Infected Sinuses after Dental Implant Surgery

Chehreghani v. Dompkowski

This dental malpractice claim was filed in Montgomery County when calcified debris left behind during a dental implant procedure caused a man to suffer chronic sinus infections. This lawsuit was filed in Maryland Health Claims Arbitration on January 12, 2018, and it is the 22^nd medical malpractice case filed in Maryland this year.

Summary of Plaintiff's Allegations

A man complained to his dentist of pain, and the dentist determined that the man required two implants in his right maxillary sinus area (the back upper molars). The dentist made his prognosis without taking any imaging studies, such as a panoramic radiograph or a Cone Beam CT, before the procedure. After the implant procedure, the man complained of pain in and around the treated area. The dentist never appreciated or investigated the cause of pain.

Six months later, one of the dentist's colleagues put crowns on top of the man's implants. The implants began to fail within three weeks of the crown placement, and the man again complained of pain in and around the area.

Soon after, the man suffered chronic sinus infections, maxillary sinusitis, and ethmoid sinusitis (sinus inflammation with associated mucus backup and infection). He consulted with an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist, who determined the infection was caused by calcified debris that had been left behind during the implant procedure.

The ENT Specialist performed a surgery to remove the infected calcified debris and clear out the right maxillary sinus. The man has since made a full recovery and he is free of the pain, infection, and chronic sinusitis caused by the negligent implant procedure.

Additional Comments

• Even though dental malpractice cases are common, it is difficult to try them. Many lawyers are unwilling to take dental malpractice cases because dental malpractice victims rarely suffer severe and permanent injuries. Malpractice cases are expensive, and most attorneys are unable to demonstrate that dental malpractice clients suffer significant enough damages to cover the cost of bringing the case.
• This case is a good example of this. The pain and suffering the plaintiff endured would make for a very good auto tort claim because the injuries are significant. But malpractice cases are another animal. This cost bringing a case like this to trial could potentially cost more than the value of the claim.
• In dental malpractice cases involving infection, most of the negligence often occurs after the procedure. Dentists commonly fail to prescribe antibiotics, schedule follow-up appointments, or refer symptomatic patients to a specialist.

Jurisdiction

• Montgomery County

Defendants

• A Bethesda peridontist

Hospitals Where Patient was Treated Negligence

• Failing to perform the appropriate diagnostic tests and imaging.
• Failing to effectively monitor the patient's condition and respond to his complaints of pain.
• Failing to remove all debris during the implant surgery.
• Failing to prescribe antibiotics after the implant surgery.

Specific Counts Pled

• Negligence: The man suffered pain, an inability to chew, chronic sinusitis, and swelling as a result of the negligent implant procedure.

Getting a Lawyer for Your Malpractice Claim

Have you suffered a hospital injury due to the negligence of a doctor? Miller & Zois can help you. Call us at (800) 553-8082 and speak to one of our medical malpractice attorneys who can help you or get an online case review.

More Malpractice Claim Information

• View sample verdicts and settlements from Montgomery County.
• Read about similar dental malpractice cases, including an infection lawsuit and a failed implant lawsuit.
• Learn what the value of your dental malpractice claim may be.

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