Endodontics Expert Witnesses
The help you need for injury and malpractice cases involving endodontics
Endodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the tooth pulp – the tissues inside the tooth, including nerves, blood vessels, and more – as well as tissues surrounding the roots. Endodontists are specialized dentists who perform procedures such as root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma.
In the United States, endodontists must obtain a dental degree (DDS or DMD) from an accredited dental school and complete a two-year postgraduate program in endodontics. After completing the program, the individual must then pass the American Board of Endodontics (ABE) written exam, which covers a broad range of endodontic knowledge. Once the written exam is passed, the individual must complete a series of cases and present them to the ABE for evaluation to become a Board Certified endodontist.
Medical conditions commonly treated by endodontists include:
- Root canal infections: This occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp, causing an infection that can lead to tooth decay, pain, and abscesses.
- Traumatic dental injuries: When a tooth is knocked out or severely damaged due to a sports injury, car accident, or other trauma, an endodontist can often save the tooth by performing a root canal procedure.
- Cracked teeth: Teeth that are cracked or fractured can allow bacteria to enter the dental pulp, leading to infection and pain. Endodontists can diagnose and treat cracked teeth with various procedures, including root canal therapy.
- Re-treatment of failed root canals: In some cases, a root canal procedure may fail to eliminate infection or restore the health of a tooth fully. Endodontists can perform re-treatment procedures to address persistent or recurrent infections.
Examples of endodontist malpractice
Failure to meet standards of care by an endodontist can have significant implications for a patient’s oral health. Examples of malpractice by an endodontist may include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat a root canal infection.
- Performing a root canal procedure on the wrong tooth or on a tooth that does not require treatment.
- Causing damage to surrounding tissues or nerves during a root canal procedure, leading to complications such as numbness, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
- Failing to obtain informed consent from the patient regarding the risks and benefits of a root canal procedure.
The role of an endodontist as an expert witness in injury cases
Dental injuries sustained in car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents can be a significant factor in personal injury claims because of the pain and discomfort they cause victims. An endodontist can review the dental records and X-rays of the injured party and provide an opinion on the severity of the injuries sustained, the extent of the damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues, and the expected long-term consequences of the injuries. An endodontist can also opine on the causes of dental injuries and the cost of endodontic treatment to repair cracked teeth and other injuries.
Find the right endodontic expert witness for your case
Whether you’re handling a legal matter involving endodontic malpractice or a personal injury or a work injury case involving a dental injury, the right expert witness can make all the difference. Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants can help. Contact us today for a free case summary review.