Naidoo, SudeshniDu Toit, J.2016-06-032016-06-032015Naidoo, S. and Du Toit, J. (2015). Unanticipated treatment complication and legal recourse. South African Dental Journal, 70(2): 76 - 770011-8516http://hdl.handle.net/10566/2280A 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.enEthicsDental ethicsPatientsLegislative interventionsLegal recourseArticle