Medico-legal aspects of altered sensation following endodontic treatment: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze cases of liability claims related to persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments so as to characterize the medico-legal aspects of this complication.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive search of an Israeli professional liability insurance database was conducted to retrospectively identify and analyze cases of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatment.

RESULTS

Sixteen claims of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments were identified and analyzed. The typical profile of a claim was a female patient who underwent an endodontic treatment at a second mandibular molar, which was associated with overfilling. A significant correlation between the tooth location and the suggested cause of nerve injury was found. None of the claims were reported by the practitioners, and all cases were identified as a result of the patient's demand for financial compensation, either directly or by legal actions.

CONCLUSIONS

When a nerve injury is diagnosed, the treating practitioner should be encouraged to seek medical and legal assistance so as to prevent permanent damage and to enable a better medico-legal response.