Case studies

Retained root fragment following extraction image
Retained root fragment following extraction

14 August 2019

A DDU member's clinical notes were a vital part of a successful defence of a claim brought against them by a patient who was left with a root fragment in their distal socket following a root canal and extraction.

Failure to diagnose and treat periodontal disease image
Failure to diagnose and treat periodontal disease

13 August 2019

Two practice hygienists contacted the DDU for assistance with a claim alleging a failure to diagnose and treat periodontal disease, brought against them by a patient they had been seeing at their practice for over ten years.

Puffer fish
Surgical emphysema during extraction

16 July 2018

A patient attended a DDU member for extraction of a badly decayed lower wisdom tooth.

Train tracks with rail missing
Erroneous extraction

16 July 2018

A DDU general dental practitioner (GDP) member was visited by a patient complaining of toothache.

Bowling ball and pins
Damage to adjacent tooth

16 July 2018

A patient was referred to a DDU member for extraction of UR8.

Cracks in marble
Fractured tuberosity during extraction

16 July 2018

A patient in her late 50s attended her dentist complaining of pain from a back tooth.

Worried patient
Dental phobia

13 July 2018

A patient with dental phobia needed fillings at UR6 and LL6.

Departure board showing delays
Avoidable delay in extraction

13 July 2018

A patient's extraction was delayed because the practice had run out of the appropriate anaesthetic.

Dental tools
No endodontic referral

22 May 2017

A dentist was criticised for failing to refer a patient for endodontic intervention, leading to loss of a tooth.

A garden rose
What's in a name?

22 May 2017

A patient complained when her dental practice failed to address her by her preferred name.