Malpractice claims related to tooth extractions

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze malpractice claims related to tooth extractions in order to identify areas requiring emphasis and eventually to reduce the number of complications.

Material and methods

We compiled a file of all malpractice claims related to tooth extractions (EBA code) between 1997 and 2010 from the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre. We then examined the data with respect to date, tooth, surgery, injury diagnosis, and the authority’s decision on the case.

Results

The material consisted of 852 completed patient cases. Most of the teeth were third molars (66 %), followed by first molars (8 %), and second molars (7 %). The majority of claims were related to operative extraction (71 %) followed by ordinary extraction (17 %) and apicoectomy of a single-rooted tooth (7 %) or multi-rooted tooth (2 %). The most common diagnosis was injury of the lingual or inferior alveolar nerve. According to the authority’s decision, the patient received compensation more often in cases involving a third molar than other teeth (56 vs. 46 %, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The removal of a mandibular third molar was the basis for the majority of malpractice claims.

Clinical relevance

To reduce the numbers of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve injuries, the removal of mandibular third molars necessitates recent and high-quality panoramic radiograph, preoperative assessment of the difficulty of removal, and consciousness of the variable anatomical course of the lingual nerve.