Unanticipated treatment complication and legal recourse
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Dental Association
Abstract
A middle - aged, partially edentulous Caucasian female patient presented to a general dentist for extraction of a mandibular tooth. The tooth was removed by the dentist, but following incomplete resolution of pain the patient returned three months later for a consultation. The dentist diagnosed an abscess following radiographic investigation and referred the patient to a specialist who diagnosed a fracture of the mandible. The fracture had occurred unbeknown to the dentist and was consequently treated by a reduction procedure. The patient has since pursued legal action against the dentist.
Description
Keywords
Ethics, Dental ethics, Patients, Legislative interventions, Legal recourse
Citation
Naidoo, S. and Du Toit, J. (2015). Unanticipated treatment complication and legal recourse. South African Dental Journal, 70(2): 76 - 77