When you undergo a dental procedure—whether it is a wisdom tooth extraction or dental implant
surgery—you trust your provider to navigate the delicate structures of your jaw with care. However,
serious complications can arise when a dentist “transects” a nerve.
What is a Nerve Transection?
In plain language, to transect a nerve means to completely cut it through. While some nerve
injuries involve minor bruising or stretching, a transection is a physical severing of the nerve into
two separate pieces.
Commonly Affected Areas:
- Inferior Alveolar Nerve: Provides sensation to the lower lip and chin.
- Lingual Nerve: Provides sensation and taste to the tongue and gums.
Symptoms and Long Term Impact
Nerves function like electrical wires, carrying signals between your brain and your mouth. When
that wire is cut, the connection is lost. Patients may experience:
- Permanent numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue.
- Loss of the sense of taste.
- Persistent tingling or painful burning sensations (paresthesia).
- Difficulty speaking or eating clearly due to lack of sensation.
- Unlike minor nerve irritations that often heal within weeks, a transected nerve rarely repairs itself without intervention. Recovery typically requires microsurgery by an oral and maxillofacial
specialist to reconnect the severed ends.
Is This Medical Malpractice in Idaho?
In Idaho, not every complications is considered malpractice. However, a nerve transection
may constitute professional negligence if the dentist’s actions fell below the accepted
standard of care.
A transection might be considered malpractice if:
- Failure to Plan: The dentist failed to properly review imaging (like X-rays or CT
scans) that clearly showed the nerve’s path before the procedure.
- Negligent Technique: The dentist used instruments in an unsafe manner or strayed
into known anatomical danger zones.
- Lack of Informed Consent: The dentist failed to disclose the specific risk of
permanent nerve damage prior to starting the procedure.
- Failure to Refer: After the injury occurred, the dentist failed to recognize the
symptoms or refer the patient to a specialist quickly enough to allow for surgical repair.
If you or a loved one has suffered this kind of injury, contact Caldwell Law Group today.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you believe you have suffered a nerve injury, consult with a medical professional and a qualified attorney.
