Orthodontic Injuries

Orthodontic injuries resulting from dental negligence can occur when a general dentist or orthodontist fails to provide the standard of care expected in the profession by an orthodontic specialist leading to harm or injury to the patient.

Inadequate Monitoring Of Orthodontic Patient Leading To Traumatic Damage To Tooth Enamel

One common instance of dental malpractice includes inadequate monitoring of patient progress leading to prolonged treatment and severe complications, including traumatic damage to the tooth enamel.

Inadequate Monitoring Of Orthodontic Patient Leading To Traumatic Damage To Tooth Enamel

Inadequate Monitoring Of Patient Leading To Root Resorption

Another example of inadequate monitoring during orthodontic treatment is root resorption. Root resorption is a potential side effect of orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign. It involves the breakdown or shortening of the tooth roots, which can be triggered by the forces applied during orthodontic treatment. This can lead to an inflammatory response in the periodontal ligament and surrounding tissues, activating cells that break down the tooth roots. Here are some key points:

Causes: Orthodontic treatment that results in root resorption is below the standard of care when excessive orthodontic forces are applied. Orthodontic malpractice can also lead to root resorption when the dentist or orthodontist fails to take adequate periodic x-rays to monitor for incipient root resorption. Once root resorption has been identified, the dentist or orthodontist can stop the resorption process to allow for a healing period before reinitiating orthodontic treatment under close supervision.

Risk Factors: Factors that increase the risk of root resorption can include the type of orthodontic appliance used (fixed appliances like braces are more likely to cause root resorption), the duration of treatment, and the amount of force applied. The dentition of some patients may also indicate in pre-orthodontic treatment radiographs that the patient is at higher risk of root resorption and therefore needs close radiographic monitoring during orthodontic treatment.

Symptoms: Root resorption often does not show symptoms until it becomes severe. However, it can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity, looseness, or changes in tooth appearance. Failure to take periodic radiographs to monitor for root resorption during orthodontic treatment is below the standard of care. By the time there are any symptoms for root resorption, the damage is permanent and cannot be undone.

Panoramic X-Ray Showing Root Resorption