Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the dental treatment she received from her dentist (the Dentist) on 25 January 2008, which led to her attending her local hospital in great pain and with a swollen face. Mrs C's care was then taken over by a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon who told her that the numbness in her face could take up to six weeks to heal or it could be permanent.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that, on 25 January 2008, the Dentist provided Mrs C with an inadequate level of treatment (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Dentist:
- (i) apologises to Mrs C for the failings identified in this report; and
- (ii) reflects on the Adviser's comments in regard to the standard of radiographs, working length calculation and record-keeping.
The Dentist has accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.