Negligent Crown And Bridgework

Where a patient has crowns and/or bridges placed, there are a number of ways in which negligent crown and bridgework may be provided. The fit of the crown or bridgework may be poor, and given that the purpose of such dental work is usually to improve the appearance of the teeth, if the outcome is cosmetically unpleasant, there may be a claim. In addition, the key purpose of this type of restorative dentistry is to maintain or improve the teeth’s function. If your function has been affected following the provision of crowns and/or bridges, then you may also have a claim.

What can go wrong when crowns or bridges are fitted negligently?

There are a number of issues that can arise when a crown or bridge is fitted negligently. You may experience the following:

• a crown doesn’t fit well
• there is decay under the crown
• you’re left unhappy with the aesthetics of a crown or bridge
• it hasn’t lasted as long as you hoped
• you’re told your teeth were ‘over-prepared’
• your bridge sometimes falls out.

How long will it take to make a claim?

As a general rule, cases concerning substandard crown or bridgework should come to a conclusion between 18-24 months after the first time you contact us. However, each case is different and this may vary dependent on the facts.

How much compensation might you receive? How is it calculated?

Any compensation you receive will vary depending on what injury you sustain. For example, if you require an extraction of one of your teeth resulting from substandard crown or bridgework,  you will receive more compensation than if you suffer a period of pain as a result of negligence.

Compensation received following a successful claim for dental negligence will be comprised of:

• an award for pain and suffering – this will compensate you for any pain you have endured, and also things like inconvenience, social effects (such as embarrassment) and any changes in your eating or sleeping habits
• an award for future treatment costs – for example, if you require an implant and an implant retained crown, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a result of a psychiatric injury sustained due to negligence. We will also take into account the future maintenance costs for any treatment you may require, including future specialist appointments.
• past loss – this may include past prescription costs, travel or dental treatment. For instance, if you had to repeatedly to travel to a specialist appointment as a result of dental negligence, the cost of this will likely be recoverable.

The substandard treatment was done by a dentist who has since retired. Can you sue a retired dentist?

You can sue a retired dentist, as long as your claim is not statute barred.

By law, all dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), and must have appropriate indemnity and insurance arrangements in place; this allows patients to seek any compensation they may be entitled to.

Therefore, even after a dentist retires they will still be responsible for the treatment which was carried out when they were practising as a dentist.

How long do you have to make a claim?

You have three years to bring a claim of dental negligence, from the date of negligence or knowledge of it, under the laws concerning ‘limitation’ in England and Wales. These laws state that a Claimant must issue court proceedings within this time period, or else their claim would be statute barred.

Generally, we would advise you to contact us at least 6 months before the limitation period in your case is due to end. However, this can be reviewed on a case by case basis; if you believe that your limitation period may expire soon, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.