If a dentist stitched my gum but since the swelling has gone down I have noticed he stitched my cheek to my gum, is there anything I can do about it?

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If a dentist stitched my gum but since the swelling has gone down I have noticed he stitched my cheek to my gum, is there anything I can do about it?

Asked on June 24, 2012 under Malpractice Law, North Carolina

Answers:

Thomas Reilly / Albert W Chianese & Associates

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

The first thing you should do is see another dentist to check the stich, preferable an oral surgeon.  The longer the stich is as it is the harder it will be to remove.  If the stich has hit a nerve and caused some nerve damage you should also see a nevre specialist as soon as possible.  The faster a nerve injury is treated the higher the chance of a successful recovery. You should call a dental malpractice attorney once you have seen a dentist to treat/ remove the stich. 

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

If what the dentist did does not meet the standards for acceptable dental care--which appears to be the case from what you write--then you may have a malpractice claim. If so, you could potentially recover for pain and suffering, if significant enough; for medical costs (like the cost to have someone fix the problem); and for lost wages (if you miss work). It would be worthwhile to speak to a medical malpractice attorney about your situation, especially one who provides a free consultation.


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