complication associated with extracting third molars. An explicit explanation of this possibility should be part of the informed consent process.
About the expert
This expert boasts a wealth of experience in the dental field, holding a BS in Biomedical Science and a DDS from renowned universities. They have previously owned and practiced as a general dentist at two dental establishments. Currently, they lend their expertise to academia as an adjunct clinical professor of internal medicine at a university in Texas, further solidifying their relevance to this case study.
E-1039588
Specialties:
Questions to the Oral Surgery expert and their responses
How often do you see patients for wisdom teeth removal?
I have performed wisdom tooth removal regularly for over forty years.
How may a wisdom tooth removal lead to a jaw fracture and trigeminal neuralgia?
Forceful or improper technique and/or diagnosis/clinical judgment can lead to jaw fracture and trigeminal neuralgia.
About the expert
This expert has 40 years of experience in dentistry, with additional specialties in oral surgery, dental implants, and periodontics. He obtained both his BA and DMD from the University of Pennsylvania before completing his general practice residency at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in implantology at New York University College of Dentistry and is active in participating in continuing and advanced education. He is a member of several professional societies and has been published multiple times. He began his career in a self-owned solo practice and as clinical director of St. Nicholas Dental Group. He was also an attending dentist and dental surgeon, where he held operating room and surgical privileges, a clinical assistant professor, and the co-coordinator of ambulatory dental care at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He spent over 20 years at Park 56 Dental Group, where he was founding partner and director of implant dentistry. He is currently a clinical assistant professor of dental medicine at a dental school in New York.
E-624658
Specialties:
