Dental Negligence
Dental negligence solicitors in Cheltenham
At Pembridge Solicitors, we advise patients who have suffered harm as a result of poor dental treatment or mistakes made by dentists or dental professionals. Based in Cheltenham, our medical negligence solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards and whether you may be entitled to make a claim. Dental negligence can cause pain, infection, long-term damage, and significant impact on confidence and quality of life. Our role is to explain your position in plain English and guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
What is dental negligence?
Dental negligence occurs when a dentist or dental professional provides treatment that falls below the standard reasonably expected, and that failure causes harm. This can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or consent. Not every poor outcome or complication amounts to negligence, but where mistakes could have been avoided with proper care and skill, a claim may arise.
Common examples of dental negligence
Dental negligence can occur in many types of treatment. Common examples include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dental problems, unnecessary or incorrect tooth extraction, poorly performed root canal treatment, nerve damage, failure to diagnose or treat infection, problems with crowns, bridges, or implants, and inadequate aftercare following procedures. Issues may arise in both NHS and private dental treatment.
When dental negligence advice is needed
Advice is often sought where dental treatment causes ongoing pain, infection, damage to teeth or gums, numbness, or problems with appearance or function. Some patients only realise something has gone wrong after seeking a second opinion or experiencing worsening symptoms. Legal advice can help clarify whether the outcome was an unavoidable complication or the result of substandard care.
Understanding the dental negligence claims process
Dental negligence claims involve reviewing dental records, treatment plans, X-rays, consent forms, and follow-up care to assess whether appropriate standards were met. The key questions are whether the treatment was carried out competently and whether any failure caused harm that could have been avoided. Independent dental expert evidence is often required to assess what should have happened and the impact of the error.
How we handle dental negligence claims
When you instruct Pembridge Solicitors, we begin by listening carefully to what happened and reviewing your dental records in detail. We assess whether the care provided fell below the required standard and whether that failure caused avoidable injury or damage. Where necessary, we work with independent dental experts to support the claim. Throughout the process, we explain each step clearly, manage expectations honestly, and handle your case with sensitivity and care.
Compensation in dental negligence cases
Compensation aims to reflect the harm caused by dental negligence. This may include pain and suffering, the cost of corrective treatment, damage to appearance or function, and financial losses where relevant. Each case is assessed individually, and we provide clear advice on what compensation may realistically be claimed.
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0330 900 0377
Clear, confidential advice on dental negligance. Speak to an experienced solicitor to understand your options and next steps.
Dental negligence FAQs
Does a poor dental result always mean negligence?
No. Dental treatment can involve risks, and not every unsatisfactory outcome is caused by negligence. A claim depends on whether the dentist’s care fell below acceptable standards and whether that failure caused harm that could have been avoided.
What if I consented to the dental treatment?
Giving consent does not prevent a claim if the treatment was carried out negligently or if you were not properly informed of the risks. Consent must be informed and does not excuse substandard care.
Can cosmetic dental work be negligent?
Yes. Cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers, whitening, or implants, must still meet appropriate standards. Poorly performed cosmetic work can form the basis of a dental negligence claim if harm was caused.
Do I need my dental records to make a claim?
Dental records are important, but you do not need to obtain them yourself before seeking advice. We explain how records are requested and reviewed as part of the investigation.
Is there a time limit for dental negligence claims?
Yes. Strict time limits apply, usually starting from when you became aware that something may have gone wrong. Because these rules can be complex, early advice is important.
What if the dental treatment happened some time ago?
In some cases, claims can still be brought if the problem was only discovered later. Legal advice helps assess whether time limits may still allow a claim to proceed.
Where we also assist clients
While our dental negligence solicitors are based in Cheltenham, we also assist clients from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and across England and Wales, with support provided in person or remotely where appropriate.
Speak to dental negligence solicitors in Cheltenham
If you believe you have been affected by dental negligence and want clear advice on your options, our solicitors are here to help. We provide practical medical negligence advice focused on understanding what went wrong and helping you move forward. To speak to one of our medical negligence solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA